Nebraska colleges align to strengthen ag workforce

By Scout Nelson

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis will align with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) starting in 2025. This partnership aims to enhance technical agricultural education, create seamless student pathways, and strengthen Nebraska’s agricultural workforce.

Leadership Transition

NCTA’s dean will retire in June 2025 after leading significant advancements, including infrastructure improvements, community partnerships, and workforce development programs.

Key achievements under his leadership include securing a $644,489 USDA grant to develop a specialized meat processing curriculum, offering bilingual training and hands-on learning opportunities.

Another milestone was a $6 million donation toward renovating NCTA’s historic Barn into a Student Success and Activity Center. This project will provide enhanced dining facilities, student resources, and gathering spaces.

A New Collaboration

The alignment between NCTA and CASNR will benefit students pursuing high-demand agricultural careers. NCTA students will gain access to advanced coursework and world-class facilities, including the Henry J.

Stumpf International Wheat Center and Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory. CASNR students can enhance their education by acquiring technical skills through NCTA programs, earning associate degrees or certificates alongside bachelor’s degrees.

“This partnership will open doors for students to access world-class research facilities and hands-on learning opportunities,” NCTA leadership stated.

A Shared Vision

This collaboration aligns with Nebraska’s land-grant mission to innovate and lead agricultural education. “What happens next in agriculture happens first in Nebraska,” university leaders emphasized, highlighting the need for a workforce skilled in traditional and emerging agricultural practices.

The alignment positions Nebraska as a leader in technical, digital, and precision agriculture education, preparing students to thrive in the bioeconomy. A national search will identify NCTA’s next leader to advance the college’s mission.

Photo Credit:nebraska-extenstion