GREELEY, COLO. — Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen recently visited the JBS beef production plant in Omaha, Neb., along with other local leaders during National Agriculture Day on March 18.

Other people on the tour included Sherry Vinton, director of Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Steve Hanson, a Nebraska cattle rancher, Ann Marie Bosshamer, executive director of Nebraska Beef Council, Laura Feld, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association and Shannon Grassle president of JBS Regional Beef along with other representatives from the company.

Pillen held a press conference with the local media who attended, highlighting the importance of beef processing to the state of Nebraska.

“Nebraska’s beef and veal exports hit a big milestone in 2024, busting through $2 billion for the first time ever,” Pillen said. “Beef producers are the heart and soul of our state, putting Nebraska on the map and feeding the world. This isn’t just about dollars — it’s about our way of life — our hard-working farmers and ranchers — and making sure our economy stays strong for the next generation.”

The JBS Omaha facility employs 900 people and partners with more than 850 cattle producers, which are paid more than $520 million for their livestock each year, according to the company. JBS also runs another facility in Grand Island, Neb., with 3,800 employees and more than 675 producers who are paid more than $3.6 billion for their livestock every year. 

“JBS is proud of our role in the food supply chain, where we have the opportunity to partner with farmers and ranchers as well as customers and consumers who enjoy the safe, high-quality, great-tasting food we produce every day,” said Shannon Grassl, president of JBS Regional Beef. “It was an honor to host Governor Pillen, Director Vinton and other agriculture leaders from Nebraska at our Omaha facility in celebration of National Ag Week.” 

‌Following his press conference, Pillen signed National Ag Week and Nebraska Agricultural Trade Day proclamations. After that, the representative took a group tour of the production plant.