30 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2024 Where Are They Now? JESSIE RUDOLPH | NC DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP–RETENTION The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers the Timmerman Feedyard Management Internship for recent college graduates. The internship is supported by the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation and the Timmerman Endowment Fund, eliminating the direct cost to students. The program, which has existed since 1988, includes six weeks of the pre-internship seminar, a hands-on internship at a commercial feedlot and a post-internship seminar to recap the experience. For this article, we connected with three former interns to hear about their experiences and find out where they are today. Mark Blackford, Craig Cattle LLC Reflecting on his internship experience, Mark Blackford says the experience taught him the foundation of personnel management and he gained critical experience in managing different personalities. Blackford feels that being a Timmerman intern alumnus is a good networking opportunity because the program is recognizable and supports career connections. Regarding the internship classwork, he learned about feedlot nutrition and how to build relationships with nutritionists. “The internship is a phenomenal way to get your foot in the door in the beef industry – whether that is pharmaceutical sales, animal nutrition or working at a feedyard. The experience encompasses more than just feedyards,” Blackford says. As part of his internship, Blackford interned at Raikes Bros. Farm Operation near Ashland, and he continued his university experience by earning a master’s degree. He managed the University of Nebraska-Lincoln research feedlot for four years before transitioning to a sales career. He said he was ready to get dirt on his boots again when he was offered the job at Craig Cattle LLC in 2007. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 PEOPLE From top: Jeff Rudolph’s experience as an intern in 1984 set the stage for his mentorship of ag youth throughout his life, including hosting high school students at Hi-Gain Feedlot and teaching them about the feedlot industry. Feedlots around the Nebraska, including Zobel Family Farms, host Timmerman Feedyard Management interns. Zobel Family Farms’ diversified operation has benefited greatly from Mitch Zobel’s time as a Timmerman Feedyard Management intern.
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