U.S. Farmers and Ranchers: JBS USA and National 4-H Council Partner to Develop the Next Generation
JBS USA and National 4-H Council have announced a new $750,000 partnership aimed at expanding agricultural education, leadership development, and hands-on learning opportunities for young people across rural America. The collaboration represents a significant investment in the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural innovators, reinforcing the importance of youth engagement in building a resilient and sustainable U.S. food system.
The initiative brings together one of the world’s largest food companies, JBS USA, and the nation’s leading youth development organization focused on agriculture and community leadership. Together, the two organizations plan to equip young people with the knowledge, technical expertise, and personal skills needed to thrive in an agricultural industry undergoing rapid transformation.
Supporting the Backbone of America’s Food System
As one of the leading food companies operating in the United States, JBS USA has long maintained strong ties to the agricultural communities that supply the nation’s food chain. Farmers and ranchers are at the center of that network, producing the livestock and crops that support millions of consumers across the country.
The company says this latest investment reflects its understanding that sustaining the future of agriculture depends on investing in the people who will inherit and lead the industry.
“Our success as a company is directly linked to the success of America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Wesley Batista Filho, Chief Executive Officer of JBS USA. “As a business deeply embedded in the U.S. food ecosystem, we recognize that the future of our industry depends on preparing the next generation to lead it. This partnership with 4-H aligns perfectly with our long-term commitment to rural America and our belief that young people deserve opportunities to grow, learn, and lead.”
Batista Filho emphasized that JBS’s support for rural communities extends beyond agriculture education. The company has invested heavily in programs such as tuition assistance for employees and their families, workforce development initiatives, and community-based projects in the regions where it operates. The new collaboration with 4-H, he said, builds on that broader mission.
Expanding Opportunities Through 4-H’s National Reach
Founded more than a century ago, National 4-H Council is the largest youth development organization in the United States, reaching nearly six million young people through clubs, school programs, camps, and community-based initiatives.
Known for its strong roots in agricultural education, 4-H has evolved into a broad platform for leadership, STEM education, healthy living, and career readiness. Central to its current strategy is the “Beyond Ready” initiative, which aims to prepare young people to succeed in an increasingly complex and changing world.
Under the new partnership, JBS funding will help expand 4-H’s ability to deliver immersive agricultural learning experiences, particularly in rural communities where access to educational resources and career development opportunities can be limited.
Programs supported through the initiative will focus on practical, hands-on learning in areas such as animal science, agricultural technology, food production, and sustainability. Youth participants will gain direct exposure to real-world agricultural challenges while developing critical leadership and problem-solving skills.
Preparing Youth for Modern Agriculture
Agriculture is changing rapidly as new technologies, climate pressures, labor challenges, and evolving consumer expectations reshape the industry. Today’s future farmers and ranchers must be prepared not only to manage land and livestock but also to understand data, automation, environmental stewardship, and business innovation.
That reality makes youth education more important than ever.
“This partnership creates exciting opportunities for young people to explore careers in agriculture while building the confidence and life skills they need to succeed,” said Jill Bramble, President and CEO of National 4-H Council.
“Through this collaboration with JBS, we can help more young people become truly ‘Beyond Ready’—prepared not only for careers in agriculture but also for leadership roles that will strengthen communities and shape the future of food production.”
According to 4-H leaders, the initiative will support programs designed to teach resilience, adaptability, and decision-making—qualities increasingly essential in an agricultural environment influenced by weather volatility, market shifts, and technological disruption.
Building a Stronger Pipeline of Agricultural Leaders
One of the partnership’s primary goals is to strengthen the talent pipeline entering the agricultural workforce.
The agriculture sector continues to face a growing need for skilled workers and innovative thinkers. Industry leaders have warned that an aging farming population, combined with labor shortages and fewer young people entering agricultural careers, could create long-term challenges for the food supply chain.
By engaging youth earlier and giving them access to meaningful experiences, JBS and 4-H aim to inspire more students to consider futures in farming, ranching, food production, agricultural science, and agribusiness.
The organizations believe that hands-on education can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world agricultural careers.
Programs funded through the initiative are expected to include interactive workshops, mentorship opportunities, leadership development sessions, and local events designed to connect students with producers, educators, and industry professionals.
A Shared Commitment to Rural America
For both organizations, the partnership is about more than workforce development—it is also about strengthening rural communities.
Rural America plays a foundational role in the nation’s economy and food security, yet many communities face persistent challenges including limited educational access, economic pressures, and population decline.
By investing in youth, JBS and 4-H believe they can help ensure those communities remain vibrant and economically strong for generations to come.
JBS noted that its scale and deep presence across the American agricultural landscape position the company to bring together stakeholders from every part of the food system—from producers and educators to processors and consumers.
This partnership, company leaders say, is a natural next step in creating stronger dialogue and collaboration across the sector.
More Programs and Activations Planned
The newly announced funding marks only the beginning of a broader, multi-phase collaboration.
JBS USA and National 4-H Council said they plan to expand the initiative throughout the year with additional activations, educational events, and community-based programming aimed at reaching even more young people.
Future announcements are expected to detail new opportunities for students, families, and educators, as well as special events designed to highlight innovation and leadership in agriculture.
Both organizations expressed confidence that the partnership will create lasting impact—not only for the youth who participate, but also for the future of American agriculture as a whole.
As the U.S. food system faces mounting challenges and opportunities, investments like this underscore a shared belief: preparing the next generation is one of the most important steps toward ensuring a secure, innovative, and sustainable agricultural future.
Source Link:https://jbsfoodsgroup.com/
