UWP dean and director discuss School of Agriculture growth and initiatives with state senators
PLATTEVILLE- On March 25, Duane Ford, University of Wisconsin-Platteville dean of the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture and Mike Compton, director of the UWP School of Agriculture spoke at a Wisconsin State Senate hearing of the Agriculture and Higher Education Committee. During the hearing, Compton and Ford discussed the growth and current initiatives of the UWP agriculture programs. Representatives from UW-Madison, UW-River Falls and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection were also present and spoke about Wisconsin's agriculture economy and outlook for the future.
"UW-Platteville is appreciative of Senator Vinehout's invitation to participate in this important discussion about agriculture in Wisconsin. UWP has awarded degrees in agriculture since 1927. Regional employers return time and again seeking interns and graduates to staff this important Wisconsin industry," said Chancellor David Markee.
In their presentation, Ford and Compton discussed the UWP School of Agriculture's growth over the last ten years. Student enrollment in the School's six degree programs totaled 562 in fall 2008, up 38 percent over the last ten years. The most significant growth has been in agribusiness, animal science, reclamation, environment and conservation, ornamental horticulture and soil and crop science majors.
They also discussed the resources available at Pioneer Farm and the use of these resources for experiential learning to serve students and for research and outreach to serve Wisconsin's agricultural industry. They highlighted Pioneer Farm's ongoing collaboration with UW-Extension's Discovery Farms program. Pioneer Farm and the Discovery Farms are engaged in joint research and outreach aimed at understanding and improving the environmental and economic performance of Wisconsin agricultural systems.
Ford and Compton ended by describing a feasibility study for a community anaerobic digester currently underway at UWP. That feasibility study will be completed May 1 and will inform UWP on the prospects for building a digester either on-campus or at Pioneer Farm.
"UWP's School of Agriculture has been growing rapidly and has much to offer the agricultural industry, including graduates well-prepared for employment as well as research and outreach programs. I, like Chancellor Markee, appreciate the chance to update Senator Vinehout and the committee members. I hope they all visit UWP, the School of Agriculture, and Pioneer Farm someday soon," said Ford.
Anyone wanting more information about the UWP School of Agriculture may contact Compton at (608) 342-1393 or compton@uwplatt.edu.
Contact: Mike Compton, director, UWP School of Agriculture, (608) 342-1393, compton@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu
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