New report highlights need for Wisconsin ag workforce

The Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council (WAEWDC) has released its 2023 annual report, which highlights the need for a strong and highly trained workforce to manage the complex agriculture systems that are emerging in the state.

The report notes that agriculture is becoming more technologically advanced, with new areas such as robotics, digital sensors, and satellite imagery being used to improve efficiency and productivity. This requires a workforce that is skilled in these areas, as well as in traditional agricultural practices.

The WAEWDC is working to address this need by supporting agricultural education programs and developing career pathways for students. The council is also working to promote employment opportunities in agriculture and attract young talent to the industry.

The report also includes reviews of agricultural education programs provided by Wisconsin's educational systems and institutions, as well as 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 of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP). "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."

The annual report highlights the WAEWDC's progress on its goals for 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 the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to create a statewide agriculture pathway, with regional adoption in the spring of 2023.
• Researching current trends and developing branding, marketing, and public outreach plan for careers in agriculture.

The WAEWDC is committed to ensuring that Wisconsin has a strong and highly trained workforce to meet the needs of the state's growing agriculture industry.

Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council Annual Report

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