The Dan Scott Ranch Management Program passed a milestone in Fall '26 by accepting a full slate of 10 students for the first time since its inception. The students come from a variety of backgrounds, but all share a passion for ranching and a desire to grow in the knowledge and skills of the industry. The cohort boasts students from New Jersey, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, Tennessee and Canada. These students will be paired with ranch hosts for working internships during the summers of 2026-’27.

Class of 2028

Sigourney Bradshaw | New Jersey

A young woman with glasses

I didn’t grow up in agriculture but have always been interested in working with animals and with my hands. I went to a farming high school where I gained experience and began to see myself continuing in agriculture as a career. I chose the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program for the small class size and strong industry connections.

 

Kolton Brockman | Texas

A young man wearing a cowboy hat

 

I am a sophomore at MSU in the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program. I served 4 years in the military and shortly after leaving came to Montana to finish my degree. My passion for ranching is something that’s hard to describe and I’ve been blessed to work on ranches all around the Midwest. I’m excited to be a student at MSU and to continue to grow my passion and knowledge for the ranching industry.  

 

Jeff Courchaine | Minnesota

A young man wearing a baseball cap

 

I grew up in Minnesota and joined the Army after college. After serving for 11 years, I left the military and moved to Montana in 2021. In 2023, I decided to pursue a career in agriculture and recently completed two years in an apprenticeship program on a registered Angus ranch. I’m excited to continue this journey in ag through the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at MSU.

 

John Ellis | Colorado

A young man in cap wrangling a calf

 

My name is John Ellis, and I am from Roxborough, Colorado. I have two brothers and parents who always pushed me to do my best. I did not grow up in an agricultural setting but found my way into it when I was 17. My background is mainly in working with horses at an English boarding stable and a trail-riding barn where I grew up. I am thrilled to be a part of this program and for all the opportunities that it provides.

 

Sierra Gray | California

A young woman wearing a cap on horseback

 

Hello everyone! My name is Sierra Gray, and I am from Moorpark, a smaller town in Southern California. I am not from an agricultural background but grew up around horses and later became involved through 4-H, which sparked my passion for agriculture. Going into this new experience, I am positive that I will prosper with the amazing guidance and mentorship offered through the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program. I am extremely grateful for my opportunity to join the DSRMP and am excited for what my future holds.

 

Kate McFarland | California

a young woman with a horse


I am from San Francisco, California, which is one of the biggest reasons why I chose to pursue ranching: I want to help bridge the disconnect between agricultural and urban communities. I

thank my background with horses for skills such as critical thinking, patience, perseverance, and horsemanship that are so applicable to a career in ranching. I am positive that through the classes, internships, and opportunities that DSRMP provides, I will be on the right path to grow and achieve my goals for my future in the ranching industry. There is nothing more rewarding or inspiring than meeting and working with the professionals that feed the nation.

Max Rohling| Colorado

A young man wrangling a calf

My name is Max Rohling, I grew up in Parker Colorado; my family has no ties to the agriculture industry, and I had no experience working with animals until sophomore year when I began taking care of horses for a family that lived up the street. Since then, I have looked for every opportunity to gain more experience in the animal agriculture industry. All of this has led me to the Dan Scott Ranch Management program here at Montana State University, where I am excited to continue my education and gain more experience.

Stephanie Ullrich | British Columbia

a young woman on a dappled horse

Agriculture has always been central to my life, growing up in the North Okanagan of British Columbia on a family hay farm. My experiences range from riding for trainers and milking cows to interning with a livestock research team. At Lakeland College, I earned an associate’s degree in Animal Science Technology, where my passion for holistic land and livestock management began. Now at MSU, I’m excited to continue my education with the Ranching Systems degree and help build sustainable systems that connect consumers with the origins of their food.

Sam Whiteley | Tennessee

a young man saddling a horse

I was born and raised in rural Tennessee, with both Australian and American roots. Though my immediate family moved away from agriculture, their traditions and stories continue to guide me. I am determined to reconnect with my heritage and immerse myself in the livestock industry. Through the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program, I hope to build on its professional education and forge a career that carries on my family’s legacy.

Class of 2027

Emma Britt | Idaho

young woman with horse

I grew up in North Idaho, where my passion for ranching and livestock began with horses. I started riding at a young age, which led to competing, then training colts. I spent most of my young life on various barns and ranches. Along the way, I gained extensive experience in horsemanship, herd health management, artificial insemination of cattle, and veterinary care practices, all with the goal of developing a well-rounded understanding of livestock care and handling.

What I love most about ranching is the constant opportunity to learn. No matter how much experience one has in the agriculture industry, there are always new challenges to face and knowledge to gain. My passion for ranch management has only grown over the years, ultimately leading me to the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program.

"I look forward to gaining hands-on experience, learning from seasoned ranchers, and further developing the skills necessary to pursue a future in ranch management."

Jenna Cox | Washington

young woman on horseback

 

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."

Ian Estopare | Missouri

cowboy on horseback

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."

Cally Wood | New Mexico

young woman on rtv


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."

Class of 2026

Adrien Ambrosio | Colorado

A young man with curly hair wearing a cap leans against a fence post.

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

young woman with horse


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

a young woman with a horse


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

a young man staring at the camera

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

a young rancher on a horse

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

a young ranching rounding up cattle


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."