Why Attend Collaborate: Join peers and partners to discuss what’s next for agricultural education. Learn: Hear success stories from classrooms, ranches, and organizations using Ranch Life Learning. Share: Identify your needs, challenges, and ideas for future resources and collaborations. Connect: Build relationships with leaders who share a passion for teaching the story of ranching. Event Highlights Keynote Speaker – John R. Erickson Author of Hank the Cowdog and longtime rancher, John R. Erickson will share reflections on storytelling, stewardship, and the values that connect families, classrooms, and the land. Partner Showcase: Stories from the Field Teachers, ranchers, and ag leaders share how Ranch Life Learning and similar programs have made a difference in classrooms and communities. Panel Discussion: Bridging Classrooms and Corrals Hear from educators, producers, and ag industry representatives about why collaboration matters — and what the next decade of ranching education could look like. Roundtables & Listening Sessions Small-group discussions designed to gather your ideas, challenges, and needs — and shape the future of Ranch Life Learning. Networking Reception End the day connecting with colleagues and exploring ways to stay involved through the new Ranch Life Partner Network.
Event Schedule (At a Glance) 8:30 – 9:00 AM Welcome & Networking Breakfast 9:00 – 9:30 AM Opening Session: Why Ranch Life Matters 9:30 – 10:30 AM Partner Showcase: Stories from the Field 10:30 – 11:00 AM Break & Networking 11:00 – 12:15 PM Roundtable Discussions: What’s Next? 12:15 – 1:30 PM Lunch & Panel Discussion: Bridging Classrooms and Corrals 1:30 – 2:15 PM Listening Session: Partner Needs & Priorities 2:15 – 2:30 PM Break 2:30 – 3:30 PM Workshop Breakouts: From Ideas to Action 3:30 – 4:00 PM Report Back & Big Ideas 4:00 – 4:30 PM Closing Session & Call to Action 4:30 – 5:00 PM Networking Reception

Registration 

Registration is free, but space is limited.
Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon refreshments are included. 

Register Here

Hotel Information
Overton Hotel and Conference Center
2322 Mac Davis Lane | Lubbock, TX | 79401
Hotel: 806.776.7000 | Fax: 806.776.7001 | www.overtonhotel.com
Click Here for the Overton Room Block Information

Guests may also call 806-776-7000 to book by phone. Be sure to mention the Ranch Life Summit room block to receive the group rate. The reservation deadline is February 10, 2026. After this date, any uncommitted rooms from your block will be released and additional reservations may be honored on a space and rate available basis.

If you have questions about registration or accessibility, please contact Julie Hodges at julie.hodges@ttu.edu. 

Title: About Ranch Life Learning Ranch Life Learning, created in partnership with author John R. Erickson (Hank the Cowdog), uses stories, science, and social studies to teach students about ranching, natural resources, and the people who care for the land. Through books, educator guides, and the award-winning Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center, this program has reached thousands of classrooms across Texas and beyond — connecting kids to the real world of ranching through literacy, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Book 1: Ranching and Livestock. Introduces beef cattle, ranching, and daily ranch life. Book 2: Cowboys and Horses. Explores ranching history and traditions, highlighting cowboys and the role of horses. Book 3: Ranch Wildlife. Discusses the ranch ecosystem, including wildlife and livestock interactions. Book 4: Ranch Weather. Explains weather's impact on ranch operations an dits importance for raising cattle. Book 5. Prairie Fire. Illustrates land management and the challenges of protecting rangelands for cattle grazing.

Contact 

National Ranching Heritage Center
Texas Tech University
3121 4th Street | Lubbock, TX 79409
julie.hodges@ttu.edu
(806) 834-0083