By Blake Jackson
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Collegiate Crops Team showcased their expertise at the National Association of College Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) crops contest, held at West Texas A&M University from April 9-12.
The competition brought together 100 students representing 14 universities. UW-Platteville's team demonstrated strong knowledge and skills, securing an impressive seventh-place finish in the overall rankings of the NACTA Judging Conference.
The NACTA contest evaluated students across four challenging areas: an agronomic quiz, a math practical, and a lab practical involving the identification of various crops, weeds, and seeds.
To prepare for this rigorous competition, team members dedicated two hours each week to intensive practice sessions throughout the semester. These sessions focused on honing their identification and evaluation abilities.
The dedicated team members who contributed to this success include Tyce Bettenhausen, Rachel Edwards, Marissa Folkers, Anna Hagemann, Katie Kelly, Anna Koehler, Jack Lichte, Leah Phillips, Sydney Rider, and Bryanna Smith.
Their travel to the national competition was made possible through the generous support of the Doug and Jean Buhler Undergraduate Travel Impact Grant, as well as contributions from alumni and friends to the UW-Platteville Foundation’s Soil and Crop Teams Endowment Fund and the Wisconsin Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Board.
The UW-Platteville Collegiate Crops Team operates under the guidance of Dawn Lee, the supervisor of Pioneer Greenhouse and Gardens and a lecturer within the School of Agriculture, who provided invaluable mentorship and training to the students.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Education