April 20, 2005
The Iowa State University crops team placed second overall April 15 at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) crops contest in Norfolk, Neb.
The team of agronomy undergraduates placed first in the crop knowledge and lab portions of the contest, second in agriculture math and third in plant and seed identification.
Paul Reicks of Lawler was second in the overall individual competition after placing second in agronomic knowledge and third in agriculture math. Jason Haegele of Davenport placed fourth overall, was first in the lab portion and third in agronomic knowledge. Ryan Schnoes of Remsen placed ninth overall. Other team members were: Matthew Klein, Remsen; Jeff Chalstrom, Webb; Landon Ries, Ringstead; Wade Kent, Algona; and Jared Uhlman, Adair. Lance Gibson, associate professor of agronomy, coaches the team.
The crops contest consists of a series of written, problem-solving and identification exams. The Iowa Crop Improvement Association supports the Iowa State team.
NACTA is a professional society that focuses on promotion and recognition of excellence in teaching agriculture and related areas at the post secondary level.