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
Chicago Fed lenders report producers are carrying more operating debt as repayment rates continue weakening across the Midwest.
The lockout has not yet signaled a major disruption in the cattle market, but processing reliability remains important in a tight beef supply chain.
The award-winning pitmaster discusses choosing the right beef cuts, managing grill heat and building confidence behind the grill.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer says the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could shift how producers donate grain and commodities to charities.
American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson says consumers are still buying meat despite ongoing price pressures.

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:

Soybeans accounted for nearly half of the $15 billion in losses on U.S. ag exports to China due to tariffs, according to researchers at North Dakota State University.
RFD News Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen shares the major role of timing clauses in farmland sales, leases, and succession planning.
Jeff Frazier of Scoular discusses the early High Plains canola harvest, acreage growth in Kansas and Oklahoma, and theoutlook for planting and production.
For more than 70 years, The Pancake Shop has served sausage supplied by the Hawthorn family’s meat operation.
National Pork Board’s Andy Tauer discusses the growing popularity of the Boston Butt Pork Burger and key topics at the USMEF Spring Conference.
Ashley Stockwell discusses representing dairy farmers during one of motorsports’ most recognizable traditions.
Agriculture Shows
Join markets specialist Scott Shellady, better known as the Cow Guy, as he covers the market-close, breaking down headlines that drive the commodities and equities markets with commentary from respected industry heavyweights.
Tara Beaver Coronado (formerly known as Beaver Vineyards) is a farmer in Northern California. She raises grain crops with her dad. Tara planted her very first vineyard in 2018. Her channel is centered around her daily life on the farm, as well as promoting the diversity and scale of California agriculture.
A few years ago, the Stoney Ridge Farmer moved from a 1/3-acre lot in the city to a 150-acre farm nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Cole Sonne is a fourth-generation farmer living in Southeastern South Dakota. His family farm raises Black Angus bulls and grows alfalfa, grass, hay, corn, and soybeans. Cole says, “I make these videos for your entertainment (and for my own, as well)!”