Emaleigh Towner

William's & Martin Ranch

Emaleigh Towner, a native of Olathe, Kansas, is currently an animal science student at Kansas State University. This summer, she is interning at the Williams and Martin Ranch near Atkinson.

Emaleigh grew up in a small town until the seventh grade, when her family started a hobby farm. They began putting up hay and growing their herd of cattle. This lifestyle change had a lasting impact on Emaleigh, sparking her interest in agriculture. She realized she wanted to be involved in the field and grow her passion into something greater. As a lifelong animal lover, Emaleigh discovered that she could turn her passion into a fulfilling career.

Emaleigh is pursuing her agricultural interests one step at a time. Although she doesn't come from a traditional ag background, the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program stood out to her because of how welcoming it felt. The focus on learning and community, not just experience, made her feel like it was the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge and establish a foothold.

This summer, she's most excited to work alongside her ranch mentors, the Martins, to learn how and why they run their ranch the way they do. She's eager to gain insights into ranch management and cattle care that goes beyond the classroom and is ready to be challenged, put to work, and grow through experience.

Emaleigh is still exploring career options after college, but one thing is sure: she dreams of running her own ranch someday. In the meantime, she wants to absorb as much as she can, especially about how experienced ranchers make decisions and manage daily operations.

A few fun facts about Emaleigh: she is a member of the shotgun sports team at K-State. She's the youngest of four siblings with three older brothers, and if she could learn any ranch skill instantly, it would be how to rope and be good at it!