1. Paul A. Larson Agricultural Educator Freedom High School Freedom, WI October 26, 2011

2. Agriculture? What is it? What images? Who’s involved?

3. Wisconsin Agriculture!

4. Agriculture’s Impact on WI $59,160,000,000 of economic activity “The Economic Impacts of Agriculture In Wisconsin” Dave Williams Associate Program Director http://www.uwex.edu/ces/ag/wisag/ Will we have enough qualified workers to support Wisconsin’s largest industry?

5. Helping Assure a Quality Workforce for Wisconsin Agriculture. Wisconsin Agricultural Education Workforce Development Council History: Leg. Approval: April 7, 2008 – Act 223 Signed into law Mission: Attract and retain a quality workforce for Wisconsin’s agricultural industry.

6. Actions: WDB-SCW – Grant Partner – 8 Trainings WI Agribusiness Academy: Collaborator-UW Extension - Leadership training provided to 16 mid level managers Meat Processing Boot Camp: Collaborator-Specialty Meat Development Center - Orientation to meat processing careers provided to 22 participants at two workshops Introduction to Dairy Processing: Collaborator-Dairy Business Innovation Center - Orientation to dairy processing careers provided to 16 participants.

7. Partnership Trainings Farmstead Dairy Processing HACCP Training: Collaborator- Dairy Business Innovation Center -A total of 22 farmstead dairy processors completed HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) training at sessions held in Appleton, Siren and @ UW-Madison. There were 13 one-on-one follow up sessions completed in June & July. Orientation to Agriculture Careers: Collaborator-WI Technical College System -Orientations to agriculture careers were held in 2 sessions (MATC-Madison & FVTC-Appleton) with a total of 17 participants.

8. Partnership Trainings Landscape Technician Training: Collaborator- Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association - Landscape certification was taught at two sessions held at MATC-Mequon & FVTC-Appleton on 7/16/11 with 76 participants. Fields: Collaborator-DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) - Training assistance provided to 27 farmers relative to seeking and applying for off-farm employment.

9. Partnership Trainings Food Processing HACCP Training: Collaborator- Midwest Food Processors Association - Food Processing HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) training was held at UW River Falls with 36 participants.

10. Results – 8 Trainings $226,917.99 grant funds utilized Additional $224,787.67 of industry leveraged funding Trained 232 participants

11. WHYAG.COM Web based efforts to connect employees with employers www.whyag.com Visitors select their individual skills from skills matrix and then are connected to agricultural careers that match their skills and further connect them to employers seeking that skill set.

12. Educational Concerns Declining enrollment in WI rural areas. Fewer students = funding issues. Academic vs. Career and Technical Coursework – Access. Meeting industry’s need for employees State budget shortfalls

13. Opportunities Science credit for Career and Tech Courses. WI Ag. Ed. & Workforce Dev. Council Magnet High Schools in Urban area Advanced Standing, transcripted credits & seamless curriculum