The 2024 Sandhills Ranch Interns

The 2024 Sandhills Ranch Interns

(May 29, 2024) 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.

Goals

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.

How they’ll be Living

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.

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FFA Student Survey Shows High Interest in Agriculture

FFA Student Survey Shows High Interest in Agriculture

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – May 13, 2024 – A recent survey conducted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) at the 2024 Iowa FFA Leadership Conference shows that 70 percent of students would like to farm in the future but continue to have concerns about high start-up costs. Of the 191 members who completed the survey, now in its 19th year, 55 percent currently live on a farm.

Preparing students for career success is a pillar of FFA. This isevident among the responses of Iowa FFA members, with 94 percent planning tocontinue their education after completing high school. Additionally, 82 percentplan to farm or work in an ag-related field.

Caleb Lentz, a senior at Nashua-Plainfield High School, lives on his family’s diversified crop and livestock farm. He plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. “I’ve had experiences growing up on the farm and in FFA that have led me to pursuing a career as an ag teacher. Although I don’t plan to return to the farm full-time, I’m open to continue helping when I can,” he said.

Nearly 48 percent of respondents indicated that high start-up costs are a primary obstacle to new and beginning farmers. This is an 8 percent increase from last year’s survey results. “My biggest concern looking forward is the lack of available land,” said Clarke Community High School senior Elli Blackford. “Land availability and price has been a consistent issue. I currently have to rent land for my livestock because that’s what’s available right now.” Blackford lives near Osceola, IA and raises cattle and goats. She plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in animal science and ag business and pursue a master’s degree. “I’d like to have my own cattle in the future, but there’s a lot of unknowns,” she added.

Despite the challenges faced by young farmers, 96 percent have a “positive” or “very positive” outlook towards the future of Iowa agriculture. Eighty percent of students plan to live and work in Iowa.

Cameron Colbert, a sophomore at Woodbury Central High School, is eager to continue his family’s farming legacy. He plans to attain his associate’s degree, then have an off-farm job in addition to returning to his family’s diversified livestock operation. “Farming is a family tradition,” he said

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly. It’s a partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, North Central Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, and Midwest Dairy. The non-profit, non-partisan organization aids farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the coalition at 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

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Contact: Brian Waddingham, 515-225-5531, bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com

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Sandhills Ranch Accepting 2024 Applications

Sandhills Ranch Accepting 2024 Applications

The Sandhills Task Force is pleased to announce another season of our highly anticipated and successful internships. Explore a career in agriculture while gaining hands-on work experience in ranching, livestock production, and rangeland management.

This excellent opportunity to receive hands-on experience is a summer-long, paid position that includes room & board, and additional paid-for educational opportunities. This program is open to all applicants, students, non-students, and Veterans, ages 19 years or older.

We aim to find candidates with a passion for agriculture, a keen interest in ranching, and a willingness to learn. This internship will involve various components of on-the-job experience, mentorship, and training tailored to the intern’s education, experience, and interests. To learn more about the internship program and to apply visit www.sandhillstaskforce.org/ranch-internship. The application deadline is January 15th, 2024.

The Sandhills Task Force will serve as a facilitator to assist in matching interns with ranchers. The Sandhills Task Force will support the internship relationship in several ways, but ultimately, the internship is a relationship between the intern and the host ranch. Partial funding is provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

If you have any questions or want more information, contact kylee@sandhillstaskforce.org or call/text 308-340-2781.

Let your family, friends, or anyone you think may be interested, know about this exciting internship opportunity!

Respectfully Submitted By:
KyLee Kime
Administrative Assistant
Sandhills Task Force

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