Enhancing grassland ecosystems while sustaining private, profitable ranching
Carson Batterton
Wellnitz Ranch
Carson Batterton, a native of Scott City, Kansas, is an Animal Science student at Kansas State University. He will be spending his summer as an intern at the Wellnitz Ranch south of Cody.
Carson brings a lifetime of agricultural experience and a deep-rooted passion for the cattle industry to the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program this summer. He grew up immersed in the day-to-day work of his family's farm and ranch, including summers working in a feedlot, as well as running equipment and caring for livestock across multiple operations.
Carson is excited to gain firsthand experience in ranch management and a better understanding of how operations in the Sandhills operate. His interest lies particularly in livestock breeding, herd, and pasture management. He's eager to experience and contribute to branding and aims to improve his skills in cattle care, horse work, and ranch finances.
Carson enjoys hunting and searching for sheds. He believes in starting his day by tackling the most challenging tasks first, a mindset that will serve him well. He looks forward to pursuing a career in agricultural management after graduating in 2028.
Updates
What has been most rewarding?
haying process has been a highlight of my internship, learning when the hay is ready to be cut and baled. Rotational grazing at the beginning was really interesting and I enjoyed moving cattle every day. Branding time was a lot of fun too.
What have you grown to appreciate about the Sandhills?
The freedom that you have out here, and that there are no people around. The weather has been pretty nice all summer.
Future plans:
Carson will return to Kansas State University to continue his studies in Animal Science, aiming for a career in agriculture. As part of the internship program, he attended the Young Adult Ranching for Profit seminar, from which he learned a great deal and found it to be inspiring.
