Supporting the next generation of ranchers in Texas - Land-Grant Impacts

Supporting the next generation of ranchers in Texas

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Workforce Development and Readiness

The Generation Next course led by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension gives new landowners (or those who expect to inherit land) the knowledge, skills and motivation they need to operate successful ranches and achieve their dreams.

The 12-week, online course is taught twice per year covering topics that include understanding agricultural business taxes and insurance, finance tracking, evaluating land resources, land management techniques, grazing and wildlife leases, ranch laws and more.

In the 2022-2023 academic year, 166 students participated, representing 136,543 acres of land. Participants rated the course’s usefulness for their new business an 8.7 out of 10, and they estimate the annual economic benefit of the course at around $2.23 million. Many participants (71%) reported that, without the course, they would not have completed a formal business plan. After the course, 88% of participants were confident they would move forward with the plans they developed.

With formal business plans — and other knowledge and skills gained from the course — new landowners are better equipped to achieve their dreams of running successful ranches that can be passed on to the next generation.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by State Appropriations and Fee-Based Funding. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

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