National Ag Day was on March 23, and Fox Valley Technical College celebrated the day by highlighting diversity in its Agriculture programs.
The College has seen a 26% increase in female enrollment in its 38 Ag-related programs over the past three years. In 2018-19, 28% of Ag students were female. In 2020-21, 54% are female.
One of the reasons for this growth has been the addition of the Veterinary Technician program at FVTC, which is a female dominated field. However, growth of female enrollment in the Agribusiness area can be attributed to female role models in agriculture today.
“Women have been able to enter several of the animal care fields (Dairy Herd Manager, Large Animal Veterinarian) due to advancements in animal handling facilities and animal care practices,” said Lori Nagel, department chair for Agribusiness. “What was once viewed as a physical barrier to many women, are no longer standard practices. Students today are able to see themselves in these roles now more than ever.”
“Diversity and inclusion is a hot topic and seeing the agriculture industry grow in this area is interesting,” added Jodie Weyland, who is studying Agribusiness Science & Technology – Agronomy. “During a recent internship, it was rewarding for me—as a female in agriculture—to be asked for my professional opinion in a male-dominated business.”
This is the 48th anniversary of National Ag Day. Agriculture continues to be an important sector in Wisconsin, contributing $104.8 billion annually to our state’s economy and 437,700 jobs.
