Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- On Nov. 18 the University of Wisconsin-Platteville crops judging team competed at the National Crops Contest in Kansas City. They also competed in Chicago on Nov. 20.

In the Kansas City contest the team placed second overall. Team members also excelled individually, with members Ian Prust placing fourth overall, Gretchen Brewer placing fifth and Kate DePauw placing seventh. According to the UWP Aggie, Prust placed third in grain grading and identification and seventh in seed analysis, Brewer placed fourth in grain grading and sixth in both seed analysis and identification and DePauw placed second in identification, fourth in seed analysis and ninth in grain grading.

At the Chicago contest the team took second place again, placing first in grain grading and second in both seed analysis and identification. DePauw placed third overall, placing second in identification, third in seed analysis and fourth in grain grading. Prust earned fourth overall, placing first in grain grading, sixth in identification and seventh in seed analysis. Brewer took sixth place, with third in grading and 10th in seed analysis and identification. The team's finishes earned them a trip to the North American Colleges and Teachers in Agriculture contest this spring.

The team is coached by Dr. Roger Higgs and includes alternates Bob Berkevich and Brad Lewke. While on the trip the team visited the Underground Storage Caverns, Agriculture Hall of Fame, Kansas City Board of Trade, Chicago Board of Trade, Sears Tower, Anheiser Busch and Monsanta/Pfizer.