By René McCracken, Agriculture Director
Each spring, the Texas Junior College Agriculture Association (TJCAA) hosts one of the most anticipated events of the year for community college ag students across the state. This year’s conference and competition, held April 2–4 at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, was no exception—and () was proud to be well represented by an incredible group of students who brought their passion, knowledge, and teamwork to South Texas.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks go out to our dedicated Ag Club travel team: Jordon Berkley, Taylor Collins, Megan Simmons, Khloe Haygood, Kathryn Jennett, and Arianna McClain. Although some of our members were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts and work obligations, the seven students who made the trip gave it everything they had—and it showed.
For our students, TJCAA is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of the agricultural industry and a reminder of the important role we each play in shaping its future. It's also a time to reflect on how far our students have come and how much they continue to grow.
Agriculture students earned top marks in several areas:
- Kathryn Jennett delivered a moving prepared speech on “Inclusion of Special Needs Students in Agricultural Training Programs,” earning 4th place overall and a standing ovation from her peers. The message was so powerful that she was asked to share it again for the group later that day.
- Jordon Berkley showcased his depth of knowledge, earning 1st place in both Animal Science and Horticulture. He also placed 2nd in Ag Mechanics and 4th in Wildlife overall. His achievements are Megan Simmons brought home 2nd place in Wildlife, a testament to her dedication to natural resources and conservation topics.
- proudly took 2nd place in Scrapbook, a team effort that highlighted a year of growth, fun, and service. Special thanks to Arianna McClain and Megan Simmons for presenting the entry so beautifully.
Finally, we want to shine a spotlight on our Ag Club president, Jordon Berkley, who also served as the TJCAA State Sentinel this year. His leadership, commitment, and continued excellence in competition represent the very best of what Agriculture is all about.
We are incredibly proud of all our students who competed, supported one another, and represented with grit and grace. Their performance is a testament to the strength of our program and the passion of our future ag leaders. For more information about the Agriculture Program, follow us on Facebook at Ag Department or contact Agriculture Director René McCracken at rmccracken@ntcc.edu.
