Andela Taylor
November 13, 2024
Newsletter ArticleIrrigation Technology, Stock Dogs, Precision Ag, and Equine Industry careers are a few examples of the innovative offerings at this "tiny outpost" college—a century-old part of the University of Nebraska System typically serving less than 300 students. Notable is the college's small-town location in the heart of farm and ranch country with over 2,500 acres of agriculture land and affordable, one-rate tuition for resident and nonresident students.
As the agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is at the forefront, offering students an intensive hands-on education that embraces innovation while preserving traditions and keeping the culture of agriculture intact. High school and nontraditional students from any background are encouraged to join us in Curtis for an immersive agricultural and animal health experience.
Certified Irrigation Tech
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps is one example of someone who found his next career path through the Irrigation Technician Certificate program at NCTA after hearing about the high industry demand and lucrative pay. The program addresses the need for skilled technicians to repair, install, and maintain the center pivot irrigation systems across Nebraska, the U.S., and internationally. Students enrolled in the certificate program also pursue beneficial electives such as agronomy, welding, small engines, or agribusiness.
Nebraska is the home of several center pivot manufacturers, and dealerships are known to offer internships, scholarships, and the possibility of future employment. Instructors note increasing demand for technicians, with more requests from dealers than they can fill.
Stock Dog Team
Founded in 2015, the NCTA Stock Dog Team, led by Veterinary Technology instructor Leighlynn Obermiller, is a standout example of hands-on learning tailored to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural industry. This unique program, which combines animal training with practical livestock management, offers students the opportunity to train herding dogs while gaining valuable experience in handling livestock, a skill increasingly in demand for modern agricultural operations.
At the Heartstrong Classic Competitive Trial in Yuma, Colorado, last Spring, the team—mainly comprising first-year students—achieved notable success. Trevor Kaiser, a first-year student from Quinter, KS, and his dog, April, placed 1st overall in the Novice class. "It was very rewarding to see all the time spent training pay off," said Kaiser. Another first-year student, Justin Ernest, placed 4th in the same class with his dog, Goose. This success highlights the program's emphasis on practical training and its ability to foster student growth in both dog handling and competitive environments.
The program's success is due in part to the mentorship of industry professionals like the late Kelly Popp, Eddie Merritt, and many dedicated alums. The team's recent achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of this innovative approach to agricultural education.
Precision Agriculture
The year 2007 marked an evolution in the agronomy curriculum at NCTA, embracing innovations such as precision agriculture, which has transformed how farmers manage crops, water, and chemicals. Tools for precise seed placement and resource management have significantly improved productivity and sustainability. Industry support has been crucial, with crop input providers donating materials for student-led projects on the college farm and partnerships with the West Central Research and Extension Center providing hands-on experiences in cutting-edge research like the TAPS irrigated corn and wheat projects.
The program also embraces the regenerative agriculture movement, focusing on practices like no-till farming, crop rotations, cover crops, and grazing to improve soil health. NCTA's farm has been 100% no-till since 2014, with plans to integrate more regenerative practices to assess their economic sustainability.
Respecting tradition is equally important. The strong sense of community in agriculture, particularly during challenging times like droughts and floods, is a core value. NCTA emphasizes civic engagement, preparing students to be active and supportive members of their communities, where the traditions of neighbor helping neighbor continue to thrive.
Excellence is evident in the NCTA Crops Judging Team in earning consistent championship titles at the national competition in the two-year college division. Last year, the competition in Twin Falls, Idaho, found the team sweeping the top three individual awards, with Tyler Keener of Mitchell taking 1st overall, Leah Schutz of Elwood placing 2nd, and Jay Mintling of Hayes Center securing 3rd in Crops Judging and earning 1st place in Precision Agriculture.
Dr. Brad Ramsdale, NCTA's Agronomy Professor and Crops team coach, has been integral to the team's success. A member of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) for over 10 years, Ramsdale has taken NCTA students to the Judging Conference since 2010. His passion for teaching and preparing students for national competitions has helped NCTA achieve outstanding results that lead directly to careers in agronomy.
Equine Industry Management
The Equine Industry Management program pairs perfectly with two NCTA teams centering around hands-on engagement with horses. The program provides technical skills for equine industry careers and invaluable transferable skills such as patience, confidence, communication, and teamwork. These skills are developed through experiential classes like basic equitation and equine practicum, where students work directly with horses in real-world settings.
The program's teaching model emphasizes practical, student-centered learning facilitated by highly involved instructors who guide students through the challenges and rewards of working with animals. This interdisciplinary approach also integrates opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals through guest speakers and internships at prestigious equine establishments like Claiborne Farm in Kentucky.
In addition to classroom and hands-on learning, NCTA's equine program provides extracurricular opportunities for students to network and gain industry experience. The college boasts two competitive teams: the Rodeo Team and the Ranch Horse Team. The Ranch Horse Team is particularly distinctive, offering students the chance to train with professional trainers and compete in various events, including ranch pleasure, reining, and cow work. The team travels across the region, competing in events in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and even Texas, with the highlight being the Collegiate National Championships.
The NCTA equine program's combination of practical experience, industry connections, and extracurricular opportunities ensures that students graduate with a strong foundation for successful careers in the equine industry.
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 student teams' success 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.
Learn more about Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture on AgCareers.com!
