Annie’s Project – Empowering Farm Women

1. Annie’s Project – Empowering Farm Women Sobba, M.S.*, Regional Agriculture Business Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, 101 N. Jefferson St., Room 304, Mexico, MO 65265 Hambleton, R.F., Farm Management and Marketing Educator, University of Illinois Extension, 4112 N. Water Tower Place, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 Wells, J.B., Field Specialist – Farm Management, Iowa State University Extension, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 Abstract Annie’s Project began as a University Extension class for farm women in Illinois in late winter of 2003. The class was designed by University Extension based upon topics that would have helped Annie (an Illinois farm wife) become a better partner. The goal of Annie’s Project is to empower farm women to become better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. This past year, an instructor manual was developed by University Extension personnel. The manual includes sections in the risk management areas of: financial, market, legal, human resources and production. Also, it includes instructor notes, resources, handouts, sample exercises, evaluation pieces and suggested ideas. The manual was used in teaching additional Extension instructors in Iowa and Missouri this past year. The manual was developed to be shared and to allow customization to local agriculture. Annie’s Project was designed to be taught in six sessions, with computer lab access encouraged for class exercises and demonstrating new technology that has practical farm application. A website has been designed for participants to encourage networking with other Annie’s participants and to provide a forum to ask questions. Another website was launched for instructors with the latest teaching materials and resources. The program, Annie’s Project expanded to Iowa in early 2004 and to Missouri in the fall of 2004. During the winter teaching season of 2004-05 thirteen classes were offered in six states. The classes were taught by University Extension educators targeting farm women. Annie’s Class learning to construct balance sheets using software. • A Few Objectives: • To provide information on potential strategies to control or counter production risk including crop insurance and contract production • To educate farm women how to construct and understand financial statements • To increase knowledge of the marketing tools available for use in developing a marketing plan • To understand the basic legal issues of contractual farm business arrangements • To increase the understanding of personality traits and how those affect the farm business Annie’s Project Class proudly display their certificates of completion. Annie’s Class on a marketing study trip to the Chicago Board of Trade. Mission Statement To empower farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. “Annie’s Project has opened my eyes to the complexity of farming, helping me to understand the importance of strategic and purposeful planning. The respect I have for all farmers as true businessmen has grown significantly.” Julie Birky, Parnell, IA Annie’s participants (mother/daughter) helping with fall harvest and applying principles learned during class. “Annie’s Project has taught me so many things, but the two things stand out - the importance of communication on the farm and farm records.” Liz Schutte, Mexico, MO • Participant Impacts:(as reported by survey[55% response rate] and interviews) • Increasing use of production records • Creating and using marketing plans • Calculating breakeven prices for crops and livestock • Preparing financial statements regularly • Reviewing farm insurance policies annually • Writing and reviewing farm business goals • Adopting and using new farm record software • Estimating and reviewing retirement costs and needs Annie’s participants learning about communication and personality traits.