Starting in the early 1990s, Jim Pillen, famous for his college football days, grew his hog business into one of the largest pork empires in America. From a base in eastern Nebraska, he expanded into other states and even internationally. Then, he was elected Nebraska’s governor.
Read Investigate Midwest and the Flatwater Free Press‘s series on Pillen Family Farms.
What to know about Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and his family business
Here are the top takeaways from Investigate Midwest and the Flatwater Free Press’s reporting on one of the largest hog producers in the U.S.
Pillen’s Rise: After building pork empire, Nebraska’s governor stands at intersection of state and ag power
Jim Pillen built one of the biggest hog enterprises in the country. Then he got elected governor. It’s a Nebraska success story — one raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Pigs and Power, Story 1: What you need to know
Investigate Midwest and the Flatwater Free Press spent months investigating the business, Pillen Family Farms.
Pillen’s Water: High nitrate detected on hog farms owned by Nebraska’s governor
Monitoring wells at 16 Pillen family-tied operations have tested for nitrate levels far above legal drinking water limit. One was so high, an expert said, “it should be a 911.”
Pigs and Power, Story 2: What you need to know
The second story in the series examines Pillen Family Farms’ hog operations and their possible impact on Nebraska’s drinking water.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s office, industry groups crafted bill easing ag permitting process, emails show
In an email, Pillen’s policy advisor said she would move industry ‘bullet points into a draft bill.’
Pillen’s promises: Economic boom and little harm for neighbors. They haven’t always panned out.
As he grew Nebraska’s largest hog operation, Jim Pillen made economic and environmental assurances to residents of small communities where he was looking to build. Some residents profited. Others say Pillen Family Farms prospered while they suffered.
Investigate Midwest, Flatwater Free Press stories on Nebraska governor recognized with SABEW award
Winning stories hold ‘the powerful accountable’ and ‘of great importance,’ judges say.
