Students and professors from the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston) attended the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) annual judging conference. The 4-day conference was held April 10-13 and it hosted over 700 students from across the nation at Murray State, Kentucky. The conference consisted of judging contests, educational tours, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony. Along with excellence in each portion of the competition, UMN Crookston took home the four year, overall sweepstakes award.

Students had the opportunity to compete in a wide range of events on teams or as individuals. The teams were all coached by UMN Crookston professors and faculty. The number of competitions a school competed in, as well as their placings in the contests, combine together to give them points toward the overall sweepstakes award. This year marks the first time in five years that UMN Crookston has won the award. 

Conference attendees were able to find value in the educational and campus related tours Murray State offered. Along with tours of the campus, there were tours of an agricultural hemp facility and a winery. Students enjoyed horseback riding in Kentucky. Networking opportunities with other students from different universities were available at socials, after contests, and at the closing banquet. 

Contest placings are as follows: