Ranch Management Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

Cody Wright, Professor
Department of Animal Sciences
Animal Science Complex 212
605-688-5448

Nicole Klein, Associate Director
Ness School of Management and Economics
Harding Hall 100
605-688-4141

Alexander (Sandy) Smart, Assistant Department Head and Professor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Animal Science Complex, Room 219
605-688-6121

Program Information

A minor in Ranch Management will provide students with a broad, cross-disciplinary training that integrates financial management, grassland management, and livestock management. Each of these components is critical to the success of ranching enterprises. The minor will provide students with a breadth of knowledge critical for success as a ranch manager.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing a Ranch Management minor will be able to:

• develop a complete ranch management plan including a vision statement, key assumptions, marketing plan, operational plan, and financial plan.
• describe and implement best management practices for financial data collection, reports and analysis.
• describe and implement best management practices for grassland ecosystems.
• describe and implement best management practices for animal husbandry practices for their species of choice.

Course Delivery Format

The Ranch Management minor provides hands-on experiences in the classroom, laboratories, and field trips.