Between La Crosse and Black River Falls in Wisconsin, there are two small towns called Melrose and Mindoro that share a school district. Teaching in that district is Blackhawk Technical College alumna Maddie Dobbs.
After beginning her journey at Blackhawk in 2016 studying Agribusiness Science and Technology, Dobbs moved to west-central Wisconsin to be closer to her now-husband’s family farm. She's worked in several areas of the agriculture industry—from serving as a secretary at a local co-op to working in agricultural technology.
Her true passion
In July 2023, a few years after graduating, she took a chance and ended up discovering her “forever career” teaching agriculture.
“Many people are surprised to learn that I was able to become an agriculture teacher with a two-year degree," she said. "But in Wisconsin, it’s possible to earn a teaching license based on previous industry experience. My participation in Blackhawk’s Postsecondary Agriculture Students (PAS) program helped me realize that my true passion was in ‘agvocating’—educating and inspiring others about the importance of agriculture.”
Dobbs now gets to do that every day in her classroom, teaching seventh- through 12th-grade agriculture classes. She's also an advisor for the National Future Farmers of America Organization, or FFA. What began as a love for agriculture at a young age on her grandparents’ small dairy farm has blossomed into a dream career that allows her to give back to the industry.
Education close to home
Growing up in southwest Wisconsin, Dobbs was excited to find a program close to home that aligned with her passion for agriculture. The Agriscience program offered at the Monroe Campus was the perfect fit as it allowed her to pursue my education without the additional expense of student housing, and it offered hands-on, real-world agricultural training.
“Watching my family work hard to care for the land, animals, and their community gave me an appreciation for the agricultural industry and the people who make it thrive," Dobbs said.
Students interested in a career in agriculture should not be afraid to take the less traditional path, Dobbs shared.
“Every experience you gain—on the farm, in the classroom, or through internships—adds value to your story! The agriculture industry is full of opportunities (ones you are not even aware of!) for people with passion and drive, regardless of where you start. Stay curious, keep learning, and always take a tiny step outside your comfort zone.”
Thankful and busy
Immensely appreciative of the opportunities provided by Blackhawk, Dobbs said the program gave her technical skills as well as personal and professional growth.
“Blackhawk was the starting point for a career that allows me to give back to the industry that shaped who I am today, and I will forever be grateful for that,” she said.
These days, Dobbs and her family stay busy in the agricultural community, spending time outdoors, helping out on their family farm, and fulfilling requests from their 2-year-old to “see cows.” She is also active in her local FFA alumni chapter and participates in community events.