By Blake Jackson
Blackhawk Technical College’s Agribusiness, Science & Technology program was recently honored as the Outstanding Post-Secondary Agricultural Program by the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE).
The award was presented during the WAAE Professional Development Conference held in Oshkosh on June 25, where Agriculture and Farm Management Instructor Dusty Williams accepted the recognition on behalf of the program.
“It’s humbling to be recognized for this award,” Williams said. “Seventeen years ago, we started building a program with very few resources. I'm privileged to have been given the support over the years that I needed to build the program we have today. Many others including adjuncts, support staff, board members, advisory committee members and administrators have helped along the way. Today, we have a state-of-the-art facility and students who consistently bring home state and national awards. It’s an honor to receive this recognition.”
Blackhawk’s Agribusiness, Science & Technology program prepares students to operate their own agribusiness or assist other producers in improving their operations.
The curriculum blends science and business principles, allowing students to learn how to produce efficiently and profitably. Hands-on learning and real-world experience are central to the program, with coursework covering animal science, nutrition, soil science, crop production, integrated pest management, and precision agriculture.
Students also build skills in livestock and crop management, develop business plans, and gain experience in sales, marketing, and management to support a range of agribusiness career paths.
WAAE is a statewide organization of agricultural educators across middle school, high school, and post-secondary institutions. It focuses on professional growth and equipping educators to stay current in the evolving field of agriculture.
“We are incredibly proud of Dusty Williams and the Agribusiness program at Blackhawk Technical College for receiving the WAAE Outstanding Post-Secondary Agricultural Program award,” said Joel Schleusner, Administrative Chair of the Business Department. “Dusty’s dedication to student success and his commitment to agricultural education are second to none.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artiemedvedev
Categories: Wisconsin, Education