Future veterinary students at the University of Arizona will get hands-on experience at a working ranch near Sedona, thanks to the donation of a $2.6 million property by the Steele Foundation. The Phoenix-based organization is handing over the deed to a 45-acre parcel for use by the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The spring-fed DK Ranch includes two barns, a three-bedroom house, and several other structures. Under terms of the donation, UA pledged to preserve the land for agricultural use.
Details are still being worked out, but the university hopes to have veterinary students do a residency at the DK and live on-site for six weeks or more to complete rotations in ranch and wildlife management. Cattle and horses will be permanent residents of the ranch. UA may also plant crops. Steele Foundation President Marianne Cracchiolo Mago said, “We are confident that the DK Ranch is in great hands and believe that our mission and spirit of helping others will be upheld with this gift.” UA will not accept veterinary student applications until 2016. Read more HERE.