OMAHA, NEB. – Greater Omaha Packing Inc. announced that it acquired fellow Nebraska company Heartland Proteins.

The company was started by Keith Fulton, owner of Heartland Proteins, when operations began in 2018. Fulton operated with Progressive Protein, the wholly owned rendering operations of Greater Omaha Packing.

Heartland Proteins specializes in purchasing and distributing meat and bone meal for the animal feed industry. Their approach entails blending diverse meat and bone meal sources to address specific needs for pork, poultry and pet food sectors.

“The acquisition is a testament to Keith’s exceptional business acumen creating a customer-centric business that mirrors the values cherished at Greater Omaha,” said Mike Drury, president of Greater Omaha. “We have witnessed first-hand how he works with suppliers and customers and look forward to supporting and growing this business with additional capital needs as they arise. Through Keith’s continued involvement in the business, we look forward to his contributions into the future.”

Fulton brings more than 36 years of experience in the animal feed business.

Fulton previously worked at Iowa Grain in Des Moines, helping farmers develop hedging strategies in grain and livestock markets. In 1991, he joined National By-Products (NBP) in marketing, later becoming a district manager. After NBP’s acquisition by Darling International in 2006, he managed plants and eventually started his own business, Heartland Proteins. Fulton built a blending plant in Omaha, that opened in January 2020 with the help of his employees and Progressive Protein, his main supplier.

Fulton grew up on a farm in North Central Iowa, graduated in Ag Business from Iowa State in 1988, and obtained a commodities brokerage license.