WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Ridgewater College’s Agriculture Equipment Mechanic program has been named the National Association of Ag Educators (NAAE) Outstanding Post-Secondary Program for Region 3.
NAAE recognizes individuals and programs committed to advancing agriculture and cultivating the next generation of agricultural educators. Region 3 includes Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska.
The Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award honors post-secondary institutions, farm business management programs, full-time young farmers, and adult agricultural education programs that are developing humble leaders energized by shaping the future of agriculture one student or adult at a time.
“Our Ag Equipment Mechanic instructors are deeply committed to the success of our students with a focus on ensuring each student receives a high-quality education and the support they need to thrive,” said Ridgewater’s Mike Kutzke, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Their dedication is evident in the strong relationships they build with students.” He commended instructors Jon Barka, Erik Hoff, and Randy Barka for their commitment to student success, industry partnerships, and continuous improvement.
Award criteria included a program narrative and supporting materials from the past five years, program design and development goals, effective classroom and lab instruction, experiential learning, leadership development, partnerships, marketing, photos, professional growth, and more.
The program began in 2017 as the Agriculture Power and Equipment Technician program and changed its name to Agriculture Equipment Mechanic in 2024. The program received formal accreditation that same year. It is one of 11 of Ridgewater’s Agriculture Department programs.
“This award means a lot to our program because it recognizes the hard work our students put in every day and the strong partnerships we have with industry,” said Ridgewater instructor Randy Barka. “Together, we’re making sure our graduates are ready to succeed in the ag equipment field.”
“Every day, I get to teach students who are excited about agriculture and want to learn the skills to keep things running,” instructor Jon Barka shared. “Being recognized by the NAAE shows that what we do in the shop and classroom matters — not just to Ridgewater, but to the businesses and communities that depend on us.”
Instructors Hoff, Barka, and Barka will be formally recognized at the NAAE Conference in Nashville, TN, in December.
To learn more about Ridgewater’s Agriculture Equipment Mechanic program, go to www.ridgewater.edu/agmechanic.
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