MSU Extension Offers Annie’s Project
Farm and ranch women have the unique opportunity to be a part of Annie’s Project, a national program with focus on farm and ranch management skills.
MSU Extension will offer this program virtually Nov. 8-Dec. 13 from 6-8:30 a.m. each Monday evening.
Participants will have an opportunity to learn about risk assessments, business planning, financial statements, family and liability insurance, government farm programs, legal concerns, retirement and transition and personal development. The event also provides farm women an opportunity to network with others and share experiences.
Farming and ranching are complex businesses, and more women are becoming active business partners in their operations. This program is designed for farm and ranch women with a passion for their business who are hoping to expand their knowledge and skills. Participants will gain a better understanding of human resource issues, business plans, financial documentation, property titles, cash and crop share leases, marketing plans retirement and estate planning and risk management strategies.
A highlight of this Annie’s Project will be featured speaker Jolene Brown.
Farm-born and raised, Jolene says that she is truly a real “Farmer Brown.” “I’ve made it my life’s mission to help the thousands of farmers, growers, and ranchers share their stories with the wider world.”
Her goal is to help families build a legacy, using her experience and tools to grow, fix, and transition their businesses. And always with large helpings of interaction, humor and respect. Jolene is a powerful, entertaining speaker, sharing valuable business management and estate planning information. In her words, “In the world of agriculture, there are no strangers — just new neighbors.”
Annie’s Project is an educational program dedicated to strengthening women’s roles in modern farm and ranch enterprises. It was launched in 2003 by Illinois Extension Educator Ruth Hambleton as a tribute to her mother, Annette Kohlhagen Fleck. Annie who grew up in Illinois, married a farmer, and spent her lifetime learning how to be an involved business person with her husband. The program is based on the lessons learned and information for living and working in a farming/ranching business.
The program honors Annie’s entrepreneurship and her goal of raising a family and being an active partner in the family farm operation.
Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this virtual program. The registration fee per person is $50. The fee includes workshop materials and activities expenses. For more information on class registration or payment contact: Katrin Finch at katrin. finch@montana.edu or 406454-6980.
