MARION, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With more than 20% of jobs in Shawano County related to agriculture, officials there are looking to tap into talent in the area.
Leaders held their first Agriculture Job Fair in Marion Wednesday.
Inside the Northwinds Banquet Hall, people are taking to the field of agriculture, including Marion High School student Logan Zietlow.
“I didn’t think I was going to do as good as I thought I was. But I got 100%, and well, I can drive some big machinery now with this awesome simulator they have here,” said Zietlow.
Zietlow is one of 120 students and adults who attended the job fair. Ken Matsche organized the event.
“One of our things that we stress is sustainability. Sustainability of our workforce. And so, we’re trying to connect businesses with potential job seekers for today, and for the future,” said Matsche, Shawano County Farm Bureau Education and Promotion Director.
From technical colleges to transportation companies to science-based industries, Matsche says more than 20 groups spread the message that farming is more than just milking cows.
“We see fewer and fewer farms. We’re seeing bigger farms, but we still have that demand, that we’re still trying to feed everybody,” he said.
What do the Marion High School students think?
“It actually is a really great opportunity to learn more about a bunch of different careers and stuff I might be interested in,” said Haley Skodowski, Marion High School Student.
Is a career in agriculture something students might want to pursue when they get older?
“Yeah. If I could, I would take over the family farm,” said Adam Liethen, Marion High School Student.
“I think this is just a cool experience for me to see what else, other options it is. It may be something I can do in the future, but definitely an option for me,” said Zietlow.
“Yeah. I would gladly do that. It beats working in fast food. I did that for way too long. I’d rather be working in agriculture. Helping people. Feeding people,” said Domanick Braun, Marion High School Student.
Organizers say they are already planning next year’s event and an exit-survey of participants should help the process.
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