Aggies: Books, boots and saddles

March 16, 2018

NCTA Dean’s Column by Ron Rosati, Ph.D.

A national observance of American agriculture begins Sunday for a weeklong salute to those who produce the food, fiber, fuels and families of our country.  A hearty congratulations and THANK YOU to every individual associated with keeping us fed, clothed, sheltered and thriving.

For those here in Curtis at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture every day is an agricultural endeavor.  We study and teach in a rural community, surrounded by those who make their livings primarily in production agriculture and education.

More than 300 of us are directly associated with NCTA as students in a classroom or as staff supporting the academic and student services on campus, operating the college farm and appreciating rural living.

Enhanced academics

Aggie students broaden their collegiate experiences at NCTA by participating in learning opportunities beyond textbooks. Young people expand some of the skills and talents achieved in high school or youth events such as rodeo, 4-H and FFA in collegiate sports or judging teams.

Over the past weekend we had dozens of students representing NCTA at competitions in four states – Kansas, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Texas.  An overview of these teams includes:

Aggie Agronomy and Crops Team

The NCTA Crops Judging Team won first place among six 2-year schools in the March 9^th contest hosted by Kansas State University at Manhattan, Kansas. The team swept the first four individual placings.  Lee Jespersen of Hemingford was 1^st, with Dalon Koubek of North Platte 2^nd, Nate Montanez of Grand Island 3^rd and Will Kusant of Comstock in 4^th.

First-year students who participated unofficially were Catherine Ljunggren of Harvard and Jacob Vallery of Plattsmouth. They joined Coach Brad Ramsdale and were assisted by Brent Thomas of Alliance. In addition to the six 2-year schools, seven 4-year teams competed in a separate division.

NCTA Ranch Horse Team

Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming was the site of the 2018 Maverick Roundup. Twelve Aggie students traveled with Professor Joanna Hergenreder and the team for a 2-day show at LCCC.

Four of the second-year riders captured honors in their divisions for all-around, reserve champion or champion awards. They included Sydney Boden of Ord, Courtney Leach of Lewellen, Kaitlyn Thesenvitz of Wood River and Carly Wade of Monroe, Maine.

Overall, NCTA captured fourth place among the colleges. For five freshman, this was their first show and they did quite well in the show ring. Coach Hergenreder said they know what to work on for their next contest when the Aggies host “Punchy in Pink Spring Round-up” collegiate and open show at McCook on April 13-15.

Aggie Shotgun Sports Team

Five students and Coach Alan Taylor of the NCTA Aggie Shotgun Sports Team traveled to Lincoln for the “Ice-Out Invitational” hosted by Midland University of Fremont.  The Aggies placed ninth of 11 colleges of 2-year and 4-year schools.

Shawn Barger of Wahoo was high point for the Aggie men and Angela Crouse of Haigler led the women. Team members included Bryce Wert, Aurora; Tyler Heidemann, Daykin; Allen Matejka, Loomis; Thomas Hennig, Tekamah; and Kaylee Rasmussen, Burwell.

Their next outing is this weekend at Salina, Kansas where Fort Hays State University is the host school.

NCTA Livestock Judging Team

Coach Doug Smith took his second-year livestock judging team for judging workouts at several locations in route to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, Texas.  The team evaluated livestock at ranches, farms and schools in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas on their way to the collegiate contest in Houston.

The team was 19^th overall in the contest. Katharine Schudel, North Loup, tied for 25^th in placing livestock, and Dean Fleer, Pierce, tied for 29^th also in placings. Nathan Lashley, Curtis; Joe Calvo, Bassett; and Wyatt Duskie, Jewell, Kansas rounded out the team.

Thanks, Aggie partners!

The students work hard in their specific academic areas in perfecting their skills and building leadership and teamwork values that will last a lifetime. Fundraisers and sponsors help with travel, lodging and supplies. We could not provide these collegiate activities without the outstanding partners supporting Aggie students.

Thank you to friends, families and mentors who support NCTA Aggie students. We appreciate what each of you contributes to Nebraska agriculture, our way of life, and the endeavors our students pursue in agriculture and veterinary technology.

Mark your calendars now for Aggies contests in April! The NCTA Stock Dog Team hosts the final trials of spring and will dedicate the new dog kennels at NCTA on April 7-8. Ranch Horse Team students host a multi-state Punch in Pink Spring Roundup at the Kiplinger Arena, Red Willow County Fairgrounds in McCook on April 13-15.  We hope to see you there!

NCTA Campus events:

16-17 – ABS Beef Cattle AI breeding class, NCTA Red Barn

16-17 – Shotgun Sports Team to Salina, Kansas

17-25 – NCTA Spring Break, campus offices open

18-24 – National Agriculture Week

19 – Frontier County Farm Safety Day, 8:30 a.m., campus

19 – Frontier County Extension Board, 7:30 p.m., Ag Hall

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.