Ranching Seminar Series Celebrates Nebraska Cattle Traditions

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska’s long ranching tradition takes centre stage this fall with the 29th annual ranching seminar series, a one-credit course for students and an engaging lecture program for the public.

Organised by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Grassland Studies, the series celebrates the history, people, and future of ranching in a state where beef production leads the largest industry and grasslands cover more than half the land.

Sessions begin Monday, September 22, at 3:30 p.m., primarily in the Nebraska East Union. The opening event, called Leu Ranchfest, features cowboy poet R.P. Smith, singer Caleb Smith, and student clubs in the new Legacy Plaza Amphitheater.

Supported by an endowment from the Frank and Margaret Leu family, this kickoff highlights Nebraska’s ranching heritage through music and storytelling.

Throughout the season, attendees can join expert-led presentations and interactive events. Highlights include a hands-on “Introduction to Ranching Livestock” on September 29 at the Warren Arena, a demonstration by the NCTA Stock Dog Team on October 6, and a discussion on “The History of Rodeo” with UNL Rodeo Coach Wyatt Clark on October 27.

The program also features the Diamond Bar Ranch, recipient of the 2025 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award, on November 3, and “The Evolution of Cattle: A Macro View” with Chancellor Emeritus Ronnie Green on November 10. On November 17, USDA Under Secretary in Residence Greg Ibach will share insights on “The Future of Nebraska Ranching,” followed by a December 1 presentation on grasslands and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

While early sessions are in-person only, lectures beginning in mid-October will also be streamed online. This seminar series provides a welcoming space for students, landowners, and community members to gain valuable knowledge, connect with ranching experts, and explore the vital role of cattle and grasslands in Nebraska’s economy and culture.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix