NCTA Crops Judging Team Wins Iowa State Contest, Continues Season of Dominance

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

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Crops Judging Team continued an exceptional competitive season this weekend, earning first-place team honors at the Iowa State Crops Contest and claiming nine of the top ten individual placings.
Leading the field for NCTA were:
1st – Wyatt Ozenbaugh
2nd – KaCee Jo Saffer
3rd – Grant Ottun
4th – Aaron Underwood

Other team members competing included Jada Eilert, Hailey Loutzenhiser, Kyra Jespersen, Mason Semler, and Rachel Bose; also achieving top 10 individual scores as unofficial contestants.

Crops judging competitions challenge students to apply advanced agronomy knowledge through crop and seed identification, laboratory analysis, production problem solving, and agronomic calculations. The fast-paced contests simulate the real-world decisions crop consultants, agronomists, and producers make in the field.

“The Iowa State contest was another great learning experience for the students and their hard work continues to show great results,” said Dr. Brad Ramsdale, NCTA agronomy professor and crops judging team coach.

“We also had the opportunity to tour Corteva’s Pioneer Seed Headquarters in Johnston, IA, which included their high-tech greenhouse facility and laboratories for advancing crop genetics,” Ramsdale said.

Experiences like competitive judging, applied lab work, and direct interaction with industry partners reflect the spirit of NCTA’s AgVantage Pathway—a partnership-driven approach to experiential education that connects students directly with the agriculture industry.

Through these rigorous competitions, students sharpen the analytical skills needed for careers as crop consultants, agronomy sales professionals, and precision agriculture specialists. Others build a strong foundation for continuing their education in agronomy and crop science at four-year universities.

For many NCTA students who come from family farming operations, the experience also translates directly back to the farm. The agronomic training gained through judging competitions equips them with the ability to diagnose crop challenges, evaluate soil and plant conditions, and apply science-based production practices that help maximize yields and improve long-term sustainability.

At NCTA, these experiences demonstrate how a hands-on education and strong industry partnerships prepare students to lead the next generation of crop production—whether advising producers across the region or applying their expertise at home on the family farm.