Lincoln, Neb. —Students passionate about the future of the Nebraska ranch industry will have a new opportunity at the University of Nebraska beginning next academic year.
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will launch the Nebraska Ranch Management Program. This program, designed to cultivate the ranch industry change-makers of tomorrow, gives participating students the chance to explore all facets and interconnections of the ranch management industry.
Beef production is a critical industry in Nebraska. Livestock production contributes more than $6 billion annually to the state’s economy, and Nebraska is among the leading states in beef production nationwide. The Nebraska Sandhills, one of the largest intact grassland systems in the world, is critical to Nebraska’s status as “The Beef State” and is central to Nebraska’s ranching culture and economy.
While Nebraska has a strong ranching foundation, the industry is changing. Its future leaders will need a broad skillset and knowledge base to continue to move the industry forward.
“Nebraska is a worldwide leader in beef production, and we want to ensure that the next generation of leaders is well prepared to take the industry to new heights,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Modeled after the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program, the Nebraska Ranch Management Program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the ranching industry. Participating students will strengthen their understanding of animal and grassland systems, economics, and risk management. They’ll also have opportunities to network with ranch industry leaders, develop practical skills through hands-on learning, and put those skills to use through internships and other experiential opportunities.
“We’re incredibly fortunate here in Nebraska to have strong partnerships with leaders from across the beef industry,” Heng-Moss said. “This program will give students a chance to learn from innovative Nebraska ranchers and other industry leaders, as well as to apply the skills they’re learning in the classroom in the real world.”
The program will be offered as an academic minor beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and will be open to students in all majors. Incoming freshman will be notified when the applications are available. For more information about CASNR, visit casnr.unl.edu.