By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) Crops Judging Team continues its tradition of excellence by earning a first-place team finish at a competition hosted by Oklahoma State University. The contest marks a first for the host and includes both two-year and four-year college divisions, with all participants completing the same challenging contest components.
Led by agronomy professor and coach Dr. Brad Ramsdale, the NCTA team shows strong performance and consistency throughout the event. Students are tested in plant and seed identification, laboratory practical skills, agronomic math, and crop science knowledge. These areas reflect real-world decision-making used in crop production and agronomy careers.
In the overall individual results for the two-year division, KaCee Jo Saffer of Arriba, Colorado, places first. Wyatt Ozenbaugh of Ohiowa, Nebraska, earns second place, while Grant Ottun of Sargent, Nebraska, finishes third. Other strong performers include Aaron Underwood of Esbon, Kansas, in fifth place; Jada Eilert of Jewell, Kansas, in sixth; Kyra Jespersen of Hemingford, Nebraska, in seventh; Hailey Loutzenhizer of Flagler, Colorado, in eighth; and Mason Semler of Exeter, Nebraska, in tenth place. Team scoring remains very close, showing the strength and consistency of all members.
Dr. Brad Ramsdale praises the team’s dedication and teamwork, saying, “I’m very proud of all the students as they are all working very hard and do a great job helping each other get better. Oklahoma State put on a great contest that allowed us all to learn some new things.”
Category results highlight individual strengths. In Plant and Seed Identification, KaCee Jo Saffer finishes first, Wyatt Ozenbaugh second, and Grant Ottun third. In the Lab Practical, Wyatt Ozenbaugh takes first, Aaron Underwood second, and Grant Ottun third. The Math Exam results place KaCee Jo Saffer first, Wyatt Ozenbaugh second, and Grant Ottun third. In the Knowledge Exam, Wyatt Ozenbaugh ties first, while KaCee Jo Saffer places third.
The competition strengthens NCTA’s reputation for hands-on learning and technical training. Through teamwork, practical experience, and strong academic preparation, students continue to build skills that support future careers in crop production, agribusiness, and agricultural consulting.
Photo Credit: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General