Brains, Boots, and Big Sky: Cowboys Compete at NACTA 2027
Brains, Boots, and Big Sky: Cowboys Compete at NACTA 2027 is a philanthropy campaign supporting the Oklahoma State University Agricultural Economics Quiz Bowl Team as they prepare to represent the Ferguson College of Agriculture at the 2027 NACTA (North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture) Conference in Montana. This fundraiser helps cover travel, registration, lodging, and competition expenses so our team can compete on a national stage while representing the Cowboy spirit and academic excellence of OSU. Through this effort, we aim to connect supporters, alumni, and industry partners who believe in investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders and problem solvers. Every contribution helps our team sharpen their knowledge, build professional connections, and bring the Cowboy legacy of hard work, integrity, and excellence to the Big Sky.
Team Members:
Trell Amoss (Captain)
Hometown: Albia, Iowa
Interests/Career Goals: Agricultural Policy, Government Affairs, & Academia
Camryn Bannister
Hometown: Wellington, Kansas
Interests/Career Goals: Law
Stephanie Berenda
Hometown: Earl Park, Indiana
Interests/Career Goals: Ag Law
Jodee Borgerding
Hometown: Maryville, Kansas
Interests/Career Goals: Commodity Merchandising, Grain Origination
Lily Brown
Hometown: Exeter, Maine
Interests/Career Goals: Private sector financial auditing with a dairy emphasis
Juan Castro
Hometown: Cherokee, Oklahoma
Interests/Career Goals: Business Owner
Vail Cargo
Hometown: Medford, Oklahoma
Interests/Career Goals: Sales, Ag Insurance
Josie Jennings
Hometown: Springfield, Ohio
Interests/Career Goals: Farm Transition Planning
Harrison Lusk
Hometown: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Interests/Career Goals: Succeed
Emma Nelson
Hometown: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Interests/Career Goals: Ag or Criminal Law
Andrew Schulz
Hometown: Reardan, Washington
Interests/Career Goals: Ag Policy
Colby Stoltenberg
Hometown: Orland, California
Interests/Career Goals: Cattle Industry
Abigail Thomason
Hometown: Sallisaw, Oklahoma
Interests/Career Goals: Large Animal Veterinarian and Chiropractor
Claire Van Laar
Hometown: Oakdale, California
Interests/Career Goals: Agricultural Real Estate Appraiser / Ag Lender
Graduate Student Coaches
Tinley Sitton (MS Student)
Hometown: Binger, Oklahoma
Interests/Career Goals: Agricultural Production Education & Consulting
$10
Student Supporter
Student Supporters demonstrate broad belief in academic competition and student leadership. Every contribution at this level moves us closer to our $7,000 goal and collectively helps close funding gaps across travel, competition, and preparation needs. These gifts symbolize community backing behind our team as we represent Oklahoma State University at NACTA 2027.
$100
Friend of Ag Econ
Friends of Ag Econ help sustain the day-to-day necessities of competition travel. Gifts at this level contribute toward meals, local transportation, and incidental expenses that arise during the NACTA trip. This support ensures that students can focus fully on competition without worrying about the smaller, but essential, costs associated with multi-day academic travel.
$250
Cowboy Contributor
Cowboy Contributors strengthen our preparation and presentation as competitors. Donations at this level support practice resources, competition materials, team preparation sessions, and professional representation items such as coordinated apparel. This investment ensures our team arrives confident, unified, and academically prepared to compete against the nation’s top agricultural programs.
$500
Trail Supporter
Trail Supporters provide the housing foundation for our time at competition. A gift at this level helps secure safe and professional lodging accommodations for our team during the multi-day NACTA event. By covering overnight stays, this support allows students to remain focused, rested, and prepared to perform at their highest academic level throughout the competition.
$1,000
Brains Builder
Brains Builders directly fund the cost of entering and competing in NACTA 2027. A contribution at this level covers team and individual registration fees required for participation, making it possible for our students to step into the competition arena. This investment ensures that our preparation translates into opportunity and that our team has official access to compete, network, and represent Oklahoma State University on the national stage.
$1,500
Big Sky Partner
Big Sky Partners underwrite the core cost of competing at the national level. A gift at this level funds major transportation expenses, such as airfare or long-distance vehicle rental, ensuring our team can physically reach the NACTA 2027 competition site. This level of support provides the financial stability that allows every selected team member to attend, regardless of personal financial circumstances, and anchors the overall success of the campaign.