California Dreamin' at NACTA

NCTA students who competed in the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference in Modesto, CA. (L-R) Ben Ochs, Jetmore, KS; Taylor Wilson, Hastings, NE; Emma Harms, Sterling, NE; Heidi Wilkerson, Mauriceville, TX; Dani Layland, Elk River, MN; Jozlyn Anderson, Plainview, NE; Haley Robb, Doniphan, NE; Codi LaBorde, Milliken, CO; Gavin Tremblay, Hoxie, KS; Nolan Buss, Stockton, KS; and Garrett Thielen, Dorrance, KS.

By NCTA News

Last year, NCTA hosted the North America Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, bringing students from far and wide to our region. This year, it was our turn to venture far away to Modesto Junior College in California to compete and learn at the NACTA Judging Conference.

Modesto is a two-year college in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, between Yosemite National Park and the Pacific Coast/San Francisco. It is the home of a premier agriculture program that serves the extensive agriculture industry of the Central Valley of California. This region alone produces over 250 crops valued at $17 billion annually, contributing an estimated 25 percent of the nation's food.

With that said, it is a tremendous achievement to celebrate the FIRST and THIRD placements of our Crops and Livestock Judging Teams, respectively, in the two-year college division. NCTA Dean Dr. Larry Gossen congratulates, "Once again, we are very proud of our judging teams representing NCTA at these national competitions. We are excited to be National Champions again. We tell prospective students that we have the country's best agronomy program, which proves that claim. Kudos to all our Animal Science and Agronomy students for their success."

NACTA is a professional society that focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning agriculture and related disciplines at the postsecondary level; therefore, it is a testament to the excellence of our teaching and programs.

Dr. Brad Ramsdale, Associate Professor of Agronomy, and Dr. Doug Smith, Associate Professor of Animal Science, coached the NCTA Crops and Livestock Judging Teams.

The Crops Judging Team dominated the competition, achieving 1^st Overall Team; 1^st in Plant/Seed ID and Lab Practical; 2^nd in Knowledge; and 3^rd in Math. Codi LaBorde of Milliken, CO, led the team, earning 1^st Overall Individual; 1^st in Plant/Seed ID; 2^nd in Lab Practical; and 4^th in Knowledge Exam. Gavin Tremblay of Hoxie, KS, was awarded 4^th place Overall Individual; 1^st in Lab Practical; and tied for 2^nd in Plant/Seed ID with Garrett Thielen of Dorrance, KS. Garrett also earned 3^rd in Lab Practical and placed 7^th Overall Individual. Nolan Buss of Stockton, KS, was the 8^th Overall Individual; 6^th in Lab Practical; and 3^rd in the Knowledge Exam.

Dr. Ramsdale shared, "I'm very proud of the students and what they have accomplished this year. The trip also provided a great opportunity to learn about the unique agricultural production in California."

The Livestock Judging Team competed in several classes, placing near the top in many. They were 5th Overall Team; 5th in Swine, Sheep, Beef Cattle, and Reasons; and 6th in Goats.

Livestock Management Team earned 3rd Overall Team.

The Dairy Judging Team achieved 3rd and 4th Overall Teams. Taylor Wilson of Hastings, NE, was 6^th Overall Individual and 2^nd in Placings. Jozlyn Anderson of Plainview, NE, was 7th Individual and 5^th in Placings. Haley Robb of Doniphan, NE, was 10^th in Reasons. Emma Harms of Sterling, NE, was 9^th in Reasons.

Dr. Smith shared, "We had a successful trip to Modesto. Students did well! The trip was an awesome experience to witness a different environment and world of agriculture. The students could view new agricultural enterprises—dairy, fruits, nuts, and hay. Thank you to Modesto Junior College for hosting NACTA and the great events—3,329 miles, but priceless learning opportunities!"

Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two-year institution with a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, and related industries. NCTA is known for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rate for its graduates and the success of student teams in competitive activities, including crops judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials, and intercollegiate rodeo. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best two-year schools in the nation.

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NCTA Events:

May 3: Awards Night

May 3: Phi Theta Kappa Induction

May 4: Class of 2023 Commencement

May 24: NCTA Livestock Judging Camp

May 25: Animal Science Discovery Day

May 31: Recruit at Kansas FFA

June 5-8: NE Youth Range Camp

June 6: New Student Enrollment

June 6-8: Recruit at Colorado FFA

June 5-8: NCE Conference Kearney

June 17: NCTA Alumni Event

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