NCTA Aggies compete at Cattleman’s Classic

February 27, 2017

By NCTA News

Kearney, Neb. – Harsh winter winds and hazardous driving conditions did not hamper enthusiasm for livestock judging teams and individual competitors at the Nebraska Cattleman’s Classic in Kearney last week.

Freshman and sophomore students from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis fared well in the rigorous contest, said Dr. Doug Smith, team coach and chairman of the NCTA Animal Science and Agricultural Education Division.

“The team did a great job and I congratulate these hard-working students for their skill in evaluating livestock and doing very well in placings and reason,” Smith said.

As a team, the NCTA Aggies ranked 3^rd in placings, 7^th overall and 9^th in reasons.  Individually, Emilye Vales of DeWitt was 4^th in placings and 7^th overall judge. Dean Fleer of Pierce was 20^th in placings.

Other Aggies on the team were:  Eleanor Aufdenkamp, North Platte; Nathan Lashley, Curtis; Max Melvin, Adams; Katharine Schudel, Loup City; Sam Seberger, Lexington; and Braden Wilke, Columbus.

Assistant coaches are Bailey Hinrichs of Ayr and Wade Vallery of Plattsmouth.

NCTA student judges have been serving as official judges or providing instruction with FFA and youth judging contests this winter.  Monday afternoon four students served as officials at Broken Bow High School. Last week, four team members worked at a commercial bull sale with their earnings going toward the livestock judging team.

“These outreach experiences complement the academic aspects of livestock evaluation and industry leadership for animal science students,” Coach Smith said. “We appreciate our industry partners who support NCTA’s livestock judging program.”

For more information about NCTA livestock judging or animal science programs see ncta.unl.edu or call 1-800-3CURTIS.