By Madeline Schultz
A harvest of farm business management courses for women is being offered this fall. The Women Managing Crops course begins Nov. 5 in Knoxville. The Women Managing Farm Finances course begins Nov. 7 in Jefferson, and the Annie’s Project farm business management course begins Nov. 12 in Fairfield.
Through these and other women in agriculture programs, the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach farm management team strives to improve the quality of life for Iowans. The courses provide research-based education, networks and resources to help women expand agricultural businesses, improve natural resource management and support each other as a community of women in agriculture.
All courses are taught in the tradition of Annie’s Project, which incorporates a comfortable and supportive learning environment. Each of the three different courses takes a unique approach to managing agricultural risk, as follows.
Women Managing Crops is a four-session (12-hour) course designed for women who want to know more about the key agronomic decisions for corn and soybean production. The sessions take a seasonal approach and cover financial decision making for pre-planting, the growing phase and harvest. Cost of production estimates and worksheets will be discussed. Registration is now open for the class in Knoxville on Tuesday evenings, beginning Nov. 5 and ending Nov. 26.
Women Managing Farm Finances is a four-session (12-hour) course created to help women discover their attitudes and talents toward financial management. Course participants will learn about standardized farm accounting practices and compare record keeping systems. Women will learn more about balance sheets, income statements and cash flow budgets. Registration is now open for the class in Jefferson on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, beginning Nov. 7 and ending Nov. 19.
Annie’s Project: Farm Business Management is a six-session (18-hour) course developed to help women gain farm management and decision-making skills. The course gives participants a whole farm view as they learn about key decisions. Women will better understand how to manage agricultural risks in the five key areas of financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production. Registration is now open for the class in Fairfield on Tuesday evenings, beginning Nov. 12 and ending Dec. 17.
The cost for each course is $100 and includes dinner and course materials. To register for a course, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag. On the calendar, select the course of interest to see more details and to register online. Advance registration is required, and space is limited.
Farm Credit Services of America is a statewide sponsor for Annie’s Project and Annie’s Inspired courses in Iowa. This support helps keep registration costs low.
For more information or to ask about a registration scholarship, contact Madeline Schultz, Farm Management Women in Ag program manager, at 515-294-0588.
Source : iastate.edu