Celebrating Agriculture and NCTA Aggies
March 20, 2018
NCTA Dean’s Column by Ron Rosati, Ph.D.
Happy National Agriculture Week!
We are fortunate to be a part of a historic agricultural college in rural Nebraska. Curtis and its residents first embraced the institution in 1913 as a regional high school and, since 1967, as a technical college.
This year, National Agriculture Week coincides with the University of Nebraska spring recess so many of our students will be spending time back home, at their farming and ranching operations.
I extend a hearty salute to all rural families, agricultural producers, affiliated industries and partners. NCTA appreciates each of you.
Some of the state’s ag facts:
- Nebraska’s agricultural industry contributes more than $21.5 million to our state’s economy.
- In 2017, Nebraska had 47,400 farms and ranches.
- Nearly half have livestock or poultry operations.
- One in four jobs is attributed to agriculture.
- The average age of a principal operator was 55.7 years (2012).
- From 2007-2013, Nebraska saw farm numbers increase 5% and 10% for new farmers.
See more interesting data about Nebraska agriculture at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture: http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/facts.pdf
Nebraska Director of Agriculture Steve Wellman is a graduate of our institution, receiving a production agriculture degree in 1981. Thanks for your leadership to Nebraska agriculture and NCTA, Director Wellman!
Livestock Judges
The Aggie Livestock Judging Team coached by Doug Smith, PhD, and assisted by Braden Wilke, third-year student from Columbus, returned from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. For several of the students, this was their first experience to see Texas. They even had a chance to meet the Zac Brown Band while at the rodeo.
These sophomore students evaluated livestock in a highly competitive contest, reported Dr. Smith, with Katharine Schudel of North Loup, tied for 25th in placing livestock and Dean Fleer of Pierce tied for 29th also in placings.
As a team, the Aggie livestock evaluators were 16th in swine and placings, 18th in sheep and goats, 19th in cattle, oral reasons and overall contest. Nathan Lashley, Curtis; Joe Calvo, Bassett; and Wyatt Duskie, Jewell, Kansas, rounded out the team. Their next competition will be April 19-21 at the 2018 North American Colleges of Teachers and Agriculture Conference in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Welcoming a new “house parent”
Providing a nurturing, safe home environment for young people moving away from home for the first time is a long-held tradition here in Curtis.
When the regional Nebraska School of Agriculture welcomed its first secondary school students in September, 1913, community members provided room and board in their homes for $4 per week. As campus dorms were added in the 1920s and 30s, community members became “house parents” living in apartments in the dorms.
This month, we welcome a new director of NCTA Residence Life with the arrival of Erika Arambula, a graduate of the University of Wyoming. She is a “house parent” of sorts, residing in one of the original dorm apartments.
Her duties include leadership, overseeing a staff of 10-12 Resident Assistant (student employees) and coordinating Campus Life activities for our students. Please join me in welcoming Erika to NCTA. Her office is in the “Welcome Center” located at the Nebraska Agriculture Industry Education Center.
Happy Spring Break and Happy National Agriculture Week, everyone!
NCTA Events:
18-25 - Spring Break (offices open regular business hours)
26 – Intramural Softball, 6: 30 p.m., Mill Park
29 – Educational Service Unit field trip to NCTA
30 – Frontier County 4-H Horse Practice, 6 p.m., LTC Arena
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.
Download a PDF of this press release