U of M, Crookston Associate Professor Charles Habstritt Receives the John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising March 6, 2008

Crookston, Minn. (March 7, 2008) -Charles "Chuck" Habstritt, associate professor of agronomy at the University of Minnesota, Crookston was recently named as a recipient of the 2007-08 John Tate Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. Habstritt is being recognized at a ceremony on Friday, April 4, 2008, in the Radisson Hotel Metrodome from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. A recognition event was held on the Crookston campus in early March.

"Chuck's deep passion for students makes him an extremely effective advocate for them," explains Ron Del Vecchio, head of the Agriculture Department." I have witnessed his deep belief in placing a priority on the rights and concerns of students through his actions in departmental meetings and in one-on-one conversations. It is not difficult to see why Chuck is so well liked and respected by the student population at the U of M, Crookston."

Habstritt began his teaching career with the U of M, Crookston in 1969, teaching in the areas of agronomy and soils in the plant industries management program. For the past 36 years, Habstritt coached the highly successful crops judging teams on the Crookston campus and is responsible for compiling the rules and regulations book used for the national contests. Habstritt describes his advising style simply as, "Treat all students as equals, have open lines of communication, be a good listener, and make sure the student feels free to come in and visit even if it has nothing to do with academics."

U of M, Crookston Senior Amy Schwarz, one of several students writing support letters, stated, "Chuck provides so much integrity and hard work in advising students. He spends numerous hours in his office and is always willing to drop the task at hand and visit or advise with his own advisees or students in unrelated majors. He is a great listener and creates a comfortable atmosphere for discussion with not only class schedules but some of life's major decisions."

"In many ways, I consider Professor Habstritt the gold standard as an advisor," says Dan Svedarsky, Ph.D., head of the Natural Resources Department and professional colleague. "He's certainly one of the very best that I've encountered in over 37 years in higher education."

The Tate Awards, established in 1986-87, recognize and reward high-quality academic advising at the University of Minnesota. The award calls attention to the contribution academic advising makes to helping students formulate and achieve intellectual, career and personal goals. By highlighting outstanding advising examples, the Tate Awards identify professional models and celebrate the role that academic advising plays in the University's educational mission. The award is named in honor of John Tate, professor of physics and first dean of University College (1930-41).

Habstritt joins the other prestigious 2007-08 Tate Award winners from the Twin Cities campus: Randal Barnes, civil engineering, Institute of Technology; Gary Cooper, applied economics, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences; and Holly Hatch-Surisook, psychology, College of Liberal Arts.

UMC Crops Judging Team wins big at national competitions

Success has long been a trademark of the crops judging teams at the University of Minnesota, Crookston and this year's team maintains that legacy. The 2007 Collegiate Crops Judging Team, coached by Agronomy Professor Chuck Habstritt, placed second at both the Chicago and Kansas City (Missouri) Collegiate Crops Judging Contest, just behind Kansas State University. The contests took place in mid-November.

The U of M, Crookston Crops Judging Team included Amy Schwartz, Monticello, Minn.; Luke Dighans, Peerless, Montana ; Joyana Wardrip, Nelson, Minn. The team's alternate was Stephen Roerick, Swanville, Minn.

The Kansas City and Chicago contests represent the national finals of collegiate crops competition for the year. The competition consists of three parts: grain grading, seed analysis and seed identification.

The U of M, Crookston team had first place finishes in seed analysis in both competitions while taking second in grain grading and identification in Kansas City and third in Chicago resulting in the overall second place finish in both contests. In Kansas City and Chicago, Schwartz was the second place individual. While Wardrip placed sixth in Kansas City and fifth in Chicago. Dighans managed a seventh place finish in Kansas City and a ninth place finish in Chicago.

"Our collegiate crops judging teams have had great success over the years," Habstritt explains. "We work hard and our students put in the time it takes to compete near the top. We are very proud of them."

Habstritt has coached the crops judging teams for 36 years and is responsible for compiling the rules and regulations book used for the contest. Preparation for the crops contest teaches evaluation of crops for quality relative to certification, viability and marketing. Students learn in great depth many things which can be valuable regardless of their chosen profession in agronomy.

Water resource student at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC), Daniel Pazdernik, Waubun, Minn., was recently selected to receive the 2006 Scholarship Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society. The announcement was made by Chapter Awards Chair Greg Larson. Candidates are judged on their integrity, skills gained through training or experience, interest in natural resource related fields, grade point average and their expressed commitment to the field of resource management.

A senior, double-majoring in water resource management and agronomy, Pazdernik is “an excellent role model of a well-rounded conservation student” according to Dan Svedarsky, Ph.D. and head of the Natural Resources Department.  “He is the fifth UMC student in the last six years to receive the $ 500 award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society, and it is wonderful recognition for Dan and UMC.”

Accolades for Pazdernik were echoed by agronomy professor Chuck Habstritt, “In the fall semester of 2006, Dan joined my crops team and his team placed first overall in the national contests in Chicago and Kansas City.  Their competition was teams from major land grants campuses across the country and their performance was the best ever for a UMC team!”

Fall Semester at UMC Brings Students More Options and Opportunities

CROOKSTON, MN (September 18, 2006) – Students are finding more choices when selecting a major at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) this fall. Agronomy and horticulture are now two separate stand-alone Bachelor of Science programs making them easier to recognize for students as well as potential employers. And an online Bachelor of Applied Science degree in psychology is also available.

Students majoring in horticulture, the cultivation and production of flowers, fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants, can take options in either production horticulture or environmental landscaping.

  “The horticulture industry is experiencing major growth in the United States with the increase in landscaping and the use of plants in indoor spaces,” Natural Resources Department Head Dan Svedarsky said. “Employment opportunities make horticulture an exciting area to work and include such career options as extension educator, commercial greenhouse operator and even horticulture therapy. This field is very broad and gives students many choices.”

UMC students majoring in agronomy, the science of soil management and production of field crops, will receive specialized training in advanced agricultural technologies which focus on the scientific changes taking place in agriculture today. Degree options include agronomic science and crop production. Career choices include opportunities to work as agronomists, county agricultural extension agents, quality control experts and seed analysts.

The psychology degree is being offered in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD). UMC students can take their general education courses and beginning psychology courses onsite at UMC and the advanced courses online through UMD. UMC’s outstanding technology efforts make these types of activities possible and allow students more choices than ever before.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 24 different undergraduate degree programs in agriculture; arts, humanities, and social sciences; business; math, science, and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further, and dream big dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

Collegiate Crops Team at U of M, Crookston takes First Place in Chicago and Kansas City National Contests

CROOKSTON, MN (November 28, 2006) – Recent first place finishes by the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) Collegiate Crops Team continue a legacy of success established long ago. The two national contests, held in Chicago, Ill., and Kansas City, Kan., took place November 18 and 21, 2006, respectively. Representing UMC were Meagan McGrane, Wadena, Minn., Eric Proulx, Red Lake Falls, Minn., and Dan Pazdernik, Waubun, Minn. Amy Schwartz, Monticello, Minn., served as the alternate for both contests. Charles Habstritt, associate professor of agriculture at UMC, has served as the coach since the crops teams began participating in the contests 35 years ago.

The contests integrate a student’s knowledge of agronomy into the three categories: seed analysis, grain grading and crop and weed identification. Results from the contest in Chicago were Eric Proulx, first place individual; Meagan McGrane, second place individual; and  Dan Pazdernik, sixth place individual. The team took first place overall with first place finishes in seed analysis and grain grading and a third place finish in crop and weed identification. In Kansas City, the team finished in first place in all three of the team contests and individual finishes include Meagan McGrane, first place individual; Eric Proulx, second place individual; and Dan Pazdernik, seventh place individual.

“For UMC to finish first in both of the national Collegiate Crops Contests is phenomenal,” Habstritt remarked. “It shows the high level of dedication by our students. They deserve this recognition of their hard work, and I am proud of the way they represented our campus.”  UMC was up against teams from Purdue University, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin Platteville, Virginia Tech University, University of Tenn. Martin, Murray State University.

Preparation for the contests begins early in the semester and requires intense preparation. Crops teams from UMC have placed in the top three more than 20 times over their history. The Chicago contest began in 1923 and has been held every year except in 1929 and during World War II (1942-‘46). The Kansas City Contest was held the first time in 1929 and has been held annually through 1941, with the exception of 1942-‘46. Collectively, 153 contests have been held.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 24 different undergraduate degree programs, including online options, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream big dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

UMC Collegiate Crops Team in Chicago, Ill. (l to r) Charles Habstritt, associate professor of agriculture and coach; Eric Proulx; Dan Pazdernik; Meagan McGrane; and Amy Schwartz

Successful Ag Activities Day Held at U of M, Crookston Hosting Some 1300 Students

CROOKSTON, MN (December 7, 2006) – For the last 25 years, Ag Activities Day has been held at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The day gives high school students the chance to participate in activities in agriculture resulting in scholarship awards. This year’s event held Friday, Dec. 1, 2006, hosted some 1,300 high school students from all over the region who came to participate in 18 contests ranging from Ag Mechanics, Ag Sales, and Dairy to Wildlife and Hippology.

In the afternoon, an awards ceremony was held to announce the individual winners, as well as to recognize the top three teams.  Each team score was tabulated from the top three individuals from each participating school or chapter. This year $32,000 of scholarship money allowed the awarding of individual UMC scholarships in the amount of $750 for the first place individual, $600 for the second place individual and $450 for the third place individual.

First place individuals were Austin Link, New York Mills, Minn., in Dairy Judging; Kristine Neu, Pelican Rapids, Minn., in Nursery and Landscape; Andrew Thronson, Mahnomen, Minn., in Soils; Victoria Peterson, Long Prairie, Minn., in Hippology; Paul Schiller, Stillwater, Minn., Forestry; Stephanie Amiot, Thief River Falls, Minn., in Small Animals; Jeran Hilde, Ada Borup, Minn., in Dairy Foods; Nolan Jeral, Hawley, Minn., in Ag Sales; Ben Fuglie, Ulen-Hitterdahl, Minn., in Farm Management; and Jake Hein in Wildlife and Nicole Chessmen in Floriculture both from Grand Rapids, Minn.

Mahnomen, Minn., had three first place finishing teams in Farm Management, Dairy Judging and Soils. Pelican Rapids, Minn., had two teams taking first place finishes in Nursery/Landscape and Ag Sales; and Grand Rapids, Minn., had two first place finishes in Floriculture and Wildlife. Teams taking first place in other contests were Thief River Falls, Minn., in Small Animals; Lake Park-Audubon, Minn., in Meats; Greenbush-Middle River, Minn., in General Livestock; Ada-Borup, Minn., in Dairy Foods; and Hawley, Minn., in Hippology.

Ag Activities Day fits the mission of the UMC Agriculture Department to provide exemplarpolytechnic learning through teaching, applied research and collaborative outreach interactions. Students participating in the activities learn skills to help them in future educational and leadership pursuits. To view all the results of the Ag Activities Day contests, visit www.crk.umn.edu/ag/AAD/2006Results.htm

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 24 different undergraduate degree programs, including online options, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream big dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

These high school students from Fertile, Minn., were part of the 1300 students particpating in Ag Activities Day.

True Grit Award Winners Named at U of M, Crookston’s Ag Arama

CROOKSTON, Minn. (January 29, 2007) – Winners of the True Grit Award were  announced at Ag Arama at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007. The award is the most coveted of all awards at the annual competition, and this year, three students were selected for the recognition.Kelli Pulford, Richville, Minn., Thor Vettleson, Trail, Minn., and Gretchen Smeby, Grygla, Minn., were this year’s recipients.

The True Grit Award is dedicated to the memory of Todd Opsahl a UMC student in 1973-74. Opsahl was extremely active in campus activities especially in the Ag Division where he studied animal science. Todd’s life was cut short by leukemia. In his remembrance, the True Grit award is presented to the student who best demonstrates Todd Opsahl’s active participation and encouragement of others.

Ag Arama is an annual winter competition that features contests for students in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources. Through these contests the event allows current students to showcase their knowledge and skills in their major area of study and gives them a chance interact with each other, with alumni, and with faculty members. Ag-Arama is planned and operated by a committee of UMC students and advised by UMC faculty members.

For information on programs in agriculture, natural resources and horticulture at UMC, visit http://academics.umcrookston.edu or call 218-281-8569.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 24 different undergraduate degree programs, including online options, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream big dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

Kelli Pulford, Thor Vettleson, and Gretchen Smeby

Royalty Crowned at U of M, Crookston’s 2007 Ag Arama on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007

CROOKSTON, Minn. (January 29, 2007) – Coronation at Ag Arama 2007 was held at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007. Royalty crowned were King Cory Detloff, Bertha, Minn., Queen Amy Konradi, Canby, Minn., Prince Matt Przekwas, Roseau, Minn.,  and Princess Danika Kent, Lancaster, Minn.

The faculty of the agricultural management division at UMC nominate the candidates and a panel of judges selects the male and female students they feel best reflect the goals and spirit of the UMC Agricultural Management Division. Selection is based on congeniality and involvement in the division along with campus activities.

Ag Arama is an annual winter competition that features contests for students in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources. Through these contests the event allows current students to showcase their knowledge and skills in their major area of study and gives them a chance interact with each other, with alumni, and with faculty members. Ag-Arama is planned and operated by a committee of UMC students and advised by UMC faculty members.

For information on programs in agriculture, natural resources and horticulture at UMC, visit http://academics.umcrookston.edu or call 218-281-8569.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 24 different undergraduate degree programs, including online options, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream big dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

King Cory Detloff, Queen Amy Konradi, Prince Matt Przekwas, Princess Danika Kent

Sugar Beet Expert Speaks at UMC
Special Speaker Ron McMartin, owner of one of the world's largest sugar beet farming operations, addressed selected topics within the sugar beet industry and the relationship of technology to “mega-management” needs in this industry at Youngquist Auditorium, Agricultural Research Center on February 11. McMartin was invited to speak at UMC by Marv Mattson, associate professor of agronomy.
posted February 12, 2004

UMC Crops Team Takes Third in Nation

UMC's Collegiate Crops Team captured third in the nation at the Kansas City and Chicago Collegiate Crops Judging Contests held recently in November. UMC's team consisted of (from left) Pete Kvien of Roseau, Josh Bjorneby of Grafton, ND, Patti Meyer of Warren, and Sara Krippner of Kimball. UMC's team competed against teams from Kansas State University , U. Wisconsin--Platteville, Purdue University, and South Dakota State. Congratulations!
posted December 10, 2003

UMC Places Second at Kansas City
The UMC Crops Team did extremely well at the Collegiate Crops Contest, held Nov. 17-21 in Kansas City, MO.  The team placed second overall, third in Identification, second in Seed Analysis, and third in Grain Grading.  Members of the team also did well as individuals.  Ben Loll of Campbell, MN, placed eleventh overall and ninth in Grain Grading.  Jeremy Sather of Gary, MN, placed tenth overall, seventh in Seed Analysis, and tenth in Grain Grading.  Kevin Jacobson of Fullerton, ND, earned fifth place overall, first in Grain Grading, eighth in Seed Anaylsis, and tenth in Identification.  UMC's team competed against other teams from Colorado State University, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Purdue, South Dakota State, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and Virginia Tech.

posted Nov. 21, 2002