In the center of America’s agricultural corridor, Green Plains Inc. is redefining what’s possible in renewable energy and ag-tech. The Omaha-based company transforms renewable crops into sustainable, high-value ingredients including biofuels, animal feed and other products all while strengthening Omaha’s position as a national leader in agricultural innovation.
“Green Plains is a renewable fuels and agricultural technology company, focused on producing low-cost, low-carbon-intensity ethanol and related co-products, including high-protein feed and corn oil — all sourced from locally grown corn,” said Jamie Herbert, Chief Human Resources Officer at Green Plains. “We create value through operational excellence, continuous improvement and disciplined capital deployment.”
Omaha has everything ag-tech businesses like Green Plains need: Infrastructure and logistics, a collaborative business environment and a ready and adaptable workforce.
“If you’re building something ambitious — something that requires real talent, operational excellence, and cultural alignment — Omaha is the place to do it. At Green Plains, we’ve seen firsthand how this area works together to create something unique,” Herbert said.
For Green Plains, Omaha is more than a home base. It’s a strategic advantage.
Omaha’s business climate offers companies like Green Plains a powerful mix of affordability, accessibility and infrastructure.
“Omaha’s location in the heart of the Midwest provides direct proximity to agricultural supply chains and national transportation routes,” Herbert said. “With efficient access to interstate highways, class I rail and a central time zone, companies like Green Plains benefit from seamless connectivity to raw materials, key partners and distribution networks.”
That access translates to measurable business advantages. The cost of doing business in Omaha is favorable compared to peer markets, and reliable utilities, modern data capabilities and multimodal logistics options mean Omaha’s infrastructure is built for business.
“They all make for “a lower-complexity operating environment,” Herbert said. “Omaha is the right home for our corporate headquarters. There’s alignment between our employer expectations and the community’s values: People who are hardworking, engaged and ready to help us innovate and improve.”
Speaking of, Omaha’s workforce continues to be one of its greatest assets.
“Omaha is home to a skilled workforce across disciplines such as manufacturing, engineering, finance, logistics and technology,” Herbert said. “Multiple universities and colleges in the region provide a reliable talent pipeline, and the community actively supports partnerships that align education with evolving business needs.”
Green Plains continues to build strong connections with local universities and workforce programs, training and developing the next generation of leaders in renewable energy and agricultural technology. These partnerships ensure that the company — and the broader ag-tech sector — can continue to evolve alongside emerging technologies and global sustainability needs.
Omaha’s just the right place to provide the multifaceted talent needed at companies like Green Plains.
“We are a company that is a hub of innovation, strategy, engineering, data, and sustainability,” Herbert said. “Omaha gives us a strong foundation to find and develop that kind of talent.”
Perhaps what sets Omaha apart most is its collaborative business culture.
Omaha’s executive community stands out for its generosity and collaboration. Business leaders here openly exchange ideas, offer guidance, and genuinely invest in each other’s success.
“From workforce alignment efforts to advanced initiatives like exploring AI in ag commodity trading, Omaha’s ecosystem is responsive and future-focused,” Herbert said.