Nebraska Rancher Takes Center Stage in Google Commercial During Super Bowl
LINCOLN — As the Super Bowl approaches, Nebraska rancher Roger Morgan and his dedicated team will momentarily step away from their busy cattle operations in the heart of the Sandhills to join fellow locals at their favorite watering hole. While they’re eager to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles, the real source of excitement comes from a surprise twist—they’ll find themselves featured in a Google commercial during the big game.
“I never thought I’d be part of a Super Bowl commercial,” reflects Morgan, a proud fourth-generation rancher. “For someone like me, who prefers to stay grounded, this is just incredibly thrilling.”
The Ranch and Its Wagyu Beef
So what earned Morgan Ranch Beef a spot in Google’s 50 States, 50 Stories campaign? Known for producing high-quality Wagyu beef that garners attention from chefs and diners across the globe, Morgan received the invitation to participate in the campaign, which aims to showcase how artificial intelligence is enhancing businesses throughout the United States.
Morgan expressed gratitude for the opportunity, believing that this exposure could significantly benefit their e-commerce business. “Each of these small businesses is driving the American economy,” noted Google, emphasizing the innovation and determination that define these enterprises.
The filming process was quite the event for Morgan Ranch. A crew arrived in Burwell, creating a buzz that resonated with both the local community and the ranch’s livestock, who weren’t accustomed to on-camera attention.
A View from the Prairie
The 30-second commercial, which will air in the Nebraska market, features stunning visuals of the prairie, highlighting Morgan on horseback. The opening shot captures him surveying the vast landscape before joining a group of riders. As he speaks of the deep connection he shares with the land and his work, a message appears about the increasing integration of AI in small businesses like his.
“We might not be the most tech-savvy folk,” Morgan admits, “but we’ve managed to grow our international business shipping Wagyu beef around the world.” The spot reflects this journey, with Morgan using Google Workspace and Gemini to streamline communication, allowing him to spend more time with the cattle.
Morgan shared that the ranch’s history dates back to 1932 when family members migrated from drought-stricken New Mexico to what they lovingly referred to as the “Oasis of Nebraska.” By 1993, his relatives introduced one of America’s first Wagyu herds, establishing a recognizable brand that now serves Michelin-starred restaurants in major cities like Tokyo and London.
Behind the Scenes
Reflecting on the filming, Morgan reminisces about the crisp morning when the crew arrived. "We had a beautiful day, and the steam was rising off the horses," he recalled. But the ranch animals weren’t quite ready for their close-ups, often displaying quirky behaviors during the shoot. “The horses acted funny, and the cows knew something was off,” he laughed, recalling the awkward yet entertaining moments captured on camera.
The producers also filmed Morgan using Google AI tools, illustrating how technology plays a pivotal role in their day-to-day operations.
As the big game approaches, Morgan’s excitement grows. His sister has been spreading the word on social media, heightening anticipation among friends and family. “Most of my friends at the bar probably don’t follow social media much, so I think they’ll be genuinely surprised to see us on TV,” he said, grinning.
In addition to Morgan’s story, students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are gearing up to analyze Super Bowl ads, discussing the effectiveness of this high-stakes platform for advertisers.
Conclusion
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the Morgan family finds themselves amidst an exhilarating blend of ranch life and high-profile advertising. For Roger, this unique opportunity has amplified the excitement of a day already filled with tradition and camaraderie.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
