There is a growing need for well-trained, competent young people to take leadership positions in the beef industry, specifically in the feedyard sector. According to the 2015 Nebraska Feedyard Labor Cost Benchmarks and Historical Trends, the average Nebraska feedyard manager compensation is over $71,000 per year.
Agriculture is the largest industry in Nebraska. As of 2023, there are approximately 2.6 million head of cattle "on feed" in yards with capacities of 1,000 head or more, and ~5 million cattle fed annually. Feedyards require about one employee per 1,000 head and one manager personnel for every 5,000 to 10,000 head. This equates to over 2,600 feedyard employees, creating over 450+ management positions in Nebraska alone.
Graduates of the feedyard internship should not expect to enter the industry directly as feedyard managers, but in one of the other managerial or assistant managerial positions with the opportunity to progress according to their training and abilities. Such positions include, assistant manager, feedmill manager, yard foreman, and foreman of animal health.
Graduates of the internship have accepted positions with companies that deal directly with feedyards. These may include pharmaceutical companies, feed companies, beef processing facilities, financial institutions, commodity traders, and equipment companies.
There is a great deal of opportunity for young people interested in feedyard management and the Timmerman Feedyard Management Internship allows students the opportunity to gain exposure to feedyard sector.