2025 Angus/Talon Youth Education Learning Program Interns and Host Ranches Announced

Twelve students gain immersive, hands-on experience at leading Angus operations across the nation.

Twelve students paired with Angus ranches across the United States expand their knowledge of the cattle industry this year, as part of the Angus Foundation’s 2025 Talon Youth Education Learning Program.

The program’s internships are the legacy of the late Camron “Cam” Cooper of the Talon Ranch, Twin Bridges, Montana. Cooper established the Angus/Talon Youth Education Learning Program Endowment Fund in 2009 to offer educational experiences for undergraduate students pursuing agricultural degrees.

“The Talon internship empowers students with practical, hands-on experience that not only builds their technical skills but also deepens their passion for the cattle industry,” said Jimmy Stickley, donor coordinator for the Angus Foundation. “By working alongside respected Angus breeders, interns gain invaluable insights into ranch management, genetics and animal health, preparing them for successful careers.”

Jayson Lopez | Yon Family Farms 

A junior majoring in animal science at Oklahoma State University, Jayson Lopez brings a strong cattle background  from his family’s commercial Angus ranch in California toYon Family Farms in South Carolina this summer. A nationally recognized seedstock operation, Yon Family Farms is known for its commitment to high-quality cattle. Lopez said he looks forward to gaining hands-on experience and furthering his passion for livestock.

Harrison Phillips | Audley Farm 

 A third-year animal science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, Harrison Phillips is spending his summer at Audley Farm, a historic 3,000-acre operation best known for its premium Angus beef program. Phillips said he is eager to learn and further develop his industry skillset in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

Allison Speck | Mead Farms 

 Allison Speck, a junior at Oklahoma State University, is spending her summer expanding her understanding of purebred cattle at Mead Farms, a renowned cattle operation with a legacy dating back to 1942. As Missouri’s number one Pathfinder Herd, Mead Farms specializes in high-quality Angus cattle, emphasizing maternal strength and fault-free conformation. A fifth-generation cattlewoman from Oklahoma, Speck plans to pursue graduate school and a career in embryology following her internship. 

Morganne Ledbetter | Double M Ranch

 An animal science major at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Morganne Ledbetter brings a background in cow-calf production to the internship. At Double M Ranch located in Harrison, Nebraska, she will gain experience in both cattle and crop production, as she works alongside Mike and Margaret Smith on their diverse operation.

Molly Lusk | Wye Angus

 Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Molly Lusk is studying agricultural education with a focus on animal science. This summer, she joins Wye Angus located at the University of Maryland’s Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown, Maryland. The center is known for its contribution to the field of research. Lusk said she is eager to build her knowledge and skills for a future career in the cattle industry.

McKinley Brooks | Bruner Angus Ranch

 McKinley Brooks double majors in animal science and agricultural education at Murray State University. Her summer internship at Bruner Angus Ranch in Drake, North Dakota, will deepen her understanding of cattle reproduction and genomics. The fourth-generation ranch has earned national recognition for both its seedstock and beef programs.

Hailee Campbell | Henning Farms 

 Hailee Campbell, a graduate student in animal and veterinary science at Clemson University, is interning at Henning Farms, a growing Angus operation in Wisconsin. Originally from South Carolina, Campbell brings years of experience showing cattle and studying animal nutrition to the program.

Samuel Martin | Bar 69 Angus

 A senior at Iowa State University studying animal science, Sam Martin joins Bar 69 Angus of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Bar 69 Angus, a fifth-generation ranch, focuses on performance-tested Angus genetics. Martin, who is also involved in his family’s cattle and row crop operation in Iowa, plans to pursue a career in animal health and nutrition.

Ben Weinandt | Basin Angus Ranch 

 Ben Weinandt, a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, will spend his summer at Basin Angus Ranch. With plans to begin veterinary school this fall, Weinandt is gaining hands-on experience at a progressive Montana Angus operation known for its commitment to performance.

Melany Ehlert | Eleven Milliron Ranch

 Melany Ehlert brings a wide range of livestock experience to her internship at Eleven Milliron Ranch. A student with a strong background in feedyard operations, Ehlert said she is excited to expand her knowledge in a commercial Angus setting. The Ibach family ranch in Sumner, Nebraska focuses on high-carcass-merit feeder cattle and maternal excellence.

Ashlyn Russell | Nelson Angus Ranch

 A student at Northwest Missouri State University, Ashlyn Russell, majors in animal science with a minor in agricultural business. This summer, she joins Nelson Angus Ranch in Salmon, Idaho, which is a multi-generational seedstock operation. Raised in the beef industry, Russell said she looks forward to learning the ins and outs of managing a larger operation as she explores her long-term career path in the cattle business.

Lukas Short | High Point Genetics

 Lukas Short, a sophomore at Clarke Community High School, is spending his summer with High Point Genetics in Osceola, Iowa. Actively involved in FFA and his family’s small cow-calf operation, Short brings a strong work ethic and a passion for the cattle industry to the program. At Hi Point, he will gain experience with a leading seedstock program known for its customer service and commitment to high-quality herd sires.

Source: Molly Biggs, Communications Specialist, American Angus Association