Aggies at Nebraska State Fair

Aggies at Nebraska State Fair

NCTA Collegiate Cattlemen and Women in Ag students support the beef industry as volunteers in serving at the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit. This year, they will serve the afternoon and evening of Saturday, August 31st. (NCTA photo)
NCTA Collegiate Cattlemen and Women in Ag students support the beef industry as volunteers in serving at the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit. This year, they will serve the afternoon and evening of Saturday, August 31st. (NCTA photo)

August 22, 2019

By NCTA News

The “Aggies from Curtis” are helping the Nebraska State Fair celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The annual 10-day event in Grand Island kicks off Friday (August 23) with opening ceremonies observing 150 years of showcasing Nebraska agriculture.

Students and volunteers from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture will be at the fair for numerous activities and contests which conclude on Labor Day.

  • NCTA Stock Dog team competes August 26-17 in the State Fair Cattle Trials at Five Points Arena. Seven students will compete in the collegiate trials. Kelly Popp of Curtis, assistant coach for the NCTA team, is one of four show superintendents with the trials coordinated by the Outback Stock Dog Association.
  • Curtis veterinarian Steve Krull, DVM, is coordinating some of the NCTA veterinary technology students to assist at the animal birthing pavilion. They assist in caring for animals and sharing with public fairgoers the process for animal birth. The project is coordinated with veterinarians through the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, and in sponsorship with Nebraska CattleWomen.  Look for NCTA students at the birthing pavilion near the sheep and goats barn.
  • NCTA vet tech students also are assisting Dr. Krull at state horse shows and demonstrations in the Five Points Bank arena.
  • Livestock judging students of Dr. Doug Smith will be volunteers at the 4-H and FFA Youth livestock contests August 30 - Sept. 2. They assist in checking in livestock at arrival and with several shows.
  • Elite Showman Competition is Saturday, August 31 at the livestock arena, and the NCTA Aggies will be sponsors of cash prizes for the 15th consecutive year. This is a great opportunity for NCTA to showcase its programs in agribusiness, agronomy, agricultural education, animal science and veterinary technology.
  • Finally, any NCTA student can volunteer to serve in the Nebraska Cattlemen Fair Beef Pit from 3:15-9:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. NCTA students in Collegiate Cattlemen and Women in Agriculture are coordinating the effort.
  • Athletes with NCTA Aggie Rodeo will compete and serve as volunteers at the 2019 State Fair High School & College Rodeo Showcase on Labor Day, Sept 2, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Thompson Foods 4-H Outdoor Arena.

Additionally, students and families are among exhibitors representing their 4-H, FFA or open class entries in many facets of the Nebraska State Fair.  For a fair schedule, see www.statefair.org

Fall classes begin Monday at all University of Nebraska campuses, including at NCTA in Curtis.

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