Young woman riding horseback on the range moving cattle.

We're looking for a few good ranches.

We are seeking qualified ranches dedicated to educating young people with a passion for ranching. Students in the program will intern on a working ranch for two consecutive summer sessions with the goal of applying academic course work to the diversity of skills and real-life issues needed for the next generation of ranch managers. Ranch managers will mentor these students in a work-learn experience.

"You do not need to have the biggest ranch or the fanciest facilities. You just have to care about the future of ranching and be willing to pass along your knowledge to the next generation of ranch managers." – Rachel Frost, DSRMP Program Lead

We understand only a fraction of work done on a ranch can be experienced during the summer season. As a result, we encourage students to maintain a relationship with the ranch and to visit as often as possible to participate in significant ranch events throughout the year.

How do internships work?

Hosting ranches will pay the internships to maintain a professional relationship between ranch and student and ensure accountability by the student. Students are expected to work as a regular ranch hand, but we also ask the ranch to involve the student in as many day-to-day tasks as possible, along with planning and decision-making activities of the ranch. The students will work closely with the ranch to identify areas where the student and MSU can assist the ranch on a specific topic or project of importance to the ranch.

Interested in hosting an intern?

The application process to be an intern host with the DSRMP is simple. Click this link and to access the application.  Send the completed form to DSRMP Program Lead Rachel Frost at frost@montana.edu. The application provides us specifics about your ranch operation so we can more accurately pair you with an intern suited to your ranch.

Questions? Contact Rachel Frost at 406-994-3724 or frost@montana.edu.


Current Host ranches

Hamilton Ranch, Twin Bridges, MT

LF Ranch, Augusta, MT

Padlock Ranch, Ranchester, WY

Sevens Ranch, Choteau, MT