Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) joined several agriculture industry representatives at the state Capitol to testify in favor of funding for the transition of a longtime agricultural training program to UW-River Falls.
The Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC), began at UW-Madison in 1885. It was taught there in a residential format until two years ago. It provides vital training to the state’s agricultural workforce
outside of a traditional degree program. UWRF has already agreed to host the short course this
fall, but is hoping for the success of a bipartisan bill that would provide $372,980 during the next
two years to help offset initial operational and instructional costs.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Tourism public hearing on the bill was a first step in the process. The bill has also been introduced in the Assembly and is being referred to the Committee on Colleges and Universities.
Michael Orth, CAFES dean, as well as Steve Kelm, director of the short course, testified on behalf of the bill at the hearing. They noted how the program will help address workforce shortages in agriculture.
“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 also ag business owners
want and need,” Orth said. “They also need the network of professional relationships and friendships they can develop by living on campus with their four-year student peers.”
Over a dozen dairy industry and farming stakeholders also testified or registered support for the short course. Those testifying in person all said they back its return to a residential format at UW-River Falls. The program will develop more educated workers and provide important networking opportunities, they said.
The 16-week short course is designed for high school graduates who are interested in dairy farming or working in industries involved with dairy cattle care and management. Courses in the program will begin October 25 and run through March 15. Students will earn up to 20 credits. Most courses will be taught at UWRF. Students will also have opportunities to interact with dairy experts at UW-Madison and UW-Platteville.
Enrollment in the first cohort will be limited to 24 students. Applications are still being accepted. For more information, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/academics/fisc.
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