Program Details

2026 - 2027 Nebraska Ranch Practicum

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Nebraska Ranch Practicum dates!

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 

Wednesday, June 3, 2026  

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 

Wednesday, Sept 9, 2026 

Thursday, Sept 10, 2026  

Thursday, November 5, 2026  

Wednesday, January 6,  2027 

Thursday, January 7, 2027

Herd of cattle walking in pasture

Practicum Application and Cost

To participate in the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, a completed application and registration fee must be submitted. Late applications are not accepted. 

The cost of the practicum is $750. For ranch families, the fee for a spouse to complete the practicum is an additional $400. The registration includes all educational materials and meals. Participants of the practicum are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. 

Enrollment in the Nebraska Ranch Practicum is limited to 35 individuals. Applicants will be notified of their status shortly after the application deadline.

Credit Opportunities

Nebraska Ranch Practicum participants listening to a presentation.
The Nebraska Ranch Practicum can be taken for college credit or continuing education credits. 

College Credit: The practicum can be taken for four undergraduate hours or three graduate hours through the Animal Science or Agronomy and Horticulture Departments at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Arrangements for college credit will be made during the first practicum session. 

Continuing Education Credits: The Nebraska Ranch Practicum is also approved for continuing education credits by the following organizations: 

  • Society for Range Management, 16 CEU credits for their Certified Professional in Range Management program
  • Nebraska Board of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, 32 CE hours

For more information, please contact Jerry Volesky at 308-696-6710 or jerry.volesky@unl.edu. 

 

Attendance at all sessions is important due to the sequential nature of the curriculum. Participants must attend at least six of the eight sessions to receive a Certificate of Completion. 

Map illustrating directions to the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory.

"Coming from an ecological background, the class provided me with a better understand of Sandhills ranching and livestock needs that I will be able to use in the future."

Jayne Jonas, The Nature Conservancy