April 28, 2006
The Iowa State University crops team has placed third at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) crops contest held in Macomb, Ill. April 21.
The team of agronomy undergraduates placed first in the lab practical portion of the contest and third in math, plant and seed identification and agronomic knowledge. The crops contest consists of a series of written, problem-solving and identification exams.
Landon Ries of Ringstead placed first in the overall individual competition. He was first in agronomic knowledge and lab practical and third in agriculture math. Jeff Chalstrom of Webb placed sixth overall and was third in lab practical. Other team members were Jared Uhlman, Adair; Wade Kent, Algona; Raechel Baumgartner Ries, Ponce, Puerto Rico; Kellie Tholen, Tipton; Jesse Stayner, Prairie City; and Michael Schrum, Grand Junction. Lance Gibson, associate professor of agronomy, coaches the team. It is sponsored by the Iowa Crop Improvement Association.
NACTA is a professional society that promotes the recognition of excellence in teaching agriculture and related areas at the post secondary level.
Caption information: The Iowa State University Crops Team is shown with their awards. From left, team members are Landon Ries, Mike Schrum, Jesse Stayner, Rachael Baumgartner, Wade Kent, Jared Uhlman and Jeff Chalstrom. Not pictured, Kellie Tholen. The chair was awarded to Landon Ries for his first place finish in the overall individual competition.