Current Students

Class of 2025

Sarah Baker | Oregon

I’m a senior in the DSRMP and a native to northeast Oregon. I grew up on a small cow-calf operation with roots deep in rodeo and ranching. The Dan Scott Ranch Management Program has deepened my knowledge of the ranching industry, provided me with world class networking opportunities, and a vast skillset.

"I am confident that my time spent in this program has provided me with a solid foundation for a bright future, both on and off the ranch."

Carlo Giovannitti | New Jersey

I am a Marine Corps veteran from New Jersey. Upon graduation my goal is to start as mid level management eventually working up to managing an operation.I chose DSRMP for the opportunity be a part of the best ranch management program around.

"What drew me in, is the ability to learn hands on and utilize the skills and knowledge learned during the summer internships."

McLain Payne | Montana

I have grown up on my family’s ranch outside Livingston, MT. We are a production operation raising black Angus cattle and also have a spring creek for fishing and a hunting business. Ibecame interested in the program immediately upon hearing about it.

"The courses and opportunities provided through the program align perfectly with my career goals of returning home."

Peter Sclafani | California

I grew up in California where my family has a ranch, which I have been fortunate to be able to work on during summers and holiday breaks. I have been able to learn and develop many skills from helping on the ranch that will benefit me throughout my life. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in ranch real estate, livestock technology, or ranch consulting.

"Some goals I have within the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program include developing more techniques to work livestock effectively and learn how to run a business as efficiently as possible."

Class of 2026

Adrien Ambrosio | Colorado

I am from Hudson, Colorado, where I grew up with two younger brothers and an amazing set of parents who taught me the importance of always working hard. We grew up showing mules and playing sports that taught us the values of working in teams and how to work for and take care of the animals that are our responsibility. I majored in Ranching Systems at Montana State University to develop myself in the agricultural industry and to gain a better understanding of the systems that help us manage and develop as the industry changes with the future.

Sierra Bajek | Colorado

I am originally from Aroura, Colorado. While I did not grow up in agriculture, I have always been interested in a career within agriculture. After working on a ranch last summer, I knew that I wanted to be involved in that industry. 

"Once I heard of the Ranching Systems Program, I knew that this was the track I needed to take because this program would give me the experience and knowledge to be able to reach my goals in life."

Paige Carda | Montana

I grew up in a little eastern Montana town where farming and ranching is everything. I am the fourth generation of my family’s commercial cow calf operation, and I want to come home with as much knowledge as I can, and better my family’s place.

"I was drawn to this program because of all the knowledge and opportunities that it presents. The summer internships will give me hands-on experience that I couldn’t get in a classroom."

Conor Clay | Colorado

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado.  I previously worked various jobs in construction and have an interest in woodworking.  I am excited about the opportunities that the Dan Scott Ranching Management program offers.  I look forward to improving my knowledge through the hands-on ranch management summer internships and hope that my education leads me to a career where I can actively contribute to the ranching community.

Major Harms | Georgia

I am from McDonough, Georgia. I am a sophomore and found my way into agriculture through FFA, along with working on an equine farm. I was given the opportunity to work with cattle through several jobs throughout high school and early college. I chose ranching systems because of the opportunities available to me to learn about the ranching industry in Montana and further my knowledge of managerial tasks, range management, and the cattle industry in Montana.

"It has always been my dream to take care of the animals that God put on this earth. The fact that I get to be part of a growing beef industry and help feed millions of people is an added bonus."

Chase Shunk |Colorado

I am from Peyton, Colorado. I have been around and involved in the animal agriculture industry my entire life and have loved every second of it. I have spent that time around a multitude of animal species, but most of that time around bovine and equine. I chose the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program because I know that I want to be involved in the cattle ranching industry.

"It is important to continue to bring young people into the industry, whether that be for their able bodies or their young minds to help revolutionize the industry on the local, state, federal or even the global level."

Class of 2027

Jenna Cox | Washington

I grew up on a large stocker / cow-calf operation on the Snake River in eastern Washington. My family transitioned into red Angus seedstock around 2015 and I began to show cattle pretty seriously around then. My family and I have traveled to Oklahoma and everywhere in between to show, and while I love it, I am hoping for my career to take me back to the commercial side of the industry.

"I have spent some time interning and working on feedlots and have developed a passion for them. I would love to continue working on and eventually managing cattle at a feedlot."

Hayden Desserich | Colorado

Born in Cheyenne and eventually moving to Colorado, I have been exposed to agriculture for a majority of my life. Both of my parents' families have been involved in various sectors of the industry for generations. I have always loved agriculture, but have really found my passion within ranching. Within ranching I am very interested in AI as well as the business and decision making aspects of different operations. My end goal is to eventually manage a large absentee owner operation or become a manager for a string of corporate ranches

"My goal with the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program is to not only gain the knowledge needed to become a successful ranch manager, but also to build my leadership skills along the way."

Ian Estopare | Missouri

I come from south of Kansas City and am the first in my family to be involved in agriculture. I have experience on several operations east of the Missouri River and at two cattle ranches in southwestern Montana. Everything I know has come from great mentors and my desire to learn. I always crave new opportunities to expand my knowledge and experience within the industry.

"Ranching is where I find my passion to be, and I plan on growing in it as much as I can."

JJ Roper | Nevada

I grew up just outside Reno, Nevada and initially was not involved in any agriculture as a kid. I took a job on a ranch when I was 16, and that summer I learned to truly appreciate God’s creation. From there, I worked on several small operations furthering my love for the care of animals and the lands they live on. Soon after, I joined the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program to expand my overall agricultural experience and gain a greater understanding of ranching from the managerial position. I aspire to continue to long tradition of ranching and eventually build up my knowledge enough to run my own sustainable operation.

“I think the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program is the ideal program for those looking for a career in ranch management. Not only do you get knowledge from the classroom, but you also get tons of hands-on experience with ranch owners/managers who’ve run successful cattle operations for decades.”

Cally Wood | New Mexico

Growing up in southeastern New Mexico, I have been involved in agriculture from a young age. I grew up helping on family ranching operations, showing livestock in 4-H, and judging land and livestock. From the time I began working in agriculture, my love for the ranching industry has grown as I experience the hard work and witness the dedication which is critical for the ranching way of life.

"I have chosen to pursue my degree through The Dan Scott Ranch Management Program because I am confident it will guide me in building a deeper understanding of ranch management to reach my goal of running a growing and sustainable ranching operation."