NCTA Crops Judging Team Excels at National Agronomy Conference

CURTIS, Neb.—Students​​ from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture recently represented the college on the national stage at the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America’s annual conference, CANVAS, held in Salt Lake City, Utah. As part of the undergraduate student program SASES (Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences), the group competed in the prestigious National Crops Contest.

This year’s competition brought together over 170 students from 30 institutions across the country. NCTA stood out as the only two-year college participating—an impressive distinction in an event otherwise dominated by four-year universities.

NCTA students who took part included Kyra Jespersen (Hemingford, Nebraska), Rachel Bose (McCook, Nebraska), KaCee Jo Saffer (Arriba, Colorado), Hailey Loutzenhiser (Flagler, Colorado), Jada Eilert (Jewell, Kansas), Aaron Underwood (Mankato, Kansas), Mason Semler (Friend, Nebraska), Wyatt Ozenbaugh (Ohiowa, Nebraska), and Grant Ottun (Sargent, Nebraska).

Their hard work paid off. The NCTA team ranked as the fifth highest school overall, with four students placing in the Top 50 individually. Leading the team was Wyatt Ozenbaugh, who achieved an outstanding 19th place finish.

Team coach Dr. Brad Ramsdale praised the group’s dedication and performance. “Results are indicative of the students’ passion for the crops contest and the work being done in practice. I’m very grateful for their integrity and the support they show to each other,” he said.

NCTA continues to demonstrate that hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and real-world experiences prepare students to succeed at the highest levels. The achievements of the Crops Judging Team highlight the college’s mission of developing skilled graduates who are ready to lead and contribute to modern agriculture.

About NCTA:
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis is a two-year institution within the University of Nebraska system, offering specialized programs in Animal Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Equipment, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Education, Equine Industry Management, and Veterinary Technology. Each program emphasizes practical, career-focused education designed to prepare students for immediate success in the agricultural workforce.