Maggie Swanson

Masek Ranch

Maggie Swanson, originally from Kearney, Nebraska, is currently attending Southeast Community College, where she is studying Diversified Agriculture. This summer, she will be interning at the Masek Ranch near Purdum.

Though Maggie did not grow up in production agriculture, she has always been interested in the industry. In high school, she volunteered at a horse barn, which provided her with her first hands-on experience and introduced her to horses and riding. Around the same time, her dad helped her secure a job at a watermelon farm produce stand and took her to auctions. These experiences broadened her understanding of agriculture. Maggie credits her dad with shaping her interest in the field, as he encouraged her to pursue it more seriously through college and work opportunities. She has always looked up to him, and he has recognized the importance of this passion in her life. Since then, Maggie has focused on gaining as much hands-on experience as possible while continuing to learn and grow in the agricultural industry.

Maggie applied to the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program to push herself to try something completely new. She had a desire to find an opportunity that would challenge her, give her a whole new perspective, and help her develop riding skills. She hopes the summer will help her become more confident working cattle, improve her horsemanship, and deepen her understanding of how a ranching operation operates. She is especially excited to experience life in the Nebraska Sandhills and learn directly from experienced ranchers.  

Maggie hopes to become more self-sufficient in the long term and eventually establish her own small operation. She wants to grow and produce the items she enjoys using herself, raise livestock for meat, utilize animal byproducts, and cultivate crops for preservation and canning. Ultimately, she aims to turn this passion into a small business where she can sell her homegrown and handmade goods directly to customers while remaining connected to the agricultural lifestyle. For now, Maggie's goal is to learn and gain hands-on experience in ranching and production agriculture.

Maggie describes herself as a "produce nerd" and has extensive knowledge about fruits and vegetables, along with many fun facts. Her favorite quote is, "What's meant for you will never miss you, and that which misses you was never meant for you." If she could instantly acquire one ranch skill, it would be roping on horseback. This summer, she is excited to embrace ranch life, learn new skills, and make the most of every opportunity at Masek Ranch.