The Wisconsin Association of Vocational Agricultural Instructors (WAVAI) was formed in 1924 with the objective of promoting a workable program of vocational agriculture in Wisconsin. Members cooperate in the formation of teaching programs and construction of teaching materials; conduct a public relations and education program; work to standardize and improve teaching facilities and salaries; and are active in lobbying for legislation favorable to vocational agriculture. The teaching of agriculture began in Wisconsin in 1918. From a nucleus of five teachers in the first year, the program has grown so that vocational agriculture was offered as a part of the curriculum by 278 high schools in 1963. According to the WAVAI, Wisconsin's program is one of the strongest in the nation.
The records indicate that the organization itself is a rather informal one with most control residing with the secretary-treasurer. Since 1926, this office has been held by only three men: H. M. Nelson, 1926-1939; W. D. Freitag, 1939-1944; and M. S. Murray, 1944- . Other offices include that of president, held by a different occupant yearly, and those of members of the Executive Board, elected as representatives of three geographical divisions of the state. The most important annual event of the WAVAI is the summer conference held each June at the University of Wisconsin's Madison campus. There members attend workshops and lectures and hold the annual business meeting of the organization.
