Nicole Reese Executive Director
 Janesville, Wisconsin
 Southern Wisconsin Agricultural Group

What territory will you cover?
No specific territory. We are looking to build the Agricultural Education and Innovation Complex in Evansville, Wisconsin, so I will be located in south-central Wisconsin, but this project will need the support from everyone across the state and the Midwest.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up and still work occasionally on my family’s dairy farm in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. When I was young, I was actively involved in 4-H and FFA, worked part-time during college for a number of different agribusinesses, and have stayed involved in agriculture in a number of different avenues outside of teaching. I am currently involved in the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board, Rock County Farm Bureau and Rock County Agriculture Ambassador Committee.

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I attended University of Wisconsin – Madison where I majored in Agricultural Education. Most recently, I completed my master’s in educational leadership from Cardinal Stritch University.

What previous positions have you held?
I have worked for the past seven years as agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor at Milton High School. Before that I was employed as the 59th Alice in Dairyland for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My dad. He taught me the value of hard work. Growing up on our farm and always being expected to work helped me realize that hard work will make anything possible.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I hope that I am able to partner with farmers in our area and around the state so that we are able to utilize their support and ideas in developing the Agricultural Education & Innovation Complex. The complex envisioned by SWAG will need the support of many agriculturists around the state from diverse agricultural backgrounds. It will help educate agriculture’s future workforce and leaders, as well as provide our consumers with an interactive exploration of agriculture.

Why did you choose this company?
I am very passionate about agriculture and strongly believe in SWAG’s mission. It is imperative that we support agricultural education, work with industry and post-secondary institutions to develop our agricultural workforce and create opportunities for youth leadership experiences.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I am confident that by working with our amazing group of dedicated board members we can make the Agricultural Education & Innovation complex become a reality. PD