Aggies around the state and nation
April 2, 2019
NCTA Dean's Message by Ron Rosati, Ph.D.
Aggies of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture are learning by doing in Curtis and also in locations across the country, including Lincoln, Omaha, Texas, Wyoming, and, Kentucky.
Our campus in Curtis is filled with students who are concentrating their studies in our specialties of agriculture and veterinary technology.
However, one of the greatest intangibles that our small, rural college provides is the opportunity for each student to gain experiences beyond the classroom. These specialized learning opportunities often take our students far from the familiar settings of Curtis, Nebraska.
Our faculty, staff, administration and Curtis community members encourage students to become involved in these leadership experiences.
Students have the opportunity to meet people like and unlike themselves, to share their values and work ethic with classmates and others, and to broaden their horizons during their educational activities.
This semester, NCTA students are experiencing those types of growth opportunities. These are the special activities one may expect from a creative and high-energy college setting.
Nebraska’s severe weather and flooding disaster was an impactful event for thousands of families in this state. Some of these families are those of our students in the University of Nebraska system.
Last week, NCTA students worked side-by-side with our campus team and community members for a disaster benefit which showed the true Aggie spirit of our students and the town of Curtis.
Hopefully, students will not need to face severe challenges like this Nebraska disaster again in their future. But, if they do, these students have now had a glimpse of how a small community can organize and respond with compassion and generosity.
Each of us is grateful for the outstanding support, financially and with in-kind services, shared at the college's freewill pasta dinner on March 26. About $4,100 in donations will now go to special disaster funds administered by Nebraska Farm Bureau and Nebraska Cattlemen.
Additionally, to those who are bringing hay, feed and fencing supplies to the NCTA collection point on campus, I thank you. Your donations and support will help farmers and ranchers across this great state of Nebraska.
A specific mention and many thanks to:
- Catherine Hauptman and Tina Smith for coordinating the pasta benefit.
- Roy Cole for lining up the John Deere tractor and loader used to unload trucks for hay collections.
- Plains Equipment Group, North Platte, for the 50 hours free use on the tractor and loader.
- Meredith Cable for coordinating the hay collection point on very short notice.
- Catherine Hauptman, again, for ongoing coordination with NCTA staff and students on overall relief efforts.
- All donors of food, supplies, feed, hay and more.
Roundup of Aggie highlights
Here is a roundup of current events for NCTA teams, clubs and academic divisions. These activities near to campus and elsewhere in Nebraska or in other states create an enriched academic experience for our students and results in highly successful graduates.
Ranch Horse Team – Coach Joanna Hergenreder has done outstanding work with her team members, taking them to contests at Colorado, Wyoming and a significant one that the NCTA animal science division and Ranch Horse Teams coordinates in McCook on April 12-14.
They are expecting several hundred entries from Nebraska and surrounding states. Feel free to stop by the Red Willow County Fairgrounds, Kiplinger Arena, any of the three days next week. Meet our NCTA Aggies and witness them in action - as student leaders and competitors.
Nebraska FFA Convention – April 3-5, NCTA plays a key role in Lincoln with eight ag mechanics students and instructor Dan Stehlik, seven ag education students and Professor Doug Smith, admissions coordinator Tina Smith, and recruiters Emily Griffiths (coordinator) and Juliana Kroeger, (assistant coordinator), all serving in various capacities at the Nebraska State FFA conference.
NCTA organizes and fully conducts the state agricultural mechanics contest on the Nebraska Innovation Campus. NCTA also sponsors an award, and our students are volunteers at several contests to ensure that things run smoothly. The NCTA booth is open Wednesday and Thursday until 5 p.m. on 2nd floor of the Pinnacle Bank Arena.
NCTA Shooting Sports Team – The Aggies went to nationals, for the first time. Five team members and coach Alan Taylor traveled to San Antonio, Texas and did a great job taking 5th place in Division 4. Watch for more news in the coming week about this trip-of-a-lifetime. Congratulations coach and NCTA Aggies!
NCTA Vet Tech Division – An outstanding interactive exhibit by our NCTA veterinary technology team will greet thousands of youngsters and horse enthusiasts April 4-7 during the International Omaha Equine Expo at the CHI Health arena.
Billed as the largest show in the Midwest, the expo includes an NCTA display featuring equine health and veterinary science. The booth is located in the Kiewit Horse of Course educational area. Four faculty – Drs. Ricky Sue Barnes and Libby Frazer, and LVT’s Barb Berg and Judy Bowmaster-Cole, have enlisted six students for this outreach experience. It’s a great showcase for the NCTA Vet Tech division, plus the students and faculty truly enjoy sharing about careers in veterinary technology.
NCTA Stock Dog Team – Coach Bowmaster-Cole and NCTA team members will host their final stock dog trials of spring this weekend in Curtis. Come and watch our students (and dogs) in action at the Livestock Teaching Center’s indoor arena. Thanks to the Outback Stock Dog Association for all the great help as mentors and in providing livestock.
NCTA teams to national college contest – By this time next week, 32 of our students in animal science, agribusiness, agronomy, ag mechanics, and more topics, along with faculty chairs Brad Ramsdale, Mary Rittenhouse and Doug Smith, will be on the campus of Murray State College in Murray, Kentucky for the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture contests.
NCTA has entered student teams in 12 of the 15 contests. Our crops team is seeking a fifth national title, and the college is also pursuing high overall rankings among two-year colleges.
Safe travels, and GO AGGIES!
NCTA Mission: The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is devoted to a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, and related industries. The college provides open access to innovative technical education resulting in associate degrees, certificates, and other credentials.
Upcoming events:
April 3-5: NCTA at the Nebraska State FFA convention, Lincoln
April 4-7: NCTA at International Omaha Horse Expo, CHI Health Center, Omaha
April 5-6: Aggie Rodeo Team to SDSU at Brookings, S.D. for spring opener
April 6: NCTA Shotgun Team assisting at Pheasants Forever Fundraiser, Stockville
April 6-7: NCTA and Outback Stock Dog Trails, 8 a.m. both days, LTC Arena
April 9: NCTA Student Senate meeting, 12 noon, Ag Hall
April 9: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training, 5:30 p.m., LTC
April 10-13: NCTA to NACTA national contests, Murray, Kentucky
April 12-14: Punchy in Pink horse show, Red Willow County Fairgrounds, McCook
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