Gov. Pillen Hosts USDA Secretary Rollins for Nebraska Cattle Industry Roundtable
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins Monday evening for a roundtable discussion with Nebraska cattle producers to address key economic and environmental challenges facing the cattle industry. The event followed a visit by the USDA Secretary to the Nebraska State Fair where she announced a platform of initiatives aimed at addressing beef prices for consumers, expanding the nation’s cattle herd, as well as processing capacity.
During the one-hour meeting hosted in the Governor’s Hearing Room at the State Capitol, Gov. Pillen and Sec. Rollins heard from nearly 15 invited ranchers from across the state who offered their perspectives, as well as suggestions for supporting their industry.
“We want to ensure that Sec. Rollins hears directly from Nebraska cattlemen. Agriculture is the lifeblood of our state, and when our cattle industry thrives, all of Nebraska thrives,” said Gov. Pillen. “Agriculture is the top of the spear of our economy and if our producers are doing well, everybody is doing well.”
During the meeting and speaking later to invited media, Sec. Rollins outlined the USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative, a federal effort aimed at rebuilding the nation’s cattle herd, which now sits at a 75-year low.
“We hear this over and over, that if we lose more ranches, if this trend continues, then we will lose freedom in this country. Where there is beef, there is freedom. If we’re not able to feed and fuel ourselves, we will no longer know the American dream,” Rollins said.
The USDA’s actions build on the department’s October 2025 Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry and are designed to provide ranchers with additional risk management tools while addressing processing capacity and market concerns. The five-point plan includes expanding support and resources for new ranchers, including veterans; expediting recovery from natural disasters; a heifer retention program for boosting breeding herds; prioritizing the availability of American beef in schools, hospitals, prisons and other institutions; and strengthening small and regional processing facilities.
“I’m grateful to Sec. Rollins for being here to listen directly to our ranchers. I know how hard she is fighting for America’s producers and in particular, Nebraska’s,” said Gov Pillen. “I am proud to partner with her as we plow ahead together to strengthen our ag economy.”