Today’s livestock business is made of many different levels, businesses, specialties, and organizations. All too often, people use these differences against one another, and try to separate themselves from the crowd.
I found this interesting spotlight from BEEF Magazine. In an interview with the magazine JBS USA President and CEO hits on a few important topics, gives some background on the roots of the JBS organization, and shares his thoughts and opinions.
“Sometimes I think producers don’t believe packers are part of their business. And some packers don’t believe producers are part of their business. But we’re all in the same business,” says Wesley Batista, president and CEO of JBS USA Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of JBS S.A. Batista is also JBS S.A. executive director of operations.
In an exclusive interview with BEEF magazine, Batista explains that every segment of the industry has a vested interest in serving consumers. He also means that he and his family remain involved in farming and ranching in Brazil.
“We understand how hard it is to raise cattle and run farms. We came into this business through the farm and ranch,” Batista emphasizes.
The short version goes like this. Wesley’s father, Jose Batista Sobrinho – the JBS in the company name – came from a small farm, started with nothing. He began harvesting one or two cattle every day to sell to butcher shops; eventually he owned one. In 1953, the elder Batista began a small slaughtering plant, harvesting five head daily. In 1968, he purchased another slaughter plant, then another in 1970, then another and so on.
Even the large Ag companies had to start somewhere. I find the roots and story of JBS interesting. What are your opinions on the points Batista brings up in the article?
