Registration Open for UW’s Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Seminar Series – sheridanmedia.com

University of Wyoming Launches 2026 Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Seminar Series

The University of Wyoming (UW) is set to commence its annual Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL) seminar series on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the UW Laramie campus. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly promoting quality education (SDG 4), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) within Wyoming’s agricultural sector.

Overview of the RMAL Seminar Series

Hosted by the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, the 2026 RMAL seminar series will include three seminars followed by a comprehensive all-day symposium focusing on land and resource management. The series aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among current and future agricultural industry stakeholders in Wyoming, supporting sustainable agricultural development and community resilience.

• Accessibility: All sessions are free and open to the public.
• Virtual Participation: Sessions will be livestreamed and recorded via Zoom to accommodate remote attendees, promoting inclusive education and reducing travel-related carbon emissions (SDG 13).

Seminar Schedule and Topics

1. “Cattle Drives and Quests: Lessons for Entrepreneurs”

   Date & Time: February 12, 5-7 p.m.
   Location: Room 1032, UW Agriculture Building

   Presented by Tom Field, Director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, this session will explore free enterprise and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth in rural communities, supporting economic growth and innovation (SDG 8).

2. “Spinning a Business Out of a Hobby”

   Date & Time: February 26, 5-7 p.m.
   Location: UW Agriculture Building

   Ben Hostetler, Operations Manager of Mountain Meadow Wool Mill, will discuss transforming hobbies into sustainable business ventures, encouraging responsible production practices (SDG 12).

3. “Journaling the Outdoors: Wildlife Entrepreneurs”

   Date & Time: March 26, 5-7 p.m.
   Location: UW Agriculture Building

   Ike Eastman, President and CEO of Eastmans’ Hunting Journal, will present on entrepreneurship within wildlife-related industries, promoting sustainable use of natural resources (SDG 15).

Rocky Mountain Land and Resource Management Conference

Date & Time: April 15, 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: University of Wyoming Gateway Center, Laramie

This all-day conference will address critical issues in land and resource management, emphasizing sustainable practices that align with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Integration with Academic Programs and Community Engagement

The RMAL seminar series is an integral component of UW’s Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Bachelor of Science program, launched in 2024. This educational approach supports SDG 4 by providing quality education tailored to the agricultural sector’s evolving needs.

Randall Violett, RMAL Associate Director, encourages widespread participation: “We invite producers, students, and agriculturalists across Wyoming to join virtually. Families can gather at home to engage in two hours of practical education from expert speakers.”

Registration and Contact Information

• For more information about the RMAL seminar series, visit: https://bit.ly/rmal-series
• To register for one or more sessions, visit: https://bit.ly/rmal-1
• Registered participants will receive Zoom links for their selected sessions.

For inquiries, contact Randall Violett at rviolett@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-4239.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses agricultural leadership and ranch management, which are directly related to sustainable agriculture and food production.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The RMAL seminar series provides educational opportunities for current and future agricultural industry members.
   • The seminars are free, open to the public, and accessible virtually, promoting inclusive and equitable education.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The seminars focus on entrepreneurship and business development in rural communities, promoting economic growth and employment.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The Rocky Mountain Land and Resource Management Conference addresses land and resource management, relevant to sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil.
   • Target 15.9: Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
   • Indicator 2.3.2: Average income of small-scale food producers.
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training.
   • Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with ICT skills, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills.
3. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment.
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
4. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.
   • Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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