Student Spotlight: Curtis Wetovick

East Campus pillars at enterance
Curtis Wetovick
Curtis Wetovick

Hometown: Fullerton, NE
Major: Animal Science, business option
Minor: Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship 
Anticipated Date of Graduation: December 2015


Why did you decide to come to UNL?

I decided to come to UNL because of the reputable animal science program, to build career connections in a way that no other college in Nebraska can offer and because I would be the fourth child in my family to attend UNL. 


What is your favorite thing about UNL?

My favorite thing about UNL is the atmosphere. Whether East or City Campus, there is always a neat feeling in the air unique from any institution I have been involved with. A spirit of excitement for the future, Husker pride, kindness, curiosity and Midwestern hard work and determination can be felt and seen across UNL at all times. 

 
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?

My favorite class taken so far would be a tie between AECN 201 Farm and Ranch Management and ASCI 455 Cow/Calf Management. I enjoy the classes that are the most applicable to my future as a beef producer and auctioneer, and the combination of these two classes was exactly that. AECN 201, taught by Dr. Ron Hanson, was a fast-paced, four credit hour class covering the financial aspects of operating a farm or ranch, involving crop and cattle marketing economics, cash flow planning, preparing an income statement and cash flow, estate planning and much more. This class was a more challenging 200 level class but I soon found out that if I simply put in the time to study and think through the material, I would easily earn an A in the class. ASCI 455, taught by Dr. Tom Field and Dr. Rick Rasby, was a class that I know I will revisit in my mind and use the notes nearly everyday when I am back home building my cowherd, and expanding and improving my family cattle operation. The class taught a holistic approach and mindset to beef cattle production as well as advice and research results involving genetics, nutrition, health, reproduction and cost reduction strategies for managing a cow/calf production operation. 

 
What are your plans post-graduation?

I plan to return home to Fullerton to my family's cattle operation, Rick Wetovick & Sons, to boost the growth of my cowherd and work hard to improve and expand the family operation. In today's high tech world of fast paced agriculture, cutting edge management strategies and smooth adaptions to new technologies are crucial to the viability of an operation and essential to keeping family farms and ranches in the family. I also plan to work as a livestock auctioneer both for breeding cattle production sales and at one or more weekly livestock market sale barns. I have a strong passion for auctioneering stemming from the melodic rhythm of the chant, the way an auctioneer can command a room, its unique ability to expedite the marketing process and its deep tradition in Nebraska. I attended auction school between my junior and senior year of high school and proceeded to win the 2011 International Junior Auctioneer Championship that year. I plan to continue to compete in auctioneer competitions in order to become known and grow my network, and I hope to do well at this year's Nebraska Auctioneer Association Auctioneer Championship at the state fair.

 
What’s life like outside of school?

I don't sit still very well! I come from a large family of six siblings and learned from a young age that good things don't happen on their own. I am very driven and am always looking to the future. Whether for my education, career paths, personal life, faith, family or friends, I always find something that needs improving and work hard to make it better. I try everyday to be nice to everyone I come in contact with and give people a reason to smile and feel good about themselves. I love small town Nebraska and the sense of community and belonging that is felt on the streets and country roads around small towns across the state. Things I like to do for fun include horseback team penning events, country music concerts, trap shooting, basketball and enjoying the company of family and friends. My faith in God is what keeps me going when things get tough!


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