NCTA kicks of '100 Cow, 100 Acre' program

CURTIS, Nebraska -- Agriculture leaders in the beef cattle and crops industries will highlight a fall "kick-off" of the 100-Beef Cow, 100-Acre Farm Ownership Advantage programs at NCTA on Thursday in Curtis.

Ownership Advantage programs assist individuals in preparations and training to operate their own farm or ranch. Producers and students interested in pursuing an on-campus, 2-year degree program or the off-campus, outreach program are encouraged to attend.

Confirmed speakers include: Mark Wilke, Farm Loan Chief, Nebraska State Farm Service Agency; Karla Bahm, Beginning Farmer Program Administrator, Nebraska Department of Agriculture; Brent Robertson, Nebraska Wheat Board; Andy Chvatal, Nebraska Soybean Board; Dennis Gengenbach, Nebraska Corn Board; Pete McClymont, Nebraska Cattlemen; and Del Ficke, Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Dr. Doug Smith, NCTA assistant professor in livestock management, and Dr. Brad Ramsdale, NCTA assistant professor of agronomy, serve as coordinators for the beginning farmer curriculum and will outline details of both on-campus and off-campus programs.

Farm and ranch owners interested in partnering with beginning farmers or ranchers are also encouraged to attend. The event will be 1 to 5 p.m. at the Nebraska Agriculture Industry Education Center, Siminoe Drive and University Street, on the east side of the NCTA Campus.

No registration required. For further details, contact Dr. Smith at (308) 367-5286 or doug.smith@unl.edu. General information about NCTA is available at 1-800-3CURTIS or online at NCTA.unl.edu.