Learning from our industry partners

By Ron Rosati, NCTA Dean

Students at NCTA have had a busy fall semester in the classroom and at intercollegiate competitions.

I am proud of the discipline exhibited by the students in their preparation for both learning environments.

For example, in one of the general studies courses taught by Eric Reed, his students are required to give a public speech.  They will be sharing speaking skills in presentations on campus this week.

Back in September during Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Mary Rittenhouse asked her students in agribusiness sales communications to “shadow” employers in retail settings.  Nine of her students helped at HHD displays and booths during the show and gained greater insights in the one-on-one of communicating with customers.  Each student presented their findings in a class program.

Over in the veterinary technology program, students have the opportunity in many venues to interact with the public.  In one activity, vet tech students host a pet “spa” day where the public is invited to bring pets for grooming and some pampering.  The students (and the pets) enjoy this community service. The next spa day is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vet Tech Complex on campus.

Often, when agronomy and industry-related entities have conferences on campus, the students of Dr. Brad Ramsdale are participants. This is a great opportunity for students to interact with business owners, technicians and specialists for greater hands-on training.  Mark your calendar for Jan. 28 for a producer and irrigator conference on campus.

The Nebraska Agriculture Industry Education Center was dedicated four years ago in November, and continues to serve our state’s agricultural industry in many formats.  This week, representatives of a large equipment dealership met at the Ed Center for their grower’s conference.  Students, faculty and staff were invited to stop by and meet with company representatives.

As our students prepare for entering the workforce, the agricultural partnerships forged while they are at NCTA can be springboards to employment.  Our annual career fair was Nov. 5th with 23 companies or potential employers on campus during a morning session open to all students.  In the afternoon, seven of the businesses conducted student interviews. We appreciate these opportunities with industry partners.

Students in range management recently traveled for an outdoor classroom experience with The Nature Conservancy of Nebraska. Instructor Bridger Chytka works with students on monitoring pasture resources at TNC’s Graves Ranch in Garden County.  Their recent trip took the students to evaluate grazing and wildlife resources in central Nebraska.

NCTA has four traveling competition teams and recently added a fifth quasi-competitive group.  The four teams are livestock judging, rodeo, ranch horse and shooting sports.  They have competed this semester in regional or out-of-state contests.   The newest team, approved recently by the NCTA Student Senate, is the NCTA Stock Dog Club.  Judy Bowmaster-Cole is the Vet Tech Obedience Class instructor and doubles as faculty sponsor.  The new club recently hosted a working stock dog trial on campus in conjunction with the Outback Stock Dog Association from southwest Nebraska.

The students will host agility practices at the Livestock Teaching Center indoor arena on Dec. 4 and Jan. 15. They invite the public to join them in these enjoyable and educational evenings.

Students are joining our agricultural partners at statewide conferences this week. Collegiate Cattlemen and livestock management students will attend the Nebraska Cattlemen convention, and representatives of Collegiate Farm Bureau are invited to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation meetings.

We appreciate these opportunities with agricultural mentors and industry leaders!