NCTA Graduate Named Proteus Farmworker of the Year

Morel Jurado of Imperial, a 2024 graduate of NCTA, has been honored with the Proteus Farmworker of the Year Award during the National Farmworker Appreciation Day Luncheon in Hastings.

Jurado, who earned an associate’s degree in Agribusiness Management, credits both NCTA and Proteus for helping him achieve his educational and career goals.

“Proteus helped me with financial assistance to attend college. As a first-generation student, that support meant everything. They believed in me when I decided to pursue a degree in Agribusiness Management at NCTA,” said Jurado.

Now working back in Imperial in the cattle industry, Jurado praised NCTA’s hands-on learning programs, strong industry connections, and role in developing Nebraska’s ag workforce at the event.
Dr. Jennifer McConville, associate dean, who attended the luncheon, praised Jurado’s contributions and leadership during college: “Morel demonstrates the heart of Nebraska's agricultural community. He is hardworking, resilient, and committed to building a better future.”

Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two-year institution with a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology and related industries. NCTA is known for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rate for its graduates, and for the success of student teams in competitive activities including crops judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials, and intercollegiate rodeo. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best two-year schools in the nation.