The Aggies of Ag Month

March 20, 2024

By Andela Taylor, NCTA News

Learning by doing reinforces every NCTA student's understanding of their chosen academic pathway and helps them build confidence and grow in areas of leadership, communication, and community engagement. In my roles in recruiting, marketing, and media relations, I see the positive impact of this strategy as students eagerly assist us by telling their stories on radio and social media, among other recruiting activities. Here are two examples of featured students who are perfect for celebrating National Ag Month!

Taylor Wilson from Hastings is studying Animal Science and plans to transfer to UNL after she graduates in May. She recently shared how appealing NCTA was to her as a homeschooled student from a small town. Getting to know the instructors and their focus on helping students reach their goals was a deciding factor for Taylor, as well as classes incorporating hands-on learning.

Taylor enjoyed an ideal summer internship at the US Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, where she assisted with essential tasks such as calving, artificial insemination, and managing the feedlot operation. She hopes to launch her career in a cow-calf operation at this research center close to home.

Like most NCTA students, Taylor is involved in the clubs and teams reinforcing academic programs. Taylor's Livestock Judging team achieved remarkable success, securing 3rd place in Dairy Judging and Livestock Management at Nationals last year. On the NCTA Rodeo Team, Taylor is learning the ropes of this challenging sport. To round out her college experience, she is a Collegiate Cattlemen member, gaining access to the industry network and resources it brings.

Alexes Kreikemeier is a self-proclaimed "city girl" from Omaha who has thrived in her nine months as an Aggie, arriving in Curtis the week after high school graduation to saddle up as a member of the ranch crew last summer. Her experience doing everything from fixing and building fences to moving/feeding/working cattle and goats and operating various equipment was the perfect initiation to her first semester studying equine science.

Alexes is a member of the NCTA Ranch Horse Team and Women-in-Ag Club. She has boldly and enthusiastically worked to promote NCTA on social media. Her words, "feeling like I already fit in," perfectly testify to our mission to grow the ag industry workforce by immersing students from any background.

Taylor and Alexes both appreciate the ease of getting to know people and making friends on campus and in the close community of Curtis. Look for their student feature videos on our social media this week and help us promote Nebraska agriculture and the college with your likes and shares! Campus tours can be scheduled anytime at ncta.unl.edu, and Fall 24-25 enrollment remains open until the semester starts in August.