Hands-On Learning at Nebraska Ranch Practicum Focuses on Efficiency and Profitability

UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.

LINCOLN, Neb. (RFD NEWS) — Livestock producers across the region are continually looking for ways to improve efficiency and long-term sustainability on their operations. One program working to meet that need is the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, which focuses on sharing research-based strategies to help ranchers evaluate management decisions.

Troy Walz, a Nebraska Extension educator, joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to explain the program’s goals and what participants can expect.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Walz explains how the practicum is designed to help producers better understand the economic, environmental, and operational impacts of their day-to-day decisions, with a strong emphasis on real-world application.

The sessions are held at multiple locations across Nebraska, making the program accessible to producers throughout the state. Topics range from grazing management and herd efficiency to financial analysis and long-term planning, all grounded in the latest university research and on-ranch data.

Walz noted that producers can register through Nebraska Extension channels and encouraged those interested to take advantage of the hands-on learning environment so participants leave the practicum with practical tools, greater confidence in their decision-making, and strategies they can immediately apply to strengthen their operations.

Related Stories
The newly elected officers discuss what they hope to accomplish during the year ahead.
Nyland reflects on the experiences that shaped her path ahead of National FFA Convention.
Donated hay is helping livestock producers recover from widespread pasture losses.
Fred Nichols, Huma’s chief sales and marketing officer, discusses fall cover crop establishment and the use of humic products.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jacque Ghormley and Taylor Goin, West Texas A&M Herdsmen and animal science students, share their commitment to continuing the university’s buffalo tradition and caring for the school’s live mascot, Thunder.
This month marks the first time diesel has climbed past $6 a gallon.
Strong U.S. demand for Argentine lean beef is giving exporters an attractive alternative to China, according to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service staff in Buenos Aires.
Higher prices could make winter wheat more competitive as producers plan for 2027.
The new quota program could strengthen demand for U.S. cotton while raising concerns for textile manufacturers.
Lower feed costs are encouraging producers to keep cattle longer and add more weight.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.