NCTA Students Shine at Crops and Precision Agriculture Contests

NCTA Crops Judging Team at NACTA (L-R): Rachel Bose, McCook, NE; Hailey Loutzenhizer, Flagler, CO; Kyra Jespersen, Hemingford, NE; KaCee Jo Saffer, Arriba, CO; Wyatt Ozenbaugh, Ohiowa, NE; Mason Semler, Exeter, NE; Grant Ottun, Sargent, NE; Jada Eilert, Jewell, KS; and Aaron Underwood, Esbon, KS.

Continuing a season defined by competitive excellence, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) Crops Judging Team earned top placement at the 2026 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference, hosted by Illinois State University.

Held April 22–25, the annual NACTA Judging Conference brings together top two-year and four-year agricultural colleges from across North America to compete in a wide range of hands-on contests designed to mirror real-world agricultural careers.

Crops Contest Results
NCTA earned 1st Place Team honors in the Crops Contest against the eight two-year colleges competing.

Overall Individual
1st – Wyatt Ozenbaugh, Ohiowa, NE
2nd – Grant Ottun, Sargent, NE
3rd – Aaron Underwood, Esbon, KS

KaCee Jo Saffer of Arriba, CO, was also a member of the official team contributing to the championship. Additional students competing as individuals included Mason Semler of Exeter, NE; Jada Eilert of Jewell, KS; Kyra Jespersen of Hemingford, NE; Hailey Loutzenhizer of Flagler, CO; and Rachel Bose of McCook, NE. All NCTA team members placed in the top 15 individually among over 50 competitors.

Precision Agriculture Contest Results
NCTA achieved 1st Place Team in the Precision Agriculture Contest.

Overall Individual
1st – Aaron Underwood
2nd – Grant Ottun

Wyatt Ozenbaugh and Jada Eilert were also members of the official team. Additional individual competitors included Mason Semler, Kyra Jespersen, Hailey Loutzenhizer, and Rachel Bose.
The NACTA Judging Conference is one of the premier collegiate agriculture competitions in North America, emphasizing technical knowledge, precision, and applied problem-solving across disciplines.

Dr. Brad Ramsdale, NCTA agronomy professor and crops judging coach, said the results reflect both preparation and the team culture built throughout the season.

“These contests are about more than results; they’re about building confidence, sharpening skills, and learning to think through real agronomic challenges,” said Ramsdale. “This group continues to push each other, and that’s what makes them successful.”

NCTA’s continued success at both regional and national contests highlights the strength of its Agronomy program, where students gain hands-on experience and develop the technical expertise needed for careers in crop production, precision agriculture, and agribusiness.