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
Evan Keppy, a member of Iowa’s North Scott FFA Chapter, shares how the National FFA Organization helped shape his leadership skills.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joins us to provide an updated analysis of projected ARC and PLC payments and potential delays due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.
Beef demand could be influencing other economic sectors, as consumers adjust spending habits to prioritize higher-priced beef products.
Colin Reilly with Connected Nation joined RFD-TV News to explain how the tool works and why it’s an important step in bridging the digital divide.
Jeremy Kelly explains how Darling Ingredients’ mission aligns with FFA’s values and why investing in future ag leaders is so important.

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:

Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust shares how their Farm to School initiative helps strengthen the connection between local farms and school food programs.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, notes that many heart-related conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
Support policies that keep U.S. biofuels at the table—marine demand could materially lift corn grind, crush margins, and rural jobs.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.