Agribusiness is booming in central Wisconsin, and Mid-State Technical College is meeting the demand for trained professionals in the industry with a new Agribusiness Agronomy Technician program launching in fall 2021 and available at the Adams, Marshfield and Stevens Point campuses.
At 26 credits, the new technical diploma program increases knowledge of current agronomy practices that can be applied as an employee or as an entrepreneur. The program is also embedded within Mid-State’s Agribusiness and Science Technology associated degree, so students can get started in agribusiness while taking manageable steps toward higher credentials, if desired.
“I was excited to hear that Mid-State is working to bridge the skills gap in central Wisconsin to help our business bring on people with the right knowledge to grow crops and deliver quality products to our customers,” said Lucas Wysocki, partner in Wysocki Family of Companies and Paragon Farms plant manager. “We continually struggle to fill our irrigation technician role, and this program is tailor fit for the role. Irrigation technicians get to work outdoors and see a crop grow from seed to harvest and know that they directly contribute to feeding the world. It’s a great fit for someone who wants to work in our community, get to be outside and have real responsibility.”
According to Adams Campus Dean Laurie Inda, the new program is an example of how Mid-State makes strategic decisions based on data, workforce trends and input from the community. “As we continuously strive to grow our campus and provide programming to meet regional workforce demands, our campus advisory committee and partners in K–12 and business have underscored the importance of this in-demand career training, as well as their passion and appreciation for its value within the district,” Inda said.
Students in Mid-State’s Agribusiness Agronomy Technician program will gain a deep understanding of the science and technology of using plants as a source of food. They will also acquire the specialized skills needed for precision agriculture applications and regulatory requirements and learn to use the latest technology to help farmers yield maximum production from the land.
Highlights of the program include hands-on experiences such as producing a crop, keeping pests away, making soil more fertile, marketing commodities and managing a farm. The program is relevant to the needs of our communities and provides opportunities to meet and work with industry experts, thanks to Mid-State’s strong industry partnerships with area businesses.
