NCTA Alumnus Ryan Dugdale Visits Ag Business Class

CURTIS, Neb.  — The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture recently welcomed back alumnus Ryan Dugdale, who visited campus to speak with Ag Business students about the importance of financial literacy, business planning, and leadership in modern agriculture.

Dugdale, an active NCTA alumnus (APS-Livestock Industries Management, Agribusiness Management Minor, 2016), continues to stay connected with the college through his professional role and support of young producers. He now serves as a Developing Markets Officer for Farm Credit Services of America, where he helps guide young and beginning farmers toward long-term success.

“In my current role, I help provide the next level of education for young and beginning producers,” Dugdale said. “We host workshops focused on balance sheets, cash flows, transition planning, business planning, and more. Our goal is to educate the next generation on the business and financial side of agriculture—not just production—so they’re prepared to run sustainable, successful operations.”

Before joining Farm Credit Services of America, Dugdale built a career in agricultural lending and production, which positioned him well for his current work. “I was approached by my now-manager after being recommended by a few colleagues in the industry,” he explained. “Based on my experience in ag lending and my background in production agriculture, I was hired into my current role to help bridge the gap between finance and production for the next generation of farmers.”

His leadership and commitment to the agricultural community have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Dugdale was named one of Fremont’s 20 Under 40 professionals for his contributions to improving his local community. He also participated in several leadership programs that helped him grow personally and professionally.

“These programs make you a more well-rounded employee, but they also expand your understanding of your state and community while building a valuable network of industry professionals,” he said.

Dugdale encouraged students to keep making connections and never stop learning. “Never stop growing your network and continue to introduce yourself to new people—even when it doesn’t seem important in the moment,” he said. “Some say success is about what you know, while others say it’s about who you know—but in reality, both are equally important. There should never be an endpoint to what and who you learn from. Keep investing in both.”