Building Skills, Connections, and Futures: Welcoming the 2026 Sandhills Ranch Interns and Apprentices
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
The 2026 Sandhills Ranch Internship season has officially begun, and a new group of interns is embracing ranch life, committed to learning, hard work, and new experiences.
On Monday, participants gathered in Mullen, Nebraska, for the annual Sandhills Ranch Internship Orientation. This tradition helps launch the summer season and prepare participants for life and work on ranches across the Nebraska Sandhills. This year’s orientation brought together individuals from across the country, each with unique backgrounds and experiences. However, they all shared a common goal: to grow through hands-on ranching experiences while building meaningful connections within the Sandhills community.
Front Row left to right: Maggie Swanson-Elkhorn, Nebraska, Anna Payne-Canton, Georgia, Ava Salverson-Edwards, Illinois, Briley Eaton-Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dailyn Zierolf-Basin, Wyoming, Morgan Wywialowski-Wisconsin, Macy Remlinger-Ankeny, Iowa. Second Row: Lyndsie McAuliff-Litchfield, Nebraska, Braden Carr-Heron, Montana, Clayton Williams-Albany, Ohio, Maggie DeMers-Colome, South Dakota, Christian Sweeney-Odessa, Florida, Isaac Peters-Coburg, Oregon. Back Row: Chris Burns-Scott Township, Pennsylvania, Matthew Bruening-Jacksonville, Florida, Jordan Napier-Noblesville, Indiana, TreVante George-Beaumont, Texas, Michael Pieper-Casper, Wyoming, Brycen Stewart-Bronson, Kansas
Over the next three months, interns will live and work alongside host ranch families, gaining firsthand experience in livestock care, grazing and land management, animal handling, daily ranch operations, and the many responsibilities that come with ranching.
Orientation began with a presentation by Executive Director Shelly Kelly about the Sandhills Task Force. The presentation covered the organization's history and mission, as well as the volunteer conservation projects completed in collaboration with ranchers. Following that, various topics were covered, including ranch safety, communication and conflict resolution, co-creating learning experiences, and networking. Discussions throughout the day emphasized that internships and apprenticeships are about much more than technical ranch skills; they are also about communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and community involvement.
This year's orientation included Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training by Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, which provided participants with education on proper cattle care, vaccine handling practices, and animal health, allowing them to become BQA Certified or renew their certification.
One of the most popular aspects of orientation was the opportunity for participants to hear directly from former Sandhills Ranch Interns during a panel discussion. They shared lessons learned, personal growth experiences, challenges, and advice for making the most of the summer experience.
One of the highlights of our event was a returning guest speaker, Jessica Rodman, who shared valuable insights from her career journey, from starting as an intern to becoming a mentor and now a college educator. Her full-circle story emphasized the lasting impact that internships and mentorship can have in the industry. Additionally, she participated in discussions about basic livestock and equine safety. Her perspective offered practical insights into risk awareness, safe livestock handling, and the importance of maintaining a strong safety culture. Orientation concluded with time for bowling, and continued networking, allowing participants to build friendships and connections before heading out to ranches across the Sandhills.
In 2026, a new development was the introduction of the Sandhills Task Force's Ranch Apprenticeship Program. Earlier this year, two apprentices began their nine-month placements on ranches and participated in an orientation alongside the summer interns to learn and build relationships. Programs like the Sandhills Ranch Internship and Apprenticeship Program play an important role in developing the next generation while strengthening relationships between ranchers, communities, and people eager to learn. Through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and community support, these opportunities help preserve the values and traditions that make the Nebraska Sandhills unique.
If you see one of these interns or apprentices in your community this summer, take a moment to introduce yourself and make them feel welcome. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Whether it is advice on where to eat, community events, or just a friendly chat.
Stay tuned throughout the summer as we share stories, experiences, and highlights from the 2026 internship and apprenticeship season. Here’s to a summer filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences in the Nebraska Sandhills.
