NCTA: Educating Agriculture’s Workforce

size the most up-to-date information, skills and current technology. Students gain a broad understanding of their respective industries and career opportunities at networking activities, field trips, and off-campus seminars.

The experiential learning environment and knowledge gained at the NCTA farm, classroom, field labs, and livestock facilities gives each student a great start into their career. We know that they have much more to learn in their professions, and the great beginning on campus and through internships with mentors prepares these young adults for a successful future.

By: Dr. Doug Smith, University of NebraskaNebraska College of Technical Agriculture

“NCTA: where is that located? Is that the tech school over at Curtis? What do you teach there?” These are some of the common questions I receive when I tell people I am from NCTA.

NCTA is the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Nebraska. The college is part of the University of Nebraska System. NCTA offers two-year associate degrees in the areas of Agronomy, Agricultural Mechanics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Animal Science, and Veterinary Technology as well as now offering an on-line Bachelors of Applied Science Degree through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Many may have heard of NCTA, but are not sure exactly what the focus is on the Aggie campus. NCTA is a technical agriculture-based curriculum that provides a hands-on learning opportunity for students planning to return to a farm or ranch operation, or be employed in agricultural careers.

Some NCTA graduates progress to a 4-year degree at various institutions throughout the Midwest with most attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Within the Animal Science and Agricultural Education division, we develop knowledgeable students who can be a great asset to any operation they enter. NCTA provides Associate of Applied Science degrees in Livestock Industry Management and Equine Industry Management. Associate of Science Degrees are conferred in Animal Science, Agricultural Education, and Grazing Livestock Systems.

Course work includes specific classes which cover management, nutrition and reproduction. Our faculty empha-

In livestock education, we focus mainly on beef cattle from conception to consumption. NCTA faculty are actively engaged in the industry and stay abreast of new technologies.

At campus, we operate a small feedlot as well as a small herd of commercial Angus cattle. Students assist at NCTA and with off-campus entities in calving responsibilities, health management, nutrition management, reproductive management, grazing, weaning, feeding, and transportation to harvest. Students also engage in discussions on marketing and educate consumers about our beef product.

Not only do we focus on the technical, production side, instructors also ensure that NCTA graduates have solid business knowledge. Students take courses in Farm Records, Farm and Ranch Management, Marketing, and how to build a business plan.

While on campus and experiencing the ins and outs of the industry, students also represent NCTA throughout the U.S. as members of competitive, traveling teams. Crops Judging, Livestock Judging, Ranch Horse, Rodeo and a Shooting Sports teams provide excellent teaching and leadership opportunities.

NCTA also supports discipline areas for contests at the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. My primary role is as coach of the NCTA Livestock Judging Team.

Many hours of practicing, miles on the road, building networks within the livestock industry, and mental preparation is what goes into a successful livestock judging team. Students learn evaluation tools of four different species (beef cattle, swine, sheep, and goats).