GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Fresh off a weeklong trade mission to Japan, Governor Jim Pillen says Nebraska agriculture is winning new ground overseas — especially in pork, beef and ethanol.
Pillen, who returned home Monday night, spoke with the Rural Radio Network at Husker Harvest Days. He called the trip “a privilege to represent Nebraska” alongside Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton and other state leaders.
“We covered a lot of ground,” Pillen said. “The highlight was being able to sell Nebraska’s story — what we can bring to the table between beef and pork, about $600 million, and now how serious Japan is about moving to 10% ethanol. We wanted them to understand how extraordinary Nebraska is in our carbon score.”
Pork Exports Surge as California Falls Back
Japan is Nebraska’s top pork customer, buying more than $177 million worth in 2024. While California pork exports to Japan have declined, Nebraska’s have surged.
“When you look at pork in Nebraska versus in California, there’s no chance,” Pillen said. “It’s all about value. It’s all about quality. Japan knows where we’re at…they love Nebraska pork.”
The governor met with Nippon Foods, a leading Japanese importer that sources pork from Tyson’s Madison, Nebraska, plant. “They love what they’re getting,” he said.
Beef: High Prices, Strong Demand
Nebraska also exported nearly $400 million of beef to Japan last year, about 20% of its total beef exports. Rising beef prices and a weaker yen have created challenges, but Pillen believes Nebraska’s quality will carry the day.
“The play for Nebraska beef — because of its quality, nobody else has the quality — will continue to be moving a lot of beef to Japan,” he said.
Ethanol: Positioning Nebraska as a Leader
Japan currently blends less than 2% ethanol in gasoline but has set targets of 10% by 2030 and 20% by 2040. Pillen argued Nebraska is uniquely positioned to meet that demand.
“We’ve got the best ethanol,” he said. “I told the Japanese governors and everybody I had a chance to meet, let’s work together and do business with each other. Nebraska is the place to do business.”
He also tied ethanol to larger investment opportunities, noting that the U.S. has structured a $550 billion clean energy plan. Pillen said Nebraska should aim to capture 10% of that. “Don’t fall out of your chair — that’s $55 billion,” he said. “We’ve got to quit being so humble in Nebraska. We feed the world and save the planet.”
Building Partnerships
The Nebraska delegation also met with Kawasaki leaders, whose Lincoln plant has grown to 1.3 million square feet and is producing subway cars for New York City. Pillen said such meetings build relationships and reinforce that “Nebraska is the place to do business.”
AloJapan.com