Many people have dreams of building their own cow/calf operation.  Numerous ranch families need a plan of action on how to transfer ownership of cattle from one generation to the next.  Some cattle producers are looking for a young individual to help manage their operation.  The 100 Beef Cow Ownership Advantage is a program that addresses these needs while preparing our next generation of cow/calf producers. 

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis developed this new program, so traditional students can receive an education in livestock management and have ownership of cattle after they graduate. 

What about individuals who have already graduated from college?  What about people who are already working on a ranch or within the industry?  The 100 Beef Cow Ownership Advantage Outreach program is the answer. 

The outreach program was designed to help individuals interested in preparing to own a beef cattle operation while receiving instruction on a part-time basis.  The outreach program involves four components:  the Farm & Ranch Management Course, the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, the Nebraska EDGE Program, and the NCTA Cow/Calf College.  Upon completion of the outreach program, participants will have received the latest research-based information in beef cattle production, developed a business plan and loan application for the USDA Farm Service Agency loan, and created a partnership agreement with a current producer. 

Interest rates are at an all time low, so now may be the perfect opportunity to borrow from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and build your cow/calf operation.  Currently, the FSA is lending up to $300,000 for 10 years at a low 2.0% interest rate!  We encourage you to contact your local FSA office for further details.

If you wish to participate in the program, please adhere to the following instruction.

1.       Apply for Admissions

• Complete the Application for Part-Time Admissions

• You will be registered for the Cow-Calf College, the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, and the Farm and Ranch Management course for the summer semester.  All tuition and program costs will be due June 10, 2009. 

• You will be registered for the Nebraska Edge Program in the fall semester, so tuition for this program will not be due until September 9^th. 

2.       Apply for the Nebraska Ranch Practicum

• Complete the Nebraska Ranch Practicum application form. Return the application with a $200 deposit to Larry Cooper at NCTA or Brent Plugge at the Buffalo County Extension Office by May 1^st.  Make check payable to:  The University of Nebraska

• Taking the Nebraska Ranch Practicum for college credit is optional.  If you wish not to take the course for credit, you will not have to pay tuition in addition to the $650 program cost. ($200 Deposit + $450 Remaining Balance = $650)

3.       Preferably, send both applications and deposit to the following address.

          NCTA Office of Admissions

          ATTN:  Larry Cooper

          404 East 7^th Street

          Curtis, NE  69025

• All applications and deposits are due to NCTA by May 1, 2009.

4.       Once accepted, you will receive notification in the mail within 1 or 2 weeks.

5.       The program will begin May 14^th with the Cow/Calf College at the NCTA Livestock Teaching Center in Curtis, Nebraska.

The initial session of the Cow/Calf College will be dedicated to students participating in the program.  We will also provide additional details on the other three components of the outreach program and hopefully answer any questions you may have.

Important:  We have a limited number of spots available for the Outreach Program, so please do not hesitate in applying.  Again, please submit your application and deposit by May 1^st to ensure acceptance.   

The excitement around this program has been tremendous and we hope you take advantage of this great opportunity.  We truly feel that this program and your commitment will shape the future of rural Nebraska and strengthen our state's economy and beef industry.  If you need more information about NCTA's 100 Beef Cow Ownership Advantage Outreach program, please feel free to contact me at 308-367-5254 or lcooper5@unl.edu. 

Required Applications

Application for Part-Time Admissions

Nebraska Ranch Practicum Application

Program Components

Farm and Ranch Management

The course covers business management concepts which are involved in the decision-making process when organizing and operating a farming/ranching operation.  Topics included in the course are production economics, record keeping systems, financial budgets and analysis, crop and livestock enterprise analysis, depreciation, cash flow planning equity, and production efficiency indicators. 

Nebraska Ranch Practicum

The Nebraska Ranch Practicum is a three-season, hands on educational program designed to give the participants the skill and education needed in today's complex ranching industry. This unique class is held at the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte and the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory near Whitman, Nebraska. 

Participants will develop the ability to efficiently use decision support tools to critically evaluate numerous management and marketing alternatives dealing with:

• Grazing strategies and systems
• Methods of managing market risk
• Calving and weaning dates
• Winter livestock nutrition
• Cull cow management
• Feed rations and seasonal mineral supplements

NCTA Cow Calf College

The course is designed to assist managers in making management decisions for improving profitability. The program features quality speakers who cover topics in economically important management areas.

  Program areas include:

• Natural cattle handling
• Cattle health and nutrition
• Bio-security
• Use of wet distillers' grain
• and more

Nebraska EDGE

The Nebraska EDGE program is a community-based entrepreneurial training program designed to encourage the expansion of small businesses, including agricultural operations.  During an EDGE training course, participants will learn how to:

• Determine if it is feasible to start or expand a business
• Structure a successful business that aligns with personal ideals and aspirations
• Research the industry, set pricing and get the product or service to market
• Development of marketing strategies that effectively reach the customer base
• Understand the terms used by lenders and legal advisors
• Efficiently manage operations-finances/cash flow, legal issues and more
• Craft a detailed business plan and actively use it as a road map to manage a business

Producer/Owner Questionnaire

Student Questionnaire

For More Information on the Outreach Program, please contact Larry Cooper at 1-800-3CURTIS EXT: 254 or lcooper5@unl.edu.