Ranch Life Learning Summit 

Inspiring the Next Generation from the Ground Up 

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Location: National Ranching Heritage Center | 3121 4th St., Lubbock, Texas 

Overview 

The Ranch Life Learning Summit will bring together educators, ranchers, agricultural organizations, and community leaders to explore the future of ranching and agricultural education at the elementary level. 

Hosted by the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech University, the Summit will focus on connecting classrooms to real ranch life, expanding agricultural literacy, strengthening industry partnerships, and inspiring the next generation to value land, livestock, and stewardship. 

Who Should Attend 

This event is open to anyone working to connect people, especially youth, with agriculture, history, and the land, including: 

  • K–12 educators and curriculum specialists. 
  • Agricultural organizations and commodity groups. 
  • Ranchers, producers, and land stewards. 
  • Museum and extension educators. 
  • University and research partners. 
  • Foundations and industry supporters. 

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, 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) 

Time  Session 
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.
Register Here 

Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon refreshments are included. 

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. 

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. 

Contact 

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