AoR 187: Lee Knox on Ranch Management Education at Texas Christian University

AoR 187: Lee Knox on Ranch Management Education at Texas Christian University

Author: Tip Hudson August 13, 2026 Duration: 55:03
In 1956, a group of Texas ranchers decided the training their kids needed didn't exist yet—so they built it themselves, and it's still running. Lee Knox, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Professor in Ranch Management at Texas Christian University, describes TCU's nine-month, 35-credit certificate program that packs soil and forage management, animal husbandry, business, and marketing into a single intense year, backed by 1,200-plus alumni who host field trips, mentor students, and post job openings. Lee also reflects on a career spanning extension work, two decades with NRCS, and a lifetime of running cattle on leased ground—including why the return of fire to the Southern Plains is a backhanded compliment to better grazing management, and how hunting revenue brought Texas landowners and wildlife groups to the same side of the table. The Art of Range is supported by RanchBot and the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center. Music by Lewis Roise. Visit the episode page at artofrange.com for the transcript of this interview and links to other resources mentioned in this episode.

Hosted by Tip Hudson, The Art of Range digs into the complex and often overlooked world of rangelands. This isn't a theoretical discussion for a distant audience; it's a practical resource built for the people who are directly responsible for the stewardship of these vast landscapes. Each episode unfolds as a conversation, bringing together knowledge from science, lived experience, and on-the-ground management. You'll hear discussions that tackle real challenges, explore ecological principles, and consider the balance required for both productivity and conservation. The aim is always to inform and to foster a deeper understanding, moving beyond simple answers to the nuanced realities of managing land. By focusing on dialogue, this podcast creates a space where ideas can be exchanged and different perspectives can meet. Tune in for thoughtful explorations that connect the science of rangeland ecology with the daily decisions of those who care for it. If you're looking for a genuine and insightful take on land management, this is the podcast for you.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Art of Range Podcast
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