Morel Jurado named Proteus Farmworker of the Year
By Alan Carman
Courtesy of NCTA News
Morel Jurado of Imperial, who graduated from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in 2024, was named as the Proteus Farmworker of the Year Award winner at the National Farmworker Appreciation Day in Hastings.
After earning his associate’s degree in Agribusiness Management, Jurado moved to Imperial to work in the cattle industry. He credits both NCTA and Proteus for helping him achieve his educational and career goals.
As a first generation student, Proteus helped with financial assistance to attend college classes and that support meant everything.
Jurado praised NCTA’s hands-on learning programs, strong industry connections, and role in developing Nebraska’s ag workforce.
NCTA Associate Dean, Dr. Jennifer McConville praised Jurado’s contributions and leadership during college.
“Morel demonstrates the heart of Nebraska’s agricultural community. He is hard working, resilient, and committed to building a better future,” she said.
Proteus implements the National Farmworker Jobs Program funded through the United States Department of Labor. Funding supports the response to chronic seasonal unemployment and underemployment experienced by agricultural workers, by offering educational assistance, short-term certification programs, job training, and/or career placements.
The program helps farm workers cover costs related to career and training programs such as tuition, books, tool/equipment, or provides a stipend for class attendance.
Part of the University of Nebr. system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two year institution that prepares students for careers in agriculture, veterinary technology and related industries.
NCTA is known for it’s affordable tuition, high job placement rate, and for the success of student teams in competitive activities including crop judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials and intercollegiate rodeo.