Blackhawk Technical College: BTC’s Dustin Williams named finalist for Wisconsin Farm Bureau Excellence in Ag award

Contact: Gary Kohn (608) 757-7769 or cell (608) 436-9578

gkohn@blackhawk.edu

JANESVILLE, WI – Dustin Williams, a Farm Business and Product Management instructor at Blackhawk Technical College’s Monroe Campus, is one of four individuals selected as a finalist for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Ag award.

The award recognizes members of the Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Program who excel in their involvement in agriculture, leadership, and civic and service contributions to the Farm Bureau and other organizations.

“This contest highlights how these fine individuals have positively impacted Wisconsin agriculture and inspire others to do the same,” said Jim Holte, president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

“It’s an honor to be named as a finalist for this prestigious award. It represents a great deal of hard work and dedication by myself and others at BTC towards the development of strong agricultural education in the communities of Rock and Green County,” said Williams.

Williams added, “I’m fortunate to have the support of BTC in developing countless agricultural and community partnerships in our district. Thank you to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation for recognizing our commitment to excellence in the Agriculture Industry.”

Nominees must derive a majority of their income from a non-production agribusiness enterprise for three years. Williams qualifies as an agricultural education instructor.

Williams, named the Post-Secondary Agricultural Students Organization advisor of the year last school year, is representing Green County for the award.

Other nominees are Stephanie Stout, Rock County; Beth Schaefer, Marathon County; and Amanda Zuehls, Marquette County.

Williams and the three other nominees will make a presentation and answer questions for a three-judge panel during the Farm Bureau’s 2014 Annual Meeting in December.

The Young Farmer and Agriculturist program is open to Farm Bureau members from 18 to 35.

ABOUT BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Blackhawk Technical College is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System. BTC has five campus locations in Monroe, Beloit and Janesville, WI offering more than 50 programs including two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, BTC is a major provider of customized training and technical assistance for the Rock and Green County business community. More than half of all adults living in Wisconsin have accessed the technical colleges for education and training during the last decade.