High schools boost ag programs
NCTA Dean’s Message by Dr. Larry Gossen
Nebraska’s classrooms are gaining on agricultural academics, thanks to programs such as FFA, 4-H and now a consortium in Northeast Nebraska.
As the sole post-secondary institution in Nebraska that is 100% agricultural, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a key resource for agricultural education.
This week and next, NCTA joins partners in significant events for high school students.
The 94th Nebraska State FFA Convention entitled “Empower” is in Lincoln April 6-8. Our congratulations to all FFA members and chapters, their families, and our hard-working FFA advisors. We’re ALL looking forward to convening after the pandemic cancelled 2020 and 2021 conventions.
I’ll be joining two NCTA faculty, two recruiters and 14 Aggie students in Lincoln. Dan Stehlik and Doug Smith coordinate the Ag Technology and Mechanics contests on Wednesday. Mr. Stehlik has six irrigation technology students helping with the electricity part of the contest. Eight Agricultural Education students gain experience as Dr. Smith coordinates the Livestock Management and Livestock Evaluation Contests.
Look for our booth in Pinnacle Bank Arena for the FFA Foundation Expo, 10-5 on Wednesday, and 8-4 on Thursday. I hear that fun and prizes are in store for the cornhole toss. See you there!
Many of you are aware that my career was as an agriculture educator in Kansas for many years, followed by representing National FFA, and then Nebraska Department of Education and FFA. So, the rich experiences and amazing individuals found at state and national conventions are near-and-dear.
As Nebraska FFA empowers students to define their career paths and broaden leadership skills, NCTA is a partner in hands-on learning for associate degrees and certificates. NCTA also prepares future ag teachers in a 2-year agricultural education transfer program. Ask Aggie students and Dr. Smith to share details in a youth education career.
Northeast Nebraska Agriculture and Natural Resources Education Compact
On March 29, NCTA joins school administrators and college partners in a ceremony at Norfolk for signing an agreement for education programming in northeastern Nebraska.
With our statewide mission as a part of the University of Nebraska system, NCTA was key in early discussions back in 2018 on how colleges can be valuable resources for agriculture at the high school and junior high levels.
In 2019, the Northeast Educational Compact was launched with NCTA joining the NU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR), Little Priest Tribal College, Nebraska Indian Community College, Northeast Community College, Wayne Community Schools, and Wayne State College.
Agricultural literacy for all ages, from early years through graduation, has accelerated as resources, curricula and teachers were added. The compact’s goal aims to boost student success, teacher support and workforce development.
Today, 20 school districts and three Educational Service Units, plus more colleges are partners in the compact. The regional site for experiential learning is NU’s Haskell Ag Lab north of Wayne. Like our West Central Research, Extension and Education Center at North Platte, the Haskell Ag Lab is part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and conducts research, education, and Nebraska Extension programs.
The regional concept for expanded opportunities is a first of its kind. It can be a boon to encourage students to enter careers in agriculture and natural resources.
I look forward to sharing more news from State FFA Convention and the Northeast Ag & Education Compact with you.
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 for 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.
NCTA Events:
March 29-April 2: North American Colleges & Teachers of Agriculture Contests, North Platte
March 29: Northeast Nebraska Education Compact signing ceremony, 3 p.m., Norfolk
April 1-2: NCTA Rodeo Team to Iowa State
April 6-8: Nebraska FFA Convention, Lincoln
April 8-9: NCTA Rodeo Team to South Dakota State University Brookings
April 8-10: NCTA Punchy in Pink Spring Roundup Horse Show, Red Willow County Fairgrounds, McCook