New Ag Youth Council looking for applicants

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced the creation of a new Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council.

The purpose of the council is to encourage young people to engage with state government and increase their awareness of the DATCP’s role in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry. The council will be comprised of 15 Wisconsin high school seniors from across the state, who represent a variety of interest areas in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry.

“I am excited to create this new opportunity for students from across Wisconsin, to network with each other and state officials,” said secretary-designee Randy Romanski. “This council will be incredibly valuable to [the] DATCP, to share more about our programs and encourage these students to participate in state agricultural policy development going forward.”

In its first year, the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council will meet each month, beginning in September. These monthly virtual meetings will feature presentations by DATCP staff on a variety of topics, breakout sessions and opportunities to rotate through leadership positions within the group. A final all-day session will be held in May.

Students will serve a one-year term on the council.

To apply, students need to submit a completed one-page application, resume, 300-word essay, one-minute video and letter of recommendation. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 21.

“Our young people are the future of Wisconsin’s agriculture industry,” said Romanski. “We look forward to supporting students’ passion for agriculture, and introducing them to the variety of agricultural careers available in state government and across the industry.”

The application and additional details are available at AgYouthCouncil. wi.gov.