Farm Business Courses Available for Iowa Women This Winter

By Madeline Schultz

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm Business Management team will offer a collection of Annie’s Project and Annie’s-Inspired farm business management course across the state this winter.

The farm management team’s women in ag program strives to improve the quality of life in Iowa by providing research-based educational programs that expand agricultural businesses, improve natural resource management and support the community of women in agriculture. Courses are offered through a network of ISU Extension and Outreach educators, including statewide specialists and county-based professionals.

Annie’s Project: Farm Business Management is a six-session course designed to help women develop their management and decision-making skills. Participants learn about the five areas of agriculture risk management: financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production. Registration is open for classes in Oakland

Women Managing Farmland is a three-session course created to give women the knowledge and confidence to improve farmland leasing practices, adopt new conservation systems, and design more efficient land transitions to next generation farmers. Registration is open for the class in West Burlington beginning Feb. 22. Cost is $75.

Women Managing Farm Finances is a four-session course created to help women discover their attitudes toward money and compare farm record keeping systems. Women will learn how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow budgets are put together. Registration is open for the class in Fort Dodge beginning Feb. 29. This course can be accessed in person or virtually. Cost is $75.

Women Marketing Grain is a four-session course developed to help women learn how to manage price risk using tools like forward contracts and crop insurance. The program helps women understand the cost of production and storage, where to access market information and how to develop a marketing plan. Registration is open for a class in Marshalltown beginning March 5. Cost is $75.

Cost for most courses includes meals and course materials. To find a course near you, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag. Select the class location for details and registration. 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.