Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays is talking with Rick Machen of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. Machen is the institute’s executive director and served the institute for many years before taking on this position.
The impact of King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management stretches from coast to coast, sustaining ranching heritage through education, innovation, and outreach.
“We were founded in 2003 when the King Ranch turned 150 years old,” Machen said. “The family at the time has always been very philanthropic, and the family said they could see the need for professional ranch management for the larger and more complex ranches.”
At its inception, Machen said the institute’s sole purpose was to train men and women to manage large and complex ranching operations.
“Last year was our 20th anniversary, and we have 53 alumni scattered across the country,” Machen said. Some of them manage ranches, some of them work in government agencies, some of them work in lending institutions, so we are very proud of the alumni, and we have a great 20-year heritage behind us.”
Machen said part of the program consists of graduate student training, and the other part is outreach and education. All but one of the outreach and education lectureships are available online, so anyone can participate.
The King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management also has an annual symposium which takes place in November each year.
To visit the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management to find out more, CLICK HERE!
