How the lone farmer running a state government is navigating Trump’s turbulent policies

The threat of tariffs continues to loom over farm country, and no sitting governor is more aware of that than Nebraska’s Jim Pillen, the only professional farmer leading a state government.

Pillen has made his living for 30 years running Pillen Family Farms, one of the largest hog operations in the U.S. The business requires expertise in managing labor costs, balancing the books and ensuring the good health of his herd.

As it turns out, those tasks are similar to what a governor faces in running his state.

The hog farmer spent 10 years on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents before running for governor as a Republican and butting heads with the dominant figure in his party — Donald Trump, who in 2022 endorsed Pillen’s opponent, a wealthy businessman who was a longtime, loyal ally.