Youth Council Launches Seventh Term in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection began its seventh Agriculture Youth Council term on September 17 with a virtual session.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Agriculture

Wide view of rolling Wisconsin farm fields with a red barn and silo on a ridge, a gravel road winding through crop rows under a clear sky. — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection began its seventh Agriculture Youth Council term on September 17 with 15 high school seniors selected from across the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection kicked off the seventh Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council term on September 17. The 15 high school seniors from across the state were selected in the spring based on applications and videos.

Why it matters

The council gives students exposure to state agriculture programs, government budgeting and agricultural careers. It also builds a pipeline of young leaders interested in the state's farming and agribusiness sectors.

The council includes 15 high school seniors serving one-year terms, meeting for 90-minute virtual sessions once each month during the school year. The source does not specify outcome measures for the council's four stated goals.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

The state agency that operates the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council and oversees agricultural programs statewide.

The details

Members chosen in the spring through self-nomination materials, including an application and video, took part in a virtual kickoff session that included an overview of the department's divisions, background on state budgeting, and a breakout-room discussion. Leadership roles include chair, vice-chair, secretary and social-media manager.

Spring: Members selected based on self-nomination materials.
September 17, 2026: Seventh council term kicked off with a virtual session.
Monthly during the school year: 90-minute virtual sessions held.

Industry Pipeline

The seventh term of the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council continues a state-run program that has developed student agriculture leaders across seven cycles. It places the council within the state's effort to connect young people with agricultural careers and government processes.

Students selected for the council will attend monthly 90-minute virtual sessions through the school year, including agriculture-department program presentations and agricultural-career panels. Families and schools interested in similar pathways can follow the council's public information.

The takeaway

Programs like this one give high school students hands-on exposure to how state agriculture policy and budgeting work. Students interested in farming or agribusiness can look for similar youth councils and leadership programs in their own state.