Now Accepting Applications for 2026: Sandhills Ranch Internships & a New Sandhills Ranch Apprenticeship
- kylee926
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The Sandhills Task Force is now accepting applications for the 2026 Sandhills Ranch Internship Program, along with an exciting new opportunity — a Sandhills Ranch Apprenticeship, hosted by Connealy Angus.
2026 Sandhills Ranch Internships
Each summer, the Sandhills Ranch Internship program offers a unique opportunity to connect eager learners with ranch families across the Nebraska Sandhills. These three-month, paid summer-long positions allow participants to experience day-to-day life on a Sandhills ranch, gaining hands-on skills in livestock production, grazing, and rangeland management. They will learn what it means to care for both land and livestock in one of the world's most unique ecosystems - one of the last, extensive, and largely intact grasslands remaining in the United States.
Working alongside experienced ranchers, they will assist with daily operations and witness firsthand how stewardship and profitability go hand in hand. Participants in the Sandhills Ranch Internship Program gain more than technical skills. They become part of the ranch family, sharing meals and experiencing the Sandhills' strong sense of community. The friendships and mentorships formed during these summers often last long after the program concludes, helping to open doors to future careers in agriculture.
Participants in the Sandhills Ranch Internship program receive room and partial board, educational opportunities, and hands-on mentoring guided by experienced Sandhills ranchers. The Sandhills Task Force holds an orientation for program participants at the beginning of the internship. This orientation prepares interns for the summer ahead and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow interns. Additionally, the Sandhills Task Force organizes an End-of-Internship Recap gathering, where everyone can come together, share their summer experiences, and provide feedback. A ranch tour is also offered as a learning opportunity during this gathering. Each host ranch location is featured with its own profile, and can be viewed here. The program is structured to create a supportive and rewarding experience for both interns and ranch mentors.
The program welcomes applications from all individuals - college students, non-students, and veterans. Applicants must be at least 19 years old to apply.
The application deadline for the 2026 Internships is January 5, 2026.
Learn more and apply online at www.sandhillstaskforce.org/ranch-internship. Or contact KyLee at kylee@sandhillstaskforce.org or call/text 308-340-2781.
Downing Ranch mentors - Tim, Brett, and Bonnie Downing take the 2025 Sandhills Ranch interns on a ranch tour for the Internship Recap Gathering. A stop was made in the Nebraska National Forest, Halsey. (Photo by KyLee Kime, STF)
Introducing the Sandhills Ranch Apprenticeship at Connealy Angus
The Sandhills Task Force is excited to introduce a new opportunity — a Sandhills Ranch Apprenticeship. This nine-month, paid opportunity is offered by Connealy Angus, a highly respected registered Angus operation in the Sandhills. From March through November, the selected apprentice will live and work alongside the Connealy family and team, offering a rare chance to experience each ranching season—from calving and breeding through weaning and fall work.
Connealy Angus, located near Whitman and Mullen, runs a 3,500-head registered Angus cow operation that works to provide high-quality bulls to cattle producers nationwide. They host two annual bull sales—one in November and one in March. Connealy Angus operates both cow-calf and backgrounding enterprises, offering the apprentice a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in multiple segments of the cattle industry.
At Connealy Angus, an apprentice can expect a fast-paced, team-oriented learning environment. The work is diverse — from synchronizing and breeding cattle to fencing, feeding, and operating equipment. The ranch's large scale and the variety of work mean that no two days are the same, providing team members with extensive exposure to the dynamics of a registered cattle operation. The Connealys emphasize an open-minded, positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in the cattle industry.
Housing will be provided and tailored to the individual. Partial board, a ranch vehicle for work use, and other educational opportunities will also be included. Applicants should be self-motivated, dependable, and adaptable to the changing demands of ranch life.
Learn more about their operation at www.connealyangus.com.
Deadline to apply for the 2026 Apprenticeship is December 15, 2025.
Applicants may elect to have their application considered for the internship program.
To learn more and apply at www.sandhillstaskforce.org/ranch-apprenticeship. Or contact KyLee at kylee@sandhillstaskforce.org or call/text 308-340-2781.
2025 intern Nate Kaup and Ranch Mentor Kylie Dierks at Connealy Angus. (Photo by LD Photography)
Preparing the Next Generation of Ranchers and Land Stewards
Through both its internship and apprenticeship programs, the Sandhills Task Force is dedicated to connecting learners with experienced ranchers who are eager to mentor, teach, and share their way of life. Internships offer a valuable opportunity to explore the ranching industry, acquire hands-on skills, and establish a professional network. Apprenticeships take that experience a step further - with a longer duration, participants can develop a broader perspective and, as the seasons unfold, gain a deeper understanding of land and livestock management.
The relationships formed through these programs are what make them so impactful -connecting seasoned ranchers with the next generation and passing on the knowledge and values that sustain ranching and stewardship in the Nebraska Sandhills.
Please spread the word to family, friends, and anyone who may be interested in these exciting opportunities available across the Nebraska Sandhills
Partial funding for these opportunities is provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
