Spring Break Team Work

Mar. 13, 2023

By Andela Taylor, Recruiter/Marketing Coordinator

Last year it snowed during spring break here in Curtis, resulting in a heart-warming news item and photos of students out on horseback feeding our NCTA herd, contrasting to what many college students typically do on breaks. The smiles on our students' faces while engaging in the work of caring for cattle show just what is meant when we say—"Where your passion becomes a career!"

Like enjoying working on the ranch crew, students compete in teams to supplement their educational goals and passions. As the spring semester peaks, NCTA teams are out competing at a high level.

NCTA Shotgun Sports Team travels to Las Vegas, NV, this week to compete in the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association competition. Emily Miller, Norton, KS, leads the team, placing first at the regional meet. Coach Alan Taylor is an inspirational leader for the team, as manager of the working ranch crew and campus herd, all while educating in animal science courses. Follow the team on social media through creative videos by team member Nathaly Dragoo of Lincoln.

The NCTA Crops Judging team of Codi LaBorde, Gavin Trembley, Garrett Thielen, and Chase Glover placed 1^st among other 2-year colleges at the recent contest held at Iowa State University. Codi LaBorde, Milliken, CO led the team, placing 1^st as the overall individual and 1^st in Plant/Seed Identification. Gavin Trembley, Hoxie, KS, was the 4^th highest-scoring overall individual. Garrett Thielen, Dorrance, KS, earned 1^st place in Lab Practical and 5^th overall individual. Dr. Brad Ramsdale, Associate Professor of Agronomy, instills excellence as he coaches the team to high success.

The NCTA Rodeo Team, coached by Jaden Clark, hones their skills for the season and prepares to host the 2^nd Annual NCTA Rodeo Team Banquet. Students are working hard to gather auction items and sell tickets. This event on March 25^th at the Anvil Bar and Grill provides an added benefit for students and community members to get better acquainted.

The winter competitions have been fruitful for the NCTA Livestock Judging team, coached by Dr. Doug Smith, Associate Professor of Animal Science and a respected icon in the industry. The team first traveled to Sioux Falls, placing 6^th high team overall, along with strong individual scores. The next destination, Valentine, yielded a 2^nd high overall team score and impressive individual results from six members. Most recently, the team competed at the Nebraska Cattlemens Classic, placing 10^th overall. The opportunity to interact with industry professionals is second to none when competing in livestock judging.

Further updates on the remaining teams will be in the coming weeks. And again, we appreciate the dedication of our students who are caring for campus animals and competing for our teams during spring break this week.

NCTA Events:

Mar. 13-17: Spring Break for Students

Mar. 13-19: Aggie Shotgun Team at Nationals, Las Vegas 

Mar. 25: NCTA Rodeo Banquet at Anvil Bar & Grill, Curtis

Mar. 29-31: Recruiters at Nebraska FFA SLC, Lincoln

Apr. 6-9: Punch in Pink Spring Round Up, McCook

Apr. 11: Discovery Days Tour at NCTA

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.

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