Aggie students link to Nebraska partners

Nov. 29, 2018

By Ron Rosati, NCTA dean

Curtis, Neb. - Agricultural producers and industry leaders throughout our state provide students at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture with outstanding educational opportunities.

We value the relationships created with farmers, ranchers, feedlots and agribusinesses in southwestern Nebraska. Students have jobs and internships to gain valuable experience in the workforce and to earn funding to assist with college expenses.

During the next two weeks, our NCTA Aggie students also have many opportunities to engage in one-on-one conversations with agricultural producers.  These individuals can mentor our students and give them suggestions and guidance for their future endeavors.

In particular, Aggies will be attending the upcoming statewide conventions of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and the Nebraska Cattlemen.  Both conferences are in Kearney, and provide youth education as part of their seminars and business sessions.

Collegiate Farm Bureau

On Monday, watch for the NCTA Collegiate Farm Bureau and their faculty advisor Brad Ramsdale, agronomy professor, at the Farm Bureau conference. Not only will Aggie students hear from leaders and participate at the policy-making sessions, but they will be engaged at the discussion meet with the Young Farmers & Ranchers conferees.

Thank you to Nebraska Farm Bureau for providing staff support, scholarships and resources to college students at several Nebraska campuses, particularly here at NCTA.

Collegiate Cattlemen

Also next week, we expect 28 students from our animal science programs to attend portions of the Nebraska Cattlemen convention.  Professor Meredith Cable and students from the NCTA Collegiate Cattlemen will attend the NC Cattlemen’s College on Tuesday.  More will be joining the group on Wednesday and Thursday at committee meetings and policy forums.

We appreciate the support from the Foundation which provides NCTA student scholarships and financial support to the judging teams at three Nebraska colleges including NCTA.

An important component of the NCTA curriculum is to facilitate student involvement with their professional organizations. Lifelong involvement with an organization can start with exposure during college. Thank you to Nebraska Farm Bureau and Nebraska Cattlemen for providing this opportunity to our students.

Ranch Horse Team

If weather allows, this weekend the NCTA Aggie Ranch Horse Team will travel to Ft. Collins, Colorado, for the 2018 Winterfest Championship of the CoWN (Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska) Stock Horse Association.

Six riders will compete in stock horse pleasure, reining, trail class, and cow work classes, with ground support by two NCTA students. Their coach is Professor Joanna Hergenreder, who is active in leadership roles with the CoWN partners.

Thank you to all who assist, mentor and dedicate time and resources for the NCTA Aggies. Your support is making a difference in the lives of young people, and in the future of our industry.

NCTA Mission:  The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is devoted to a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, food and related industries. The college provides open access to innovative technical education resulting in associate degrees, certificates, diplomas and other credentials.                                                

December events:

1 – NCTA Pet Spa Day, Vet Tech building, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

1-2 – Ranch Horse Team to Winterfest, Ft. Collins

3 – Collegiate Farm Bureau, NE Farm Bureau, Kearney

4-6 – Collegiate Cattlemen, NE Cattlemen, Kearney

10-13 – NCTA fall final exams

12 – District 11 FFA contests, NCTA campus

13 – Fall Semester ends