Huskerland Hemp finds success in Gage County

Gage County business is finding success cultivating a crop that’s relatively new to the area.

Production of hemp became legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Despite criticism and confusion of hemp with marijuana, it’s used in a variety of industries including construction, bio-fuel, food, fiber, paper, oils, textiles and medicines.

Dick Penner, founder of Huskerland Hemp, said he saw the hemp industry as a financially lucrative opportunity that he could use to help people.

“I’ve always liked to grow things,” Penner said. “When I was a boy I grew tomatoes and had a route of customers that I would deliver to in Beatrice and to some grocery stores.”