MADISON – Wisconsin agriculture is becoming more technologically advanced, and the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council’s (WAEWDC) 2023 annual report highlights the need for a strong and highly trained workforce that can manage the complex agriculture systems that are emerging in the industry.
These advanced systems cover challenging and exciting areas such as robotics, digital sensors and satellite imagery, according to the annual report, which the council recently approved.
“As agriculture expands into new areas, career possibilities grow,” said Amy Pechacek, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and one of the council’s Executive Committee members. “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 welcomes the recommendations of the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council as we continue to strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce for the 21st century and beyond.”
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 2023.
“About one in nine people working in the state have a job related to the agriculture industry,” said Secretary Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP) and another Executive Committee member on the council. “The work of this council is important to the future of the agriculture industry, because right now future producers, processors, haulers, and retailers are in classrooms across the state. By working with educators and employers to attract and retain employees, the council is supporting the next generation of agriculturists.”
Highlighted in the report is the council’s commitment to its mission by making progress on goals that were set in 2022, which include:
- Supporting agricultural education instructors and finding effective ways to reach every student to highlight the opportunities available in agriculture in a positive, purposeful way.
- Partnering with DPI to create a statewide agriculture pathway, with regional adoption in the spring of 2023.
- Researching current trends, and developing a branding, marketing, and public outreach plan for careers in agriculture.
Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council Annual Report
