NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — "Tough times create tough men and tough men innovate. We innovated and it changed our community."
Turning frustration into action, cattle producers like Trey Wasserburger banded together to create their own packing plant and now they celebrate a milestone as they cut the ribbon on Sustainable Beef.
The new cattle processing facility in North Platte is set to revolutionize the local economy and secure the future of ranching in the region. Founded by ranchers like Wasserburger, who had grown tired of monopolies in the packing sector.
"The Covid pandemic did a lot to supply chains. It was important to create a sustainable supply chain so that's what we did," said Wasserburger.
The facility aims to process 1,500 head of cattle daily, a move that rivals the historical impact of the railroad's arrival in the area. The project is expected to have a significant economic impact, with Mayor Brandon Kelliher stating, "Economists estimate this will have a $1.2 billion dollar effect annually. For many years to come. North Platte is very excited, biggest thing to happen in a long, long time."
