MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WRN) — The Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association says there’s a way to get more young people involved in ag and other career training.
Tom Bressner says his organization wants to help more high-school aged students better prepare for the workforce.
“If you’re a member of the FFA, you’re going to take a project, you’re going to keep record books, you’re going to do your own budget, you’re going to record your best management practices; You’re actually workforce development,” said Bressner. ” What if we could fund the membership dues for people that take an ag class?”
Bressner says Wisconsin has 25 thousand FFA members but the Department of Public Instruction reports more than 42 thousand students took an ag class. He says many educational programs are underutilized, and the cost to families might be part of the reason.
He’s seeking support from state lawmakers and the Department of Public Instruction.