Enhancing grassland ecosystems while sustaining private, profitable ranching
STEWARDS
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At the heart of the Sandhills Task Force’s work is a simple belief: the best way to protect the Sandhills is by empowering the landowners who call it home. Ranchers have a deep, personal connection to the land—their livelihoods depend on it, and they are its most dedicated stewards. By supporting their efforts, we help ensure that the region’s unique natural resources are managed with care, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Through conservation partnerships, educational programs, and our growing Sandhills Stewards network, we aim to share our enthusiasm for stewardship, provide tools and resources that address local challenges, and foster strong community connections. Through peer-to-peer producer engagement, we’re working to build a culture of stewardship rooted in shared values and strong relationships across the Sandhills.
COORDINATOR
meet our
Cody Trump
Cody Trump grew up ranching in the sandhills, where some of his earliest memories were riding across the sandhills, moving cattle, and going to brandings. Most summers were spent haying, fencing, moving cows, and working with 4-H calves. He also spent two years working for the fish and wildlife service, which helped grow his desire to work in a mutually beneficial field for both ranching and wildlife. After graduating high school, Cody went to Chadron State College, where he majored in Rangeland Livestock Management and minored in agribusiness, animal science, and equine management. It was also at CSC that Cody met his wife Jayde, and after attending The West Institute, a seminary master’s program in Laramie, Wyoming, they were married. They currently live in Chadron, and some of his favorite activities include hunting, fishing, grazing cattle, and training horses. He is looking forward to growing the Sandhills Stewards Program and being a resource for the community of ranchers where he grew up.
GATHERINGS
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Rancher Gatherings provide an opportunity for local ranchers across the Sandhills to connect regularly. The primary objectives of these groups are to network, share ideas, and collaborate on troubleshooting challenges together. Each group decides on its meeting place, time, and discussion topics —both for current and future meetings.
With everyone’s busy schedules, these meetings provide a dedicated, laid-back opportunity for us to come together outside of formal workshops and discuss ways to improve our land, livestock, and livelihoods. There are currently three active groups meeting across the Sandhills, located in Rushville, Hyannis, and Ericson. If you’re interested in joining a group or starting one in your area, contact Cody at 308-430-1312 or cody@sandhillstaskforce.org.
STORIES
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Sandhills Stories is a podcast that features the voices of ranchers living and working in Nebraska’s Sandhills. Ranching is the backbone of life here, and the Sandhills Task Force created this series to share the voices and stories that are often only heard at brandings or local gatherings. Join Cody as he travels across the region, visiting with the people who live and work in this remarkable landscape.
& NIGHTS OUT
workshops, gatherings
No events at the moment
Events Roundup
The Sandhills Task Force is dedicated to keeping you informed about events that matter to ranchers, landowners, and others who care about the Sandhills. From workshops and field days to community gatherings and conservation-focused meetings, these events offer valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and engage. Click the link below to explore upcoming events across Nebraska and the surrounding region.