JBS to Build Soccer Complex in Beardstown with Hometown Strong Funds


In August, JBS announced a $2.5 million investment in Beardstown, Ill., to support the community’s future through the company’s Hometown Strong program. JBS has been working with local leaders to determine where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs.

Today, the company announced it is partnering with the Friends of Beardstown Community Parks District to build the community’s first soccer field. The JBS Soccer Complex will provide recreation activities for youth and adults to enjoy. The $446,000 investment includes bathrooms, concession stands, lights, turf, a scoreboard and handicap accessibility.

“We are excited to support this important project that will benefit numerous people in our hometown and contribute to improved quality of life for our community,” said JT Hopkins, JBS USA Beardstown Plant General Manager. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Friends of Beardstown Community Parks District and look forward to seeing the JBS Soccer Complex come to fruition in 2021.”


“The Beardstown Park District is extremely grateful to JBS for this incredible gift,” said Jason Brockschmidt, director, Beardstown Park District. “We are thankful that they thought enough of the Beardstown Park District’s ability to improve the quality of life of its residents through improved recreation facilities to be so generous. The Park District has been slowly working to improve our soccer facility and this donation will allow us to quickly provide a top notch facility for our high school soccer team and for the public youth and adult leagues. This kind of generosity will be felt by the community for generations to come.”

The JBS USA Beardstown pork production facility employs more than 1,900 people with an annual payroll of nearly $100 million. The facility supports more than 265 producers, paying them more than $810 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, JBS USA Beardstown has invested more than $45 million in capital improvements over the last five years.

JBS USA anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 60 meat, poultry and prepared foods plants and employing 62,000-plus people. Funds will be directed to every community JBS USA calls home.

Hometown Strong is a national $50 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic. Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind in the country. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.

Source:  JBS