Farmers and Ranchers JBS USA and National 4-H Council Partner to Develop the Next Generation
JBS USA and the National 4-H Council have announced a landmark $750,000 partnership aimed at expanding access to hands-on agricultural education, science-driven learning opportunities, and leadership development programs for young people across rural communities in the United States. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders and ensuring the long-term strength, sustainability, and resilience of the American food system.
As one of the world’s leading food companies, JBS USA plays a critical role in the agricultural supply chain, working closely with farmers, ranchers, producers, and rural communities across the country. This deep connection to American agriculture has reinforced the company’s belief that supporting youth-focused agricultural education is not only an investment in individuals, but also a strategic step toward protecting the future of farming and food production in the United States.
The newly announced partnership with 4-H—the nation’s largest youth development organization—will help equip young people with the practical skills, scientific understanding, and leadership capabilities needed to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape shaped by technology, climate challenges, and changing workforce demands.
Wesley Batista Filho, Chief Executive Officer of JBS USA, emphasized the importance of empowering future generations who will help shape the future of food production and rural communities.
“As a business at the center of the U.S. food ecosystem, our success is inseparable from the success of farmers and ranchers,” Batista Filho said. “This partnership with 4-H is a natural extension of our longstanding commitment to rural communities—from providing college tuition support for our team members and their families to investing directly in the communities where we operate. By supporting 4-H, we are helping cultivate a new generation of informed, innovative, and responsible leaders who will help ensure a vibrant and secure American food system for decades to come.”
The partnership aligns with JBS USA’s broader mission of strengthening rural America by supporting education, workforce development, and local community initiatives. The company has long invested in programs that improve opportunities in rural regions, recognizing that the health of agricultural communities is directly linked to the future of the nation’s food supply.
For the National 4-H Council, the collaboration represents an opportunity to broaden its reach and deepen its impact among youth interested in agriculture, food systems, and rural leadership.
4-H currently serves nearly 6 million young people across the United States through hands-on learning programs focused on science, health, civic engagement, and agriculture. Through its national “Beyond Ready” initiative, the organization aims to prepare youth to become adaptable, confident, and capable leaders in a rapidly changing world.
The new partnership with JBS USA will specifically expand access to agricultural education programs that combine classroom learning with practical, real-world experiences. Participants will have opportunities to explore areas such as animal science, ag technology, sustainable farming practices, food production systems, and agricultural innovation.
By engaging in these immersive programs, students will not only build technical expertise but also develop essential life skills including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving—qualities increasingly important in modern agriculture.
Jill Bramble, President and CEO of National 4-H Council, said the partnership will help young people discover new career opportunities while strengthening the communities they call home.
“This partnership opens the door for young people to explore animal science and agricultural technology while developing career and life skills such as confidence, leadership, and critical thinking,” Bramble said. “With JBS, we will help more young people become Beyond Ready—prepared to pursue meaningful careers that strengthen their communities and shape what comes next in agriculture.”
Agriculture is undergoing a major transformation driven by technological innovation, environmental challenges, and increased demand for sustainable food production. As a result, industry leaders have increasingly emphasized the need to prepare a new generation of workers who can adapt to these changes while bringing fresh ideas and innovative solutions.
The JBS-4-H partnership addresses this need directly by helping build a stronger talent pipeline for the agricultural sector. Through targeted education and leadership opportunities, the program aims to inspire future farmers, ranchers, food scientists, veterinarians, engineers, and agribusiness leaders.
Importantly, the initiative is designed not only to provide technical agricultural knowledge but also to foster resilience and adaptability—qualities essential for navigating the complexities of today’s agricultural economy.
For rural communities, the impact could be especially significant. Many farming regions across the country face challenges related to workforce shortages, aging farmer populations, and limited access to educational resources. By investing in youth and creating pathways into agricultural careers, JBS and 4-H hope to help sustain these communities for generations to come.
The partnership also reflects JBS USA’s unique position within the global food industry. With operations spanning multiple sectors of agriculture and food production, the company has both the scale and the industry relationships needed to bring together key stakeholders—from producers and educators to community leaders and policymakers.
This collaboration is expected to create opportunities for dialogue and innovation among these groups, helping to shape conversations around the future of farming, food security, and rural economic development.
Looking ahead, JBS USA and the National 4-H Council plan to expand the partnership throughout the year through additional learning opportunities, educational activations, and community events designed to engage even more young people.
Future initiatives may include regional agricultural workshops, youth leadership summits, educational field experiences, and specialized training programs focused on emerging areas of agriculture and food technology. Both organizations have indicated that more details about upcoming events and programming will be announced in the coming months.
Ultimately, the partnership sends a strong message about the importance of investing in youth as a cornerstone of America’s agricultural future.
By combining JBS USA’s industry expertise and commitment to rural communities with 4-H’s trusted youth development platform, the initiative aims to empower young people with the tools they need to succeed—not only as future agricultural professionals, but also as community leaders capable of driving meaningful change.
At a time when the agricultural sector faces growing pressures and opportunities, this collaboration represents a forward-looking investment in the people who will define the next chapter of American farming and food production.
Through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, JBS USA and 4-H are working together to ensure that the next generation is not only prepared for the future—but truly Beyond Ready.
Source Link:https://jbsfoodsgroup.com/
