Ben Weinandt
Wellnitz Ranch
Ben, a native of Battle Creek, Nebraska, is spending his summer as an intern at Wellnitz Ranch near Cody. He is a student at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, majoring in Animal Science.
Ben decided to pursue an internship at Sandhills Ranch to learn about the cow/calf industry in western Nebraska. While he has gained valuable experience in the feedlot and cow/calf sectors in the northeastern part of the state, he is eager to delve deeper into a Sandhills ranch operation.
Ben is working towards becoming a large animal veterinarian and trusts this internship will allow him to learn more about the livestock industry. "Being able to move to the Sandhills for a summer will allow me to see how working with livestock differs from other parts of Nebraska. I am passionate about the cow/calf industry. I began working on a small farm in Northeast Nebraska during my sophomore year, leading me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I enjoy working with cows and calves, but I also enjoy working in the feedlot industry," Ben shared.
Ben is excited about this internship opportunity and eagerly looks forward to learning about ranch management, including crucial tasks such as moving animals to new pastures and early identification of herd sickness.
Updates
What has been most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of my internship was gaining independence. I gained independence pretty quickly. My mentor can give me instructions, and I could go get the work done.
A big part of why I wanted to do this internship is that I want to go to vet school. In the future, this will help me recognize what ranchers want. Coming here to learn and step in a rancher's shoes will help me be a better veterinarian.
What have you grown to appreciate about the Sandhills?
I’ve grown to appreciate the Sandhills' diversity. I’m big on wildlife and love seeing livestock coexist with deer, birds, and other wildlife. I appreciate people who can manage their land in a way suitable for all animals to thrive.
Have you had any struggles?
My biggest challenge was the lack of reception for communications with family and friends. We worked through that and it made communicating easier.
Future plans:
Ben will return to UNL this fall to complete his final semester of undergraduate study and obtain a degree in Animal Science. His next step is to start veterinary school in Fall 2025, with the ultimate goal of becoming a large-animal Veterinarian practicing medicine in rural Nebraska.
