Women’s roles on farm operations have changed drastically over the past several decades. More women are taking active roles, and one out of every seven farms is now managed by a woman. Annie’s Project is an educational program dedicated to strengthening women’s roles in the modern farm enterprise.
Women on the farm are generating a cultural tide in American agriculture that is moving management, assets and opportunities to a new wave of farmers across the country. At Annie’s Project, women in agriculture are empowered to be better business partners, or sole operators, through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.
University of Illinois Extension and Effingham County Farm Bureaus is offering Annie’s Project, a six week discussion based course bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing and the legal field. There’s plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting and connecting with presenters and fellow participants. It’s a relaxed, fun and dynamic way to learn, grow and meet other like-minded women.
Whether new or experienced, understanding the five areas of agricultural risk, knowing how to analyze agricultural spreadsheets and other necessary skills are vital. Learning new skills in a friendly environment where questions and discussion are welcomed, allow the learning process to flourish.
Annie’s Project has successfully reached more than 9,000 farm and ranch women in 33 states. The next course will be held from 6 – 9 p.m., every Tuesday, beginning February 13 – March 20, at the University of Illinois Extension Office located at 1209 Wenthe Drive.
The cost for the course is $50 per person, which includes a program portfolio, class handouts, light dinner and resources for all sessions. A light supper will be served before each class at 5:45 p.m. Course size is limited to 20, so please register soon.
Linda, an Annie’s Project alumna says, “I took the class to gain a better understanding about agribusiness and how financial decisions impact our farm operation. I have a better understanding of balance sheets and the futures market…this class has improved communication with my spouse on concerns he works with on a daily basis.”
For more information contact Carl Baker, County Director at 217-347-7773 or cdbaker@illinois.edu. Online registration is available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in this program please contact the Extension Office. More information can be found on the Annie’s Project website at www.AnniesProject.org.
