Kirk Olson
Kirk Olson is the fourth generation in his family to be involved in production agriculture and has been in the business for the past 40 years. He is president and general manager of Olson Farms, Inc., a family-owned business in Nebraska. Kirk and his wife, Tracy, have three daughters and six grandchildren who all live in the North Platte area and are involved in the agriculture industry in different capacities. Olson Farms has two custom cattle-finishing feedlots, as well as a backgrounding feedlot, and they recently added a dairy heifer development program. In addition, Olson Farms owns and manages several grassland acres for grazing livestock.
On the farming side, Olson Farms owns and operates a row crop business, where they merchandise their crops through their custom feedlot operation. With a focus on being environmentally friendly, Olson Farms has made a conscious effort to improve soil quality and health by utilizing regenerative agriculture in their farm management practices.
Kirk is an active member of his community both at the local and state levels. For four years, he served on the board of directors for NEBRASKAland Days, a statewide celebration held every year in North Platte, Nebraska. He has also presided over the local Hershey Lions Club, served four years on the Hershey Booster Club Board and has served on his local church council. He is currently serving as vice president on the board of directors for the newly created Nebraska International Port of the Plains in the North Platte area. This inland port aims to enhance access to global markets and stimulate economic growth in the region.
On the state level, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen invited him to be a membership consultant on the committee for the Livestock Industry Roundtable. This committee focuses on supporting Nebraska’s ranching and livestock sectors, emphasizing the importance of family-owned farms and ranches and the implementation of new agricultural policies. They aim to address challenges and promote advancements in the livestock industry, ensuring its growth and sustainability.
Pillen also appointed Kirk to complete a term on the Nebraska Public Power board of directors in August of 2024, after the resignation of the director in his district. NPPD board members serve as stewards of all utility functions in the state of Nebraska.
Kirk is proud to be a founding member of Sustainable Beef, LLC, a beef processing facility that opened in North Platte in May 2025. This was a huge undertaking for not only the founding members but also all those who supported this mission along the way, including the economic development committee, the North Platte City Council, and the North Platte and area communities. With plans to process 1,500 animals per day, the facility is expected to have a huge economic impact on the local community as well as the entire state of Nebraska.
Kirk and his wife, Tracy, have three daughters and six grandchildren who all live in the North Platte area and are involved in the agriculture industry in different capacities.