LARAMIE, Wyo. — The University of Wyoming Extension will offer its fifth annual Wyoming Ranch Camp June 9–13 at the Ladder Ranch in Carbon County.
Taught by UW Extension personnel and local producers, the five-day camp is geared toward current and aspiring ranchers ages 18 and up. Ag professionals, including teachers and FFA advisers, also are welcome to attend.
“Ranch Camp is designed to help train the future ranch managers of Wyoming in a hands-on capacity,” said McKenna Julian, UW Extension educator and co-organizer of the program. “It is tailored to issues specific to Wyoming ag.”
From livestock genetics and soil ecology to ranch economics and human resources, Ranch Camp introduces a multidisciplinary approach to managing agricultural operations in Wyoming. The program balances seminar-based learning with hands-on activities, such as cattle branding, sheep docking, soil sampling and range evaluation.
“We had experts of all fields — some of the best researchers, some of the best people in their field — coming out and discussing problems and ways we could fix things in all kinds of situations,” a 2024 participant said.
Throughout the week, Ranch Camp attendees collaborate with their peers to create ranch plans tailored to their host ranches. The program culminates in a presentation of each group’s plan to a panel of judges, including the owners of Ladder Ranch, industry partners and a county commissioner.
Experience with ranching, while helpful, is not required.
“I would recommend anybody try it, whether you have ranching experience or not,” a 2024 participant said. “It really doesn’t matter — you just bring thoughts to the table and learn new things every day.”
Ranch Camp alumni have gone on to launch their own businesses, diversify their family operations and pursue careers in the ag industry, including as extension educators.
“I learned things I’ll take back that I’ll use the rest of my life,” a past participant said.
To apply, go here. The deadline to fill out the online application form is Friday, April 4. The cost is $200 per student, with meals and lodging included. Full scholarships are available.
For more information, call Julian at 307-828-4093 or email mbrinton@uwyo.edu. Inquiries regarding sponsoring or hosting future Ranch Camp events can be directed to Julian as well.