Ricketts Celebrates New Sustainable Beef Facility: “This is What Value-Added Agriculture Looks Like”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), celebrated the new Sustainable Beef processing facility. Ricketts spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. He made the following comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media:
“Sustainable Beef is a huge win for North Platte, for Nebraska, and for the entire beef industry,”Ricketts said. “Local businesses in North Platte are expanding. More families are moving in. This is what happens when we invest in agriculture. This is what value-added agriculture looks like. It’s taking our products and processing them to capture more of the economics.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how dangerous it is to depend upon Communist China for critical supply chains,” Ricketts continued. “Without our farmers and ranchers, America would depend on other countries for the food we eat. That’s why facilities like Sustainable Beef are so important. They strengthen our economy, defend our way of life, and protect our domestic food supply chain. With the dedication of Nebraska’s producers, the future of our beef industry is bright.”
Watch the video here
TRANSCRIPT:
Senator Ricketts: “Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska.
“One in four jobs in Nebraska is related to agriculture.
“We’re the Beef State. Beef is essential to our state’s economy.
“Last year, Nebraska led the nation with over $2 billion in beef exports.
“We also led the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with nearly 6.9 million head processed.
“You know, we have about three cows for every person in Nebraska.
“Nebraska ranchers help feed the world.
“Our beef industry is not just a part of our economy. It is a part of our way of life.
“Recently, we celebrated a major win for our state’s beef industry.
“I joined over 1,000 people in North Platte for the ribbon-cutting of the new Sustainable Beef processing plant.
“This facility will process about 1,500 head of cattle per day when it’s fully operational.
“It will create about 850 good-paying jobs.
“It will also add $1 billion a year to the local economy.
“This is the power of Nebraskans coming together to solve problems.
“The journey to that day started years ago.
“When I was Governor of Nebraska, I led a trade mission to Japan and Vietnam.
“On that trip, I spoke with Nebraska cattle producers about the challenges they faced.
“They shared their concerns about the prices cow-calf operators were getting for their cattle.
“I told them the answer was competition.
“That conversation led a group of Nebraska ranchers to come together and launch Sustainable Beef.
“Now, their vision is a reality.
“Sustainable Beef is a huge win for North Platte, for Nebraska, and for the entire beef industry.
“Local businesses in North Platte are expanding.
“More families are moving in.
“This is what happens when we invest in agriculture.
“This is what value-added agriculture looks like.
“It’s taking our products and processing them to capture more of the economics.
“This new plant will also be proof that we can grow our economy while protecting our natural resources and our economy.
“Nebraska ranchers already lead the way in sustainability.
“They know how to take care of their cattle and their land.
“Sustainable Beef will continue that tradition by focusing on responsible production practices that respect our environment.
“Food security is national security.
“The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how dangerous it is to depend upon Communist China for critical supply chains.
“Without our farmers and ranchers, America would depend on other countries for the food we eat.
“That’s why facilities like Sustainable Beef are so important.
“They strengthen our economy, defend our way of life, and protect our domestic food supply chain.
“With the dedication of Nebraska’s producers, the future of our beef industry is bright.”