MEDFORD, Wis. — Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship is pleased to announce that they will be celebrating the U.S. Department of Labor’s seventh annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) with social media events, webinars, giveaways, and our Apprentice of the Year award presentation November 13-19, 2023.
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration that offers leaders in business, labor, education, and other critical partners a chance to express their support of apprenticeship. NAW was established by the U.S. Department of Labor to celebrate the impact apprenticeships have in helping Americans learn skills for jobs in growing industries.
“Now more than ever, Apprenticeship is key to the dairy industry as farmers reach retirement with fewer options for transitioning their farm to the next generation. The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship offers a guided pathway to dairy farm business management or ownership,” said DGA Executive Director, Joe Tomandl, III. “We are proud to support National Apprenticeship Week and showcase the impact Apprenticeship has on the skills gap in agriculture. Apprenticeship is a proven way for individuals to obtain the skills and knowledge that will enable them to pursue careers in the dairy farming industry. Additionally, DGA is providing our apprentices the opportunities to shape the future of managed grazing dairy and climate-smart farming practices.”
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA), is a National Apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. The two-year program combines 3700 hours of on-farm employment and training under an approved Mentor Dairy Grazier with 300 hours of related instruction, including classes delivered online through DGA’s Managed Grazing Innovation Center. Graduates are certified Journey Dairy Graziers and may advance into management, equity earning, and farm transfer.
DGA has been developed with support from USDA Climate Smart Commodities funding, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AgVets), NRCS, industry sponsors, and individuals.