Annie's Project helps women develop farm management skills

The Nebraska Extension Office in Cheyenne County is offering a program aimed at local women farmers and ranch women called Annie’s Project.

Annie’s Project starts Jan. 15 at Western Nebraska Community College. The program is designed to help women who have a passion for agriculture and want to be involved in their family operation.

The six-week course is designed especially for farm and ranch women to help them develop their management and decision-making skills for their operations. Sessions include brief presentations, discussions focused on the participants’ questions and computer training to use spreadsheets. Annie’s Project gives farm and ranch women the opportunity to learn from female agricultural professionals and network with other women in similar situations.

“It’s a nationally recognized program,” said Extension Educator Karen DeBoer. “It helps women manage risk in their operations wether it be financial, marketing or production.”

A typical program would include information in the areas of financial records, production records, marketing plans and risk management, legal/regulatory issues, records and documentation, human resources and time management.

“It helps women to become better business partners,” DeBoer said. “It’s an educational program designed especially for them.”

Annie’s Project is based on a woman who grew up in a small farm community with the goal of marrying a farmer, and she did. Annie spent her life learning how to be an involved partner with her husband. Annie’s Project is designed to empower women to manage information systems used in critical decision making processes and to build local networks throughout the community and state.

The program is in its third year and hopes to educate as many women as possible.

Annie’s Project meets from 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 2, 12 and 19 at Western Nebraska Community College in Sidney. Topics include understanding market terminology, interpreting financial statements and sifting through estate planning tools.

There is a cost involved and participants receive resources, handouts and an Annie’s Project portfolio. A light dinner is also served.

Course size is limited. Pre-registration is due by Jan. 8. Annie’s Project is funded by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Agency and from Farm Credit Services of America.

“I think the fact that they can get their questions answered in a comfortable environment while sharing their thoughts with other women is very helpful,” DeBoer said.

For more information and to register, call Nebraska Extension in Cheyenne County at (308) 254-4455 or e-mail DeBoer at [email protected].