New Report Highlights Efforts to Continue Ag Growth in the State

Friday, October 11th, 2024 -- 8:00 AM

Agriculture in Wisconsin continues to contribute more than $100 billion to the state's economy each year, and the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council's (WAEWDC) newly published 2024 annual report highlights the efforts to continue future growth.

The report, which was recently approved by the council and is published by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), addresses the need for a strong and highly trained workforce that can manage the increasingly technologically advanced agriculture systems that are emerging in the industry.

"To attract young talent, we need to promote employment opportunities and work with partners to develop career pathways that maintain a thriving agricultural sector, which accounts for nearly 12% of the state's employment," DWD Secretary and WAEWDC Executive Committee member Amy Pechacek said. "These recommendations will continue to strengthen Wisconsin's agricultural workforce for the 21st century and beyond."

"This council brings together leaders from agribusinesses, government agencies, and educational institutions who are committed to strengthening agricultural education and building our skilled workforce," said Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and another Executive Committee member on the council.

"I am pleased that the council has important discussions related to supporting agricultural educators, promoting the hundreds of agricultural career possibilities, and considering the agricultural industry’s future workforce needs, and I look forward to their continued work on these efforts."

The WAEWDC annual report includes reviews of agricultural education programs provided by Wisconsin's educational systems and institutions, including: the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), Wisconsin Technical College System, University of Wisconsin System, and UW–Madison's Division of Extension.

It also includes details on the goals and activities of the WAEWDC during state fiscal year 2024. By working with educators and employers to attract and retain employees, the council is supporting the next generation of agriculturists.

The report highlights the council's progress on previously set goals as well as new goals that were set in 2023, which include: Embracing the "2 + 2" educational model to align agricultural curriculum so students can earn a bachelor's degree by completing a two-year associate degree at a community college and transferring to a four-year institution for the remaining two years.

Developing a plan to advocate for the need of additional Department of Public Instruction Education Consultants focused on Agriculture and National Resources/Wisconsin FFA. Exploring the development of specific agricultural education certifications for teachers.

Developing and leading the "Agriculture for All" project to promote agriculture as a viable career pathway. Additionally, the council recommended establishing a WAEWDC strategic plan, to be implemented over the course of 2025-2030, to drive even greater aligned results.

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