Blackhawk Agriculture and Farm Management Instructor Dusty Williams (left) was also recognized for 20 years of membership in the organization. He is pictured with Paul Cutting of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, winner of the Outstanding Post-Secondary Agricultural Education Teacher Award.
Blackhawk Technical College's Agribusiness, Science & Technology program was recently named the Outstanding Post-Secondary Agricultural Program by the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE).
Agriculture and Farm Management Instructor Dusty Williams accepted the award on behalf of the program at the WAAE Professional Development Conference in Oshkosh on June 25.
“It's humbling to be recognized for this award,” Williams said. “Seventeen years ago, we started building a program with very few resources. I'm privileged to have been given the support over the years that I needed to build the program we have today. Many others–including adjuncts, support staff, board members, advisory committee members and administrators–have helped along the way. Today, we have a state-of-the-art facility and students who consistently bring home state and national awards. It's an honor to receive this recognition.”
Blackhawk’s Agribusiness, Science & Technology program teaches students the skills needed to run their own agribusiness operation or help other agricultural producers become more successful. Students learn how to merge business and science to produce a product and make a profit. Through hands-on learning and on-the-job experience, students gain skills in animal science and nutrition, integrated pest management, soil science, crop production and precision agriculture.
Students in the program develop crop management, livestock management, and business plans as well as learn how to enhance success through sales, marketing and business management. The program provides opportunities in a variety of agribusiness career pathways.
WAAE is a professional organization comprising middle school, high school, and post-secondary agriculture teachers. The group is dedicated to helping agricultural educators develop knowledge and sharpen skills in the ever-evolving agricultural industry.
"We are incredibly proud of Dusty Williams and the Agribusiness program at Blackhawk Technical College for receiving the WAAE Outstanding Post-Secondary Agricultural Program award,” said Joel Schleusner, Administrative Chair of the Business Department. “Dusty’s dedication to student success and his commitment to agricultural education are second to none. With 20 years as a WAAE member and 17 years of service at Blackhawk, Dusty has built a program that is not only respected across the state but also plays an integral role in the future of agriculture in our district."