
Enhancing grassland ecosystems while sustaining private, profitable ranching
Colton Turner
Dry Cedar Ranch
Colton Turner, originally from Griswold, Iowa, attended Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska, where he studied Livestock Management and earned his artificial insemination (A.I.) certification. This summer, Colton will be interning at Dry Cedar Ranch near Ericson.
With a strong agricultural background, Colton has cultivated extensive livestock experience through both family involvement and industry opportunities. Growing up, he assisted his father with hog and cattle operations, where he gained practical experience in checking livestock, assisting with calving, processing cattle, handling hay, and constructing and repairing facilities and fences. Over the years, he has broadened his knowledge through various work experiences, exposing him to both livestock and row crop agriculture.
This practical experience has allowed him to learn the reproductive aspects of cattle production while gaining additional skills in A.I., embryo transfer, animal health practices, and pharmaceuticals. He has also acquired experience operating equipment such as combines, tractors, grain carts, and other machinery.
He applied for the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program due to his passion for livestock, especially cattle, and his desire to continue learning. Colton aims to gain a deeper understanding of the "dos and don’ts" of ranch management while becoming more educated in the decision-making processes involved in operations. He enjoys challenges and seeks to push himself beyond his comfort zone. His goal is to grow more confident and well-rounded as he continues to develop both personally and professionally. Colton is also excited about acquiring new skills that he can implement in the future.
With aspirations of learning, improving, and expanding his experience in the livestock industry, Colton is ready to work hard and make the most of every opportunity.

Updates
What has been the favorite part of your internship?
"I really like the way Dry Cedar operates, the rotational grazing, I really enjoy moving the cattle and just being out there, that's my favorite part for sure."
What have you grown to appreciate about the Sandhills?
"The diversity, even from operation to operation, everyone is really different. The wildlife and the grasses, there's a lot of different grasses and forages. There is a lot of diversity."
Future plans:
Colton plans to hire on full-time at Dry Cedar Ranch.


