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The 2025 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Judging Conference has come to an end and Black Hawk College has once again come out on top. Sending 53 students to compete in 15 different contests, Black Hawk continues to dominate. For the eighth year in a row – and 16th in history – BHC has won the two-year program Sweepstakes Award, where points from each contest contribute to a total team score. But NACTA’s impact on students goes beyond success.
Founded 70 years ago, NACTA was developed to create a forum for postsecondary teachers of agriculture to discuss the changes in agriculture and the reflection that has on education. Through an annual judging conference, they are also able to promote agricultural education with competitive events. Today, its relevance is clearer than ever, as technological developments across all facets of agriculture and the general decline of the industry across the United States makes promoting agricultural education more necessary than ever.
This year, students traveled to Canyon, Texas, to participate in NACTA at West Texas A&M University. Though the Black Hawk College boasts five primary programs – veterinary science, crops, soil, horse judging and livestock judging – students participated in 15 different events, allowing an opportunity to learn about different areas of agriculture while contributing to the school’s success. For some, this was rediscovering what was learned in classes while participating in the Knowledge Bowl. Others were forced to rethink what they know about livestock and learn to evaluate and discuss dairy cattle in the Dairy Judging contest. But for all students, it was a point in time where all aspects of the agriculture industry merged for a learning experience unlike any other.
At one central location, students in the field of agriculture gather to celebrate the industry and continue their education. In meeting peers from all areas of the country, students are able to connect with like-minded individuals showing just how prolific agriculture remains today. Beyond connecting with fellow competitors, students are also able to network with senior colleges and industry professionals through their respective events.
Yet, it was the awards banquet where all aspects of the industry combined to show its abundance. A prime rib dinner was provided, courtesy of the Coors Cowboys Club, an organization dedicated to spreading the word of agriculture through community service and rodeo events. Students dove into the meal that was sourced locally in the heart of ranching country while they were simultaneously recognized for their achievements in their competitive events. It was not until later that they realized the greater importance of this event: the grandest achievement of all is keeping agriculture alive and relevant.
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