Project Strive student of the month excels at CSC and beyond

Krause, a junior, said his ranch background and passion for the ranching industry led him to major in rangeland management with a livestock option and a minor in agribusiness. He said he felt an instant camaraderie with CSC Agriculture and Range Management professors Dr. Ron Bolze, Dr. Aaron Field, Dr. Teresa Frink and Dr. Anthony Perlinski.

That connection is what Krause said he likes the most about CSC.

“You can connect with people and professors,” Krause said. “It isn’t just in the range department.”

Krause is currently a technician for CSC’s Rangeland Department where he is researching a smooth brome, an invasive plant species, infestation.

“CSC is set up with a lot of hands-on experience with the things you are learning, especially in the range department,” Krause said.

Other involvement at CSC for Krause includes Project Strive/TRiO, Ag Club and two years of football.

Krause joined Project Strive/TRiO as soon as he arrived on campus and said there is one word that describes the program: Support.

“If you are ever really struggling, you can come in and they will help you or help you find help,” Krause said. “There are four people here who are going to give you advice and ways to get it done.”

Krause said he appreciates the tutoring and class scheduling services provided by the program.

Jen Schaer, director of Project Strive/TRiO, said Krause is one of the hardest working students in the program.

“He takes pride in getting good grades and excelling at what he puts his mind to,” Schaer said.

Schaer said she remembers Krause not being afraid to ask Temple Grandin questions during a Project Strive/TRiO dinner when Grandin visited campus in 2016.

“One of the most important things Ms. Grandin told the group was to get internships and see where your passion takes you,” Schaer said.

Krause has since taken the opportunity to pursue his passion through internships.

One of those internships was with Terrell Farms, a diversified beef cattle and cropping enterprise that has incorporated numerous conservation practices south of Hay Springs, Nebraska, according to Bolze.

During the Terrell Farms internship, Krause studied how to decrease invasive plant species, specifically learning what techniques and processes to use to reduce species and how to measure its success.

Krause won the Excellence in Range Management poster competition at the 2018 International Society of Range Management Convention in Sparks, Nevada, in late January. His poster was of the range operations at Terrell Farms.

Bolze said Krause is an ideal student.

“Will represents a rare combination of passion for his field of study and a ‘get it done’ attitude with a smile on his face,” Bolze said. “He seizes every opportunity to meet people and gain experience.”                               

In addition to his CSC involvement, Krause helps his brother, who manages a meat packing plant in Hemingford, and attends local brandings.

He hopes to enroll in the master’s program at the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management in Texas within the next three to five years, and eventually manage a ranch.