There are many job opportunities in the agriculture industry, and helping to fuel an interest in a future career for a signature industry in Wisconsin is essential. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) along with the Department of Workforce Development help to better understand the needs of farmers to allow them to continue doing what they love and be able to pass it on to future generations.
Randy Romanski, Secretary of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, helped kick off Wisconsin Farm Technology Days at the Opening Ceremony on July 12th. Aside from the show, he gave an update on the work he’s doing with the Department of Workforce Development to bring up the next generation in the workforce.
Romanski shares that the history of agriculture is becoming our future, and as young people grow up they see everything around them and can see the opportunity for a future in agriculture. DATCP’s Wisconsin Youth Council connects youth with the world of agriculture to showcase the many different career paths available.
“The future of agriculture in Wisconsin needs youth to be engaged,” adds Romanski. “We want to nurture youth and their excitement to be involved.”
Romanski goes on to add that many of the youth involved in the Ag Council did not grow up on a farm, but by being a part of the experience, they can now see their future in agriculture. It has impacted participants as some have come full circle and now work for DATCP as well as those who have met their future college roommates whether that be for schooling in Wisconsin or out of state.
“You can always come back to Wisconsin for your future in agriculture,” says Romanski. Agriculture is all around us and it is important to the local economy that we continue to educate youth on how they can be involved where the history and future meet.
Leave a Reply