FORT DODGE, Iowa — Annie’s Project, a six-week course designed to help farm women develop their management and decision-making skills, is being offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Webster County. Online registration is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/womeninag.  Classes will be held at the Webster County Fairgrounds, 22770 Old Hwy 169 Fort Dodge, on Mondays from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. beginning February 8 and continuing Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1, March 8 and March 15. A light meal will be provided at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $75.00.
According to ISU Extension and Outreach farm specialist, Kelvin Leibold, Annie’s Project covers five areas of agricultural risk management: financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production.
“Our goal is to provide a program that is of great interest and value. Each session includes presentations, discussions, hands-on activities and computer skills training,” says Leibold. “In addition, guest speakers share their personal experiences and knowledge to help women become better business partners and owners,” Leibold adds.
According to a 2012 survey conducted by Iowa State Extension and Outreach, 47 percent of Iowa’s farmland is owned by women. Annie’s Project supports these women by providing an agricultural business education program that empowers farm women who want to be more knowledgeable about their agricultural enterprises.
“Annie’s Project empowers women by offering a valuable set of business-based workshops. The program helps participants learn ways to make better financial and risk management decisions,” according to Madeline Schultz, ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture Program Manager.
For more information, contact Linda Cline at 515-576-2119, or e-mail lcline@iastate.edu. Register online at www.aep.iastate.edu/womeninag by February 1.  We are prioritizing the health and safety of Iowans and are following the most current federal, state, local and university COVID-19 guidelines.
–Linda Cline, Iowa State University Extension
