Nebraska is navigating a unique political moment: its governor, Jim Pillen, a longtime hog farmer, faces tensions over tariffs, federal budget cuts, and a reshaped relationship with Donald Trump. Can his agricultural background make a difference in governing the Cornhusker State?

In an office decorated with a hog sculpture named Petunia and his loyal dog Daisy by his side, Governor Pillen shares how 30 years of managing one of the largest hog operations in the U.S. prepared him for office: managing budgets, streamlining operations, overseeing labor, and safeguarding herd health-skills that translate directly to state governance.

Pillen spent a decade on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents before stepping into the state's top executive role. His guiding principle: "run government like a business," cutting agencies, prioritizing citizens, and tapping into rainy-day funds as Washington tightens its purse strings. His mantra seeks efficient services and less bureaucracy.

With Nebraska among the top five states in agricultural production, Pillen has traveled to countries like Vietnam to foster export relationships. He recognizes the risks tied to Trump-imposed tariffs, but insists that long-term global partnerships are crucial. "We're not companies seeking quarterly profits. We farm for the next generations," he emphasizes.

Nebraska's economy is resilient, driven by agriculture, but also supported by manufacturing, a key military base, and a significant insurance industry. Still, the strength of the farm sector is the engine. "Nebraska agriculture feeds the world and protects the planet. We produce far more than we can consume, which makes international trade indispensable."

When it comes to the effects of federal cuts, especially to programs like Medicaid and SNAP, which support 155,000 Nebraskans, Pillen says the state already implemented a 3% reduction without compromising services. "We do what any well-run business would: improve processes while maintaining quality. If the federal government imposes unfunded mandates, we'll handle them the Nebraska way," he declares.

Asked about Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his critiques of industrial agriculture, Pillen is adamant: "I'll debate him anywhere. Today we use technology to produce more with less impact. Without responsible use, people will go hungry."

His relationship with Trump has evolved. In 2022, the former president endorsed Pillen's primary rival, but today Pillen fully embraces the GOP agenda: shrinking government, securing borders, and reforming trade. "I'm 100% on board with President Trump. We need fair, free, and balanced trade. Accepting ongoing trade deficits hurts our producers."

On restricting business dealings with foreign adversaries, including companies like Smithfield Foods, now Chinese-owned, Pillen is blunt: "We don't want China, Russia, or Iran buying land here. Smithfield changed hands, and that made people uncomfortable. We don't want more of that."

As for farmers seeking targeted tariffs rather than sweeping ones, he responds: "When you aim for transformative change, you won't please everyone. We're in this together. We may have to tighten our belts now, but we'll grow stronger midstream."

With a governing style shaped by his agribusiness roots, Pillen believes in long-term thinking and acting independently: "If we must choose between following Washington or doing what's right for Nebraska, we already know our answer."