NEW YORK — Bion Environmental Technologies Inc. announced that Bill Rupp would join the company’s board of directors starting on Feb. 15.

The company, which develops advanced livestock waste treatment technology and sustainable beef, said Rupp would work directly with Bill O’Neill, Bion’s chief executive officer, to build a team and strategy to commercialize Bion’s technology and product line.

“As we build our team, I can’t think of anyone better suited to bring an experienced industry voice to our Board and organization,” O’Neill said. “His accomplishments in the industry speak for themselves. We were happy when he joined the advisory group. We are thrilled he has the confidence in Bion and our opportunity to join the board.”

Rupp spent 25 years with Cargill, the last 10 as president of Cargill Beef. He oversaw Cargill’s global beef business operations that did over $25 billion in annual sales in the US, Canada, Argentina and Australia. Rupp also served five years as president of JBS Beef, where he led JBS’s North American beef business that did approximately $20 billion in sales. 

“The livestock industry — beef in particular — is changing; it must become more sustainable,” Rupp said. “Today’s consumer is well-informed, and they are increasingly health- and environment-conscious. Alternative products, including plant-based, that were billed as sustainable were initially successful but have failed to meet consumer tastes and concerns. Bion’s technology and business model provides the industry with a better way to feed cattle and connect the consumer with the real beef they want. Beef that will now be truly sustainable, independently verified, and consistent with their tastes. I look forward to helping make it a reality for the producer, the consumer and the planet.” 

Rupp also serves as a senior advisor to Sustainable Beef LLC, a new packing plant being developed in North Platte, Neb. 

Earlier in January, Bion shared that it signed a letter of intent with Olson Farms/TD Angus, a cattle breeding and feeder operation that is a founding member of Sustainable Beef.