College Students Earn Heifer Link Cattle

Curtis, Neb. – With their upcoming graduation on May 5 from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, four graduates will each head home with a live breeding heifer in their stock trailer.

Bailey Hinrichs, Ayr; Raymond Fleer, Pierce; Wade Vallery, Plattsmouth; and Dalton Johnson, Gering, have each been selected for the Heifer Link award from NCTA.

Started by NCTA late in 2014, the Heifer Link program enables students earning an associate degree in animal science, livestock management, diversified agriculture or agricultural education to apply for heifer ownership their final semester of at NCTA, a two-year ag college.

 The bred, yearling heifers will help students to start their own cattle herd at home

“The goal of this program is to help aspiring ranchers develop an equity position in a ranching operation. Not only do these students leave college owning livestock, but the student herd here is also a very effective teaching tool while students are enrolled at NCTA,” says Dean Ron Rosati.

Donations for 2014-2015 included financial contributions of $2,000 per head, or other levels of support, and the three live heifers. Today, additional financial gifts, live animals and supplies are still needed for the NCTA student herd.

Potential donors are directed to the University of Nebraska Foundation, Craig Buescher, development officer.

See ncta.unl.edu for details on NCTA’s courses and academics.  Students and interested cattle producers can find more information and an interest form at the ncta web site under Heifer Link Specialty Program. Or, they may contact Dr. Douglas Smith at 308 367-5286.