One of the more valuable aspects of field trips is the broadening of knowledge students receive from meeting successful ranchers and drawing upon their extensive skills, abilities, and experiences. The field work also teaches students to evaluate available assets and thereby project a viable operation. Students receive instruction in the basic skills of livestock selection, soil classification, forage evaluations, administration of medicines, and livestock handling. During the field work, students learn to cooperate with other people and to work independently to achieve particular goals. This communication system enables information to be exchanged among students and faculty while they are traveling between locations or traversing different resource areas.
Attendance is mandatory for all classes and field work.