CURTIS, Neb. – A second winning sweep is in the books for an agronomy foursome from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis. 

Lee Jespersen, a Hemingford, Neb., farmer and NCTA student majoring in diversified agriculture led the Aggies Crops Judging Team to first-place honors at the Kansas State University Crops Judging Contest in Manhattan.

In addition to Jespersen were second, Dalon Koubek, North Platte; third, Nate Montanez, Grand Island; and fourth, Will Kusant,
Comstock. 

The Aggie second-year students swept the top four places of individual competitors in written exams, plant and seed identification, and a lab practical. 

NCTA won among six two-year colleges. Seven four-year schools also were in the March 9 contest. 

“The KSU crops contest is always very challenging and provides a great learning experience in preparation for nationals,” said Brad Ramsdale, PhD, NCTA agronomy professor and team coach. 

“Each student continues to work very hard and they are pushing each other to greater accomplishments.” 

The NCTA Aggies are 2017 national champions and will compete April 19-21 at the North American Colleges of Teachers and Agriculture conference in Norfolk, Neb.

Freshmen Catherine Ljunggren of Harvard and Jacob Vallery of Plattsmouth participated individually.

Brent Thomas of Alliance, a third-year NCTA student and former team member, assists the team and Coach Ramsdale. 

Students generally are enrolled in agronomy courses. Team members are in a class which meets several times each week throughout the year.