More than 1,800 agriculture students from 75 area high schools will gather at North Central Missouri College on Thursday, March 19, for the annual NCMC Ag Club Contests.

The event, held in coordination with Area 2 FFA Association instructors, allows students to practice judging skills in 14 categories, including agronomy, ag mechanics, livestock, and farm management.

Contests begin at 9:00 a.m. at locations across the main campus, the fairgrounds, and the Barton Farm Campus south of Trenton.

College officials are advising local restaurants to prepare for large crowds during the lunch hour, as participants will be responsible for their own meals. Additionally, the Ketcham Community Center will be closed all day Thursday. Students and residents are asked to avoid parking near the center to accommodate school bus parking.

For more information on the contests or NCMC agriculture programs, visit ncmissouri.edu or contact the Barton Farm Campus at 660-357-6336.