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District ranch program expands internships, sawmill and livestock units
Summary
The district’s 86‑acre ranch is being developed into a Career and Technical Education site with beef cattle, swine projects, a district sawmill and partnerships with local producers; administrators said income from ranch units will help sustain advisor positions and student internships.
Dr. Luke Browning, director of career technical education and state/federal programs, presented a progress update on the district‑owned ranch and outlined near‑term plans.
Browning said the district has developed student units at the ranch — including beef cattle, a swine unit under construction (concrete and rebar in place), and a district‑owned sawmill intended to supply lumber for district CTE construction classes. He described plans to place two portables and a restroom on site by next fall to enable regular classroom use.
Browning also said district staff are recruiting partner producers (Grape Growers Association of Nevada County, Sierra Harvest) to operate plots in exchange for providing internships and work‑based learning for students. The goal is that each unit be largely self‑sustaining and generate revenue to fund advisor positions and student projects.
Trustees asked about student participation numbers and funding; Browning said numbers will grow once classroom space and advisors are established and noted NID’s cooperation in increasing water allotments for irrigation.
Outcome: Informational; trustees endorsed continued development and a tentative board retreat at the ranch planned for June 7.
