Who is Hank from Fast Food Nation and what is their importance?

Hank is an independent rancher not far from Colorado Springs, Hank was thoroughly committed to growing natural cattle. He rotated grazing fields, maintained an environmentally sound and safe ranch, and tried to "weather" the consolidation of ranches into mega-corporations. As the price for his beef continued to decline and the cost of raising them continued to increase, Hank went deeper into debt. The decline in local processors who could purchase his beef and sell it to small family-owned groceries and restaurants further added to his financial troubles. Ultimately, he failed to save his ranch and committed suicide at the age of 43.