Celebrating Wisconsin’s Year of the Worker
In partnership with: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
During his State of the State address in January, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared 2024 the Year of the Worker. The agricultural sector represents more than 435,000 Wisconsin jobs, which is nearly 12% of the state’s total. Dovetailing with the administration’s focus on the state’s workforce, key organizations are strengthening their efforts to highlight the importance of agriculture as a significant part of Wisconsin’s job engine.
Connecting Education and Workforce
The Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council (WAEWDC) was created to advise state agencies on ways to integrate agricultural education and workforce development. Council membership includes representatives from many state agencies and educational institutions.
Amy Pechacek, Department of Workforce Development secretary, is a member of the WAEWDC. She says her leadership roles allow her “a tremendous opportunity to support the state’s primary economy, one that generates revenue of over $100 billion per year.” She notes that the WAEWDC plays a critical role, “engaging with state and private-sector leaders to support this vital component of Wisconsin’s economy.”
Like her fellow council members, Pechacek’s role extends well beyond program administration. She speaks glowingly of a recent council meeting held at Sauk Prairie High School in Prairie du Sac, near the Wisconsin River in Sauk County.
“Council members appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand the opportunities the school’s agricultural education program offered students,” she says.
Pechacek says that the WAEWDC’s current emphasis is developing and leading the state’s Agriculture for All project, designed to promote agriculture as a viable career pathway for Wisconsin residents. She believes that participation in the WAEWDC allows members to “bring your passions to support vital parts of the state’s economy.”
See more: 4-H and FFA Provide Exceptional Opportunities for Wisconsin’s Youth
Promoting Ag Careers
Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Randy Romanski serves on the WAEWDC. He also worked to create the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council (WAYC) at DATCP. The council is composed of up to 15 Wisconsin high school seniors. The WAYC highlights ag-related career opportunities, shares state resources to support farmers, provides insight on ways to engage in policy development and increases networking opportunities for participants through the agricultural industry.
“The youth-focused organization encourages young people to engage with state government and increase their awareness of DATCP’s interactions with Wisconsin’s agriculture industry,” Romanski says. For him, the most rewarding part of the WAYC is watching students rise to meet challenges while building relationships with each other and those in the industry. He notes that several of the youth involved in the WAYC have gone on to roles as DATCP interns, FFA officers and other leadership positions in the agricultural field.
See more: 8 Iconic Foods From Wisconsin
Foundation for Future Success
Class of 2024 high school graduate Sam Mell grew up on his family’s dairy farm. He became involved with the WAYC while attending DeForest Area High School. He was inspired by the many past members of the council who went on to serve as state FFA officers.
“That made me really see what this council could do for me,” he says.
As a meeting secretary, Mell found pride in authoring a summary article for publication. “I never thought that I would have a published piece of writing,” he says.
He says that his membership in WAYC helped him appreciate just how many agricultural job opportunities exist in his home state.
Mell’s involvement with the WAYC empowered him to take on the role of DeForest FFA president and lead its 500 members.
“Being involved in the youth council has helped me in many ways with my long-term career goals,” Mell says. “As part of WAYC, I have learned more about Wisconsin agriculture than I ever could have imagined.”
“The next generation has a role in preserving and strengthening the agriculture industry,” Romanski says. “And there is a place for each of them here in Wisconsin.”