Beyond the Office: Jim Barbee’s Life on the Ranch

When he’s not guiding policy or shaping economic development strategy, Jim Barbee is right at home on his small ranch in Fallon, Nevada. A lifelong advocate for agriculture and education, Jim lives what he leads—raising Angus cattle, showing pigs with his kids at local livestock events, and staying connected to the rhythms of rural life.

He and his wife Heather are raising three teenagers who are active in FFA and 4-H circles. Their ranch is more than a home; it’s a hub for family, community, and hands-on learning. Whether hosting gatherings or working with his horses, Jim brings the same grounded, practical energy to his personal life that he does to his work.

That balance—between state-level leadership and everyday rural life—is part of what makes him such a strong voice for Nevada’s communities.