Changes to the once popular Farm & Industry Short Course at UW-Madison have sparked discussions among those hoping to see more interest in the agriculture industry.

University officials announced earlier this year it would be changing the format from a for-credit, 16-week residential experience to a non-credit format. College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean Kathryn VandenBosch said in March that the current program does not meet the needs of farmers who cannot be away from their operations for long periods of time. The new arrangement will allow students to take the courses at their own pace year-round in an online, in-person, or blended learning (online and in-person) format. Previously, students would stay on campus for 16 weeks from the late fall to early spring to avoid the busiest times of the year. Many of the agriculture community decried the move, saying it lacked transparency and that it would take away other life experiences.

Denmark resident and recent Farm & Industry Short Course graduate Jeremy Schlies sees both sides of the discussion. He enjoyed the experience that fits within his schedule but noted that class sizes were getting smaller. Agri-view reports that enrollment has been dropping in the course since 2010. He hopes the decision does not limit those who want to get into agriculture and get the experience to succeed.

Schlies encourages other young farmers thinking about enrolling in the program to see what other changes may be on the horizon. He especially feels for those currently in the program that were using the program as a potential stepping stone toward a four-year degree. According to the news publication Wisconsin State Farmer, a listening session about the future of the program will be held on April 12th at 1 p.m. over Zoom.  

Photo submitted by Jeremy Schlies. Taken by Mike Roemer