Sheridan Wilson, a recent UNL graduate, is a passionate servant of Nebraska’s rangelands. Her devotion and capability, matched with her compassion towards those she impacts, has led her to work in the rangeland management field. Wilson’s roots and aspirations are both planted deep within the Nebraska grasslands, which mirrors her mission to help ranchers via practical support and sustainable land management. She harbons unique academic ambition, an entrepreneurial spirit and a faith-based drive.
Wilson recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in grassland systems under the grazing livestock systems option, with three additional minors in animal science, fisheries and wildlife and Engler agribusiness entrepreneurship. She plans on using her knowledge and expertise in the range management field, giving back to ranchers. “I have been put on this earth for a reason, and I want to be able to help serve ranchers,” she said.
Wilson’s long standing passion for range management began back in her fourth grade year. After attending range management camps and learning more about plant identification, she fell in love with the field. This drive in addition to her fondness of Nebraska, led to a decision to pursue further education at UNL. During her time at UNL, Wilson was able to tailor her collegiate coursework, opportunities, and experiences with the help of several impactful mentors and advisers. Over the last four years, Wilson has also been able to design her business for range management consulting, called Wilson Consulting.
Drive behind the dream
“Primarily, what I'm hoping to do with Wilson consulting is to help ranchers in NRCS (natural resource conservation service) programs,” She explained. With the goal of being able to meet customers and write out a plan, her program design will facilitate grazing plans and pasture monitoring systems for producers. “I’m a big believer that if you don’t write it down, you probably won’t carry it out.” She explains that having this piece of paper to refer back to gives operators an idea of what they have accomplished over specific periods of time and what is left to be completed.
The first step of building this service based business was to seek the experience and credibility that she would need. This goal led her to finding an internship with AgSpire, a company devoted to regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. AgSpire offers free, tailored incentive programs to optimize long-term success and operational sustainability for ranchers. In her current position as producer programs intern she has the opportunity to use her knowledge and passion to assist in designing grazing management plans. The role has opened several leadership opportunities as well. “Agspire is really helping me to get the experience that I need to help deliver services to other producers.” She will continue working with AgSpire full time now that she has completed her time at UNL, adding to her experience and knowledge bank. In her new, developed role, she will have a remote job providing producers technical assistance and helping them out with the different programs they are involved in. This experience, in addition to her role on her family’s ranch in Arthur, will contribute to her long term success with Wilson Consulting.
The origin of Wilson Consulting
The idea for Wilson Consulting became tangible during her junior year in high school. Wilson began formulating a business idea, knowing she wanted to promote ranchers and help them find attainable, effective grazing programs. “If I can help the people help the livestock with the grass, that is a really great way to combine it all.” She decided to bring the idea to Mandy Vasa, who told Wilson that she believed in her capability. Vasa told Wilson that she would be the business’s first dollar to materialize her resounding support. “A week later, I got this framed check in my locker that was made out to ‘Wilson Consulting’ for one dollar,” she recounted. “The memo said, ‘I believe in you.’” This act of faith and support catalyzed Wilson Consulting and led Wilson to founding her business. Marty Vasa, Mandy’s husband, has also played a large supportive role in Wilson Consulting. He has been willing to experiment with her business and help her discern what works in her model. The Vasas are just two of several mentors who have guided her in her endeavors, decisions and aspirations throughout each season of life.
Wilson explained that Tom Field is another personal mentor. “You can’t help but be drawn to him and his big thinking,” she said. Field, the director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program continues to support Wilson’s business endeavors.
In addition to the personal, education and business related support, Wilson also prioritizes her Christian faith. She attributes much of her personal and Spiritual growth to Jamie Hopp, who has encouraged her to develop her relationships with others and Christ. In each area of growth and development, Wilson has stayed persistent, tenacious and dependable as she continues to strive to meet her goals.
New season of life
Wilson attributes much of her success to those mentors who have supported her, and as a graduated senior, she noted the new opportunity of becoming a mentor to others as an exciting new frontier. "I'm surrounded by such great people that have done so much for me and I want to give back,” Wilson said. Despite the evident pressure of filling the shoes of those who came before her, she is gladly taking on the task to promote those who are following her path. “I try to foster intentional relationships,” she said, explaining the deliberate interactions that she facilitates with incoming freshmen.
When asked about what has motivated her over the last four years, Wilson answered, “The fact that God’s put me here for a purpose and I won’t waste that time.” She also noted that the “go-getter” people she surrounded herself with, paired with her general positive view on life directly impacted her success.
In order to find the lighting fire behind motivation, Wilson advised her fellow students to live in the present and take advantage of where they are at now. “Just try something. Just try to say yes, especially at the beginning. You can always change your mind; you can always finish,” she said. She went on to add that students need to learn how to balance their priorities and that it is just as important to say no sometimes as well.
Wilson is thankful for her time in the College of Ag and Natural Resources and is looking forward to taking on the next season of life using the resources, experience, connections and support she gained during her time at UNL.
