Welcome to the Sandhills! The 2024 Sandhills Ranch Interns have officially started their summer internships. In its second year of the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program, The Sandhills Task Force has successfully connected eleven interns with key ranchers across Nebraska. The number of strong candidates applying for the program has been exceptional, and we are especially excited about the interns this year. We look forward to hearing all about their successful experiences.
The goal of the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program is to partner with dedicated and skilled ranchers to provide quality educational opportunities to the next generation of individuals interested in ranching, livestock production, and rangeland management. These internships provide students with valuable on-the-ground experience to help them develop skills, gain knowledge, and acquire insight into an operation’s decision-making and management.
Internships allow participants to explore an interest in the industry, develop a network, and gain mentors. The ranching industry and community also benefit. Mentors gain extra help while inspiring and investing in the next generation. Meaningful connections are built, creating life-long relationships with talented people who are interested in the ranching industry and more prepared to enter the workforce.
The Sandhills Ranch Internships are paid, summer-long, and include room and board. The interns also have the opportunity to attend an educational workshop of their choosing. On their first day, interns gathered for a training meeting in Mullen, giving them an opportunity for networking and preparation for the upcoming months.
As soon as they arrive on location, ranch mentors work with interns to determine their skill set and develop goals for strengthening skills needed for the operation as well as those desired by the intern. At the end of the internship, another assessment is completed to review the season’s learning, which helps the intern determine what type of learning opportunity or career to pursue.
If you see these interns out in your community, take a moment to say hello and introduce yourself. Whether it is advice on where to eat, community events, or just a friendly chat, your welcoming support and small gestures are invaluable and appreciated.
Front Row, Left to Right:
Dailyn Zierolf, Basin, WY, Plum Thicket Farms, Gordon. Kirstin Cawthra, Benkelman, NE, Brennemann Land & Cattle, Valentine. Morgan Townshend, Plymouth, MN, Bow & Arrow Ranch, Valentine. Haileigh Moutray, Stromsburg, NE, Bow & Arrow Ranch, Valentine. Caiden Flynn, Fort Collins, CO, Dry Cedar Ranch, Ericson. Jeffery Forsen, Mullen, NE, Apache Ranch, Hyannis.
Back Row:
Sam and Elise (visiting interns), Nieslon Ranch Co. Ellsworth. Ben Weinandt, Battle Creek, NE, Wellnitz Ranch, Cody. Drake Treffeisen, Lake Panasoffkee, FL, Palmer Ranch, Ewing. James Ady, North Platte, NE, Seidler Ranch, Alliance. Keaton Wiske, Medicine Lodge, KS, Downing Ranch, Dunning. Reese Frank, Centennial, CO, Haythorn Land & Cattle Co., Arthur.
To read more about the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program, visit www.sandhillstaskforce.org/ranch-internship.
If you have any questions or want more information, contact kylee@sandhillstaskforce.org or call/text 308-340-2781.
