Ranch Management Program celebrates 50 year-anniversary

Fort Worth, TX

1/30/2006

In the early 1950’s, a group of southwestern ranchers recognized the need for a specialized educational program to teach practical, productive, economically sound ranch business and management skills. They were looking for resource managers equipped with the proper skills and knowledge to operate a ranch profitably.

Several agricultural-based universities were approached with the idea to create a more practical, real-life ranch management training program. It was during a casual conversation with a TCU trustee that the founding ranchers first considered Texas Christian University and the group presented their proposal to then Chancellor M.E. Sadler. The TCU administration answered the call by offering a facility to house the program.

This academic year, 2006, marks the 50th year of the TCU Ranch Management Program, and it is much the same as it was 50 years ago. Focus on the study of principles and practice of all major aspects of ranch management and business continues to be paramount. Technology involved with production, marketing, and diversification of resources has changed significantly since the establishment of the program and will continue to change in the future.

Curriculum content continually evolves as new technology is developed. When new practices or technology are introduced to the industry, the program staff carefully evaluates the information, investigates where the practice is being utilized, and determines how to best incorporate the information into the curriculum. In some circumstances the information is incorporated into field studies or by visiting individuals that are utilizing the new methodology or technology.

As originally proposed and developed, the program includes intensive classroom instruction combined with extensive field study of beef production operations. Students devote approximately 60 percent of time to class work and 40 percent to field studies and domestic travel. Students travel over 9000 miles and visit over 60 agri-businesses including farms, ranches, feedlots, packers, markets, stock shows, trade organizations, financial institutions, research centers, food processors, and other types of business that have an influence or impact on agriculture.

After an application and interview process, and acceptance into the program, students may choose the original nine-month course to earn a Certificate of Ranch Management or the new four-year degree program. The degree program allows students to complete prerequisite studies for two years, earn a minor in business during their third year and complete the Ranch Management program in their fourth year.

Emphasis on practical, economical results in agricultural resource management, prepares graduates to be highly trained professionals, just as the founders intended.

For more information on the TCU Ranch Management Program, visit www.ranch.tcu.edu.