Jordan Napier

Downing Ranch

Jordan Napier was born in Indiana but spent much of his childhood in Arizona with his grandparents. During this time, he gained valuable experience training horses and learned the importance of hard work. He frequently split his time between Arizona and Indiana, experiences that shaped his determination, work ethic, and adaptability. Currently, Jordan is a first-year apprentice in a new Sandhills Ranch Apprenticeship Program. He began his nine-month apprenticeship at the Downing Ranch near Dunning on March 1st.

Agriculture and ranching have always been part of Jordan’s life. His grandparents ranched, and his grandfather raised and trained horses, exposing him to agricultural and horse training from a young age. Even when he wasn’t with them, Jordan felt drawn to livestock and spent much of his time riding horses and training while living in Indiana.

Jordan is also a proud Marine Corps veteran, a role he credits with teaching him valuable life skills and strengthening the discipline and perseverance that guide him today.

Jordan applied for the Sandhills Ranch Apprenticeship Program because he wanted to fully immerse himself in ranch life and continue building practical skills. He is especially excited to learn more about cattle health, calving, fencing, and the day-to-day responsibilities that come with ranch work. He looks forward to gaining experience through hard work and learning directly from those around him.

A little more about Jordan: Outside of ranch work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting, and training horses. He appreciates staying busy with meaningful work. One thing he hopes to experience this summer is branding season and everything that comes with it on a working Nebraska ranch. If he could instantly master any ranch skill, he would choose the ability to identify sick cattle. He is excited about the opportunity to experience more of ranch life and to continue learning every day.

This summer, Jordan is excited to build skills, gain knowledge, and make the most of his apprenticeship in the Nebraska Sandhills.