A new player is entering the U.S. beef packing scene, bringing fresh opportunities for ranchers and rural communities. Scheduled to begin operations in April, Sustainable Beef’s 556,000-square-foot processing facility in North Platte, Nebraska, is expected to significantly impact both the regional cattle industry and the local economy.
Born out of a collaboration between seven ranching families from western Nebraska, Sustainable Beef was developed to address long-standing challenges in the cattle market—chiefly, limited packing capacity and competition. North Platte’s strategic location, close to Interstate 80 and surrounded by feedlots, made it an ideal site for the new venture.
Funding and development for the plant took shape during a difficult economic period, with inflation and COVID-related disruptions complicating the process. A key turning point came in 2022 when Walmart joined as a minority investor, lending financial backing that helped move the project forward. The retail giant’s involvement added credibility and stability to the project, giving local cattle producers a meaningful new market for their livestock.
The facility is expected to employ over 800 people at launch and process up to 1,500 cattle per day in a single shift. Its modern design emphasizes efficiency and quality control, with features such as a USDA grader on site, a MEQ camera grading system, and six extruders to package ground beef to specific lean points. From harvest to chilling, the entire processing timeline is streamlined to under an hour per animal.
Beyond increasing packing capacity, the plant’s opening is projected to have a billion-dollar economic impact on the North Platte region. Leaders of the project hope it will encourage young professionals, especially those with ties to the Sandhills, to return and build careers in their hometown.
With operations led by General Manager Ryan Wagnon and Head of Cattle Procurement Mark Nelson, the plant is actively hiring for a wide range of roles. For many Nebraska cattle producers, Sustainable Beef offers more than just another buyer—it signals a renewed investment in rural prosperity and industry resilience.
For more information, visit Sustainable Beef’s official website.
