Source: Gerry Posler, 785-532-5402, gposler@k-state.edu
Note to editor: Matt Pachta is a graduate of Linn High School.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
K-STATE CROPS TEAM PLACES THIRD AT NATIONAL CONTEST
MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University Crops Team won third place overall at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Crops Contest April 18 at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.
The team also placed second in identification and third in the lab practical phases of the contest.
Fifteen teams from two- and four-year colleges and universities participated in the competition.
The competition tested participants' skills in four areas. The agronomic quiz evaluated knowledge of crop production and management, crop physiology and breeding, soils and tillage, soil fertility, crop harvesting and storage, weeds, insects, and diseases. During the laboratory practical, competitors identified insects, diseases, weeds, fertilizers, stored grains, forage and processed crop products, and field and laboratory equipment. In addition, the contest also included crop and weed plant and seed identification, and agronomic calculations and equipment calibration.
Gerry Posler, professor of agronomy, served as coach for the team.
Members of the K-State Crops Team and their contest results, if placed, include:
Alex Bolack, junior in agronomy, Burden, fifth overall, with a third in lab practical and eighth place in identification; Jason Rugan, junior in horticulture, Ellinwood, alternate; Matt Wyckoff, junior in agronomy, Gardner, team member; Matt Pachta, senior in agronomy, Manhattan, 10th place in lab practical; Josh Andres, junior in agronomy, Newton, sixth in identification; and Josh Patterson, sophomore in agronomy, Valley Center, alternate and had the highest identification score.
From out of state: Kevin Hecht, junior in agronomy, Farmington, N.M., alternate.