By Blake Jackson
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) will receive $372,980 in funding over the next two years to support the Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC), a 16-week program that provides training to Wisconsin’s agriculture workforce.
FISC was started at UW-Madison in 1885 but was discontinued two years ago. UWRF agreed to host the program beginning this fall to meet the growing demand for workers trained in modern agriculture technologies.
“UW‐River Falls is well positioned in the UW System to offer the type of world‐class, hands-on, faculty‐supported learning experience that the next generation of farm and ag business owners and operators want and need,” said Steve Kelm, chair of the UWRF Animal and Food Science Department.
The program is designed for high school graduates who are interested in dairy farming or working in industries involved with dairy cattle and management. Courses will cover topics such as nutrition, dairy techniques, record keeping, and the fundamentals of managing cows and calves.
Students will have opportunities to interact with dairy experts at UW-Madison and UW-Platteville, building on the successful research partnership of the Dairy Innovation Hub.
The funding was approved by the state legislature and will help offset the operational and instructional costs of the program.
Photo Credit: UWRF
Categories: Wisconsin, Education