The Kewaunee County Economic Development Corp. (KCEDC) and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) welcomed approximately 1,100 students, educators, presenters and volunteers to one of Wisconsin’s largest on-farm career exploration events on April 21 and 22 at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy.

More than 900 students and educators from five school districts visited Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy to expand their knowledge of the numerous career opportunities available in agriculture.  Students also gained insight into the critical role the agriculture industry plays in our regional, national and global economy.

Seventh- and eighth-grade students from Algoma, Denmark, Kewaunee, Luxemburg-Casco, and Southern Door school districts experienced the exciting career exploration event, beginning with a tour of the farm. Students visited 32 different career stations that highlighted a wide range of careers in agriculture including; agronomy, milk testing, cheesemaking, cropping, animal nutrition, agriculture support services, fruit growers, sustainability, technology and many more.

“Career Passports” were distributed to engage students in learning opportunities at each career station. Encouraging students to research careers throughout the day, helped facilitate a better understanding of the opportunities for following the career pathway. For example, at each station, students asked presenters the type of education required, salary level and work conditions for the career. Nearly 200 presenters and volunteers helped offer this unique career exploration experience for local youth.

“It gave students the opportunity to explore a wide-range of careers in agriculture to help them begin to identify how their interests might relate to potential future careers,” said Jessica Hoiska, Luxemburg-Casco Middle School counselor.  “To promote further educational value, we used this event to have pre- and post- classroom discussions regarding career cluster/pathway options and to update personal career portfolios.”  

The two-day career event was made possible with the generous support of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, Platinum level sponsors (Agropur, Inc., American Foods Group. LLC/ Green Bay Dressed Beef, Bill Lorrigan Construction Inc, Dairy Dreams, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Kewaunee County Dairy Promotions, MWI Veterinary Supply, NWTC, Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy and Quali T Inc.), as well as countless other sponsors. Students, educators volunteers and presenters were treated to farm fresh snacks, lunch and T-shirts.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press Gazette: KCEDC helps students learn about ag careers