California Dreamin’ at NACTA

Last year, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) hosted the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA), bringing students from far and wide to the Midwest. This year, the NCTA team ventured to Modesto Junior College in California to compete and learn at the NACTA Judging Conference. Modesto is a twoyear college in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, between Yosemite National Park and the Pacific Coast/San Francisco.

It was a tremendous achievement to celebrate the FIRST and THIRD placements of the NCTA Crops and Livestock Judging Teams in the two-year college division. The Crops Judging Team dominated the competition, achieving 1st Overall Team; 1st in Plant/Seed ID and Lab Practical; 2nd in Knowledge; and 3rd in Math. Codi LaBorde of Milliken, CO, led the team, earning 1st Overall Individual; 1st in Plant/Seed ID; 2nd in Lab Practical; and 4th in Knowledge Exam. Gavin Tremblay of Hoxie, KS, was awarded 4th place Overall Individual; 1st in Lab Practical; and tied for 2nd in Plant/Seed ID with Garrett Thielen of Dorrance, KS. Garrett also earned 3rd in Lab Practical and placed 7th Overall Individual. Nolan Buss of Stockton, KS, was the 8th Overall Individual, 6th in Lab Practical, and 3rd in the Knowledge Exam.

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

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.'

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.

Nolan is the son of Tracy and Kelly Buss of Stockton.

(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.)