CURTIS, Neb. — Estimating available forage and learning how to move cattle gave Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture students a firsthand look at the decisions ranchers make every day during a recent visit to the Noffsinger ranch near Benkelman.
The annual field trip has become a highlight of NCTA’s Range Management class, connecting classroom lessons with practical experience in pasture management, rotational grazing and stockmanship. Jessica Rodman, the course instructor, sees it as one of the most impactful experiences for her students. “One of my goals is to show students that what we learn in class actually matters out on the ranch. Taking students to Dr. Tom’s, where he allows the students to give him recommendations on how to utilize his grass, really drives that home.”
Students began in the pasture, collecting forage clippings to estimate the annual forage production on two different pastures that had not yet been grazed. Using those estimates along with observations of what grasses were present and the condition of the range, they made recommendations to Dr. Tom Noffsinger about how long his cattle could graze in each pasture.
The exercise brought their study of stocking rates to life. Students used the forage in front of them to help make a management decision on a working ranch, an example of NCTA’s commitment to learn by doing.
Students also observed different water trap setups within a rotational grazing system, expanding their understanding of how ranch facilities support grazing management and cattle movement.
Noffsinger, a veterinarian and stockmanship educator from Benkelman, shared his knowledge of animal health and low-stress cattle handling. He has spent his career helping ranchers and feedlots improve cattle health and safety through livestock handling practices that emphasize animal wellbeing. His connection with NCTA includes hosting stockmanship clinics on campus and providing opportunities such as this field trip for students to develop their skills.
During the visit, each student practiced sorting cattle and emptying a pen, receiving individual feedback and guidance from Noffsinger. Working directly with cattle allowed students to apply his instruction and adjust their approach as they learned.
For Arabella Kallhoff, an Equine Industry Management student from Bellevue, Nebraska, the experience reinforced the value of stepping outside the classroom. “I learned more in my time out here than I would have in the classroom,” Kallhoff said.
Experiences like the Noffsinger ranch visit reflect the opportunities NCTA strives to provide: connecting students with experienced industry professionals, applying coursework to real decisions and building confidence through hands-on practice
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis is a two-year institution within the University of Nebraska system, dedicated to developing the next generation of agricultural professionals and veterinary technicians. NCTA offers specialized programs in Animal Science, Agronomy, Ag Equipment, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Education, Equine Industry Management, and Veterinary Technology, all grounded in a practical, career-focused approach to learning by doing.
