Purdue Extension to host ‘Annie’s Project’ course

Farm and ranch women 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 courses, farm women become empowered to be better business partners or sole operators through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.

Annie’s Project is a six-week course that is a discussion-based workshop 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 farm 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 them in a friendly environment where questions and discussion are welcomed, allow the learning process to flourish.

Annie’s Project courses have successfully reached more than 9,000 farm and ranch women in 33 states. The next one in your area is scheduled to begin on Jan. 29 in Greencastle.

The cost for the course is $75 per person, which includes a workbook and support materials for all sessions.

All sessions are from 6-9 p.m. and will be held at the Putnam County Extension Office.

Course size is limited, so please register soon. Register by contacting the Putnam County Extension office at 653-8411 or smith535@purdue.edu. It is asked that everyone register by Jan. 19.

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, persons may contact Jenna Nees, Purdue Extension, at 653-8411 or smith535@purdue.edu. More information can also be found on the Annie’s Project website at www.AnniesProject.org.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events:

Jan. 3 – Extension Office reopens following the holidays.

Jan. 9 – Farmers Market Vendor Workshop Series, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 – Preseason PARP, Fairgrounds, 1 p.m. Cost $10 for credit, RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/yap82khl.

Jan. 19 – Why Are Crop Budgets So Important? Webinar, noon, RSVP at https://ag.purdue.edu/Extension/wia/Pages/webinars.aspx.

Jan. 29 – Annie’s Project starts, $75, Extension Office, 6 p.m.