Women who want to take a more active role in the farm business side of the operation can be intimidated by a lack of knowledge of the operation and options for their farm business.   Annie’s Project is a Farm Management Training Program for women providing a safe and nurturing learning environment.  

Extension agents in Daviess and Henderson counties graduated 25 women involved in farm business from a 15-hour, six-week instructional course called Annie’s Project, a farm management training program for farm women.  Two Agriculture and Natural Resource Agents, a 4-H Agent, and a Horticulture Agent, along with UK specialists and community professional guest speakers, taught the program.

Seventeen participants self-reported through a post-program survey.   As a result of the program, 100% reported an increase in knowledge regarding basic estate planning terminology, how estate plans impact farm families, forms of property ownership, and the role of USDA natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS) in meeting the environmental goals of farmers.  Also, 94% reported increase in knowledge of women’s roles in managing personal and business assets, strategies to communicate with farm family members or partners, how to participate in programs or obtain loans from USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), how to evaluate a marketing contract, where to find information on cash rental/leasing rates, and how soil types influence land use decisions and productivity.  In addition, 81% indicated that they were starting, continuing, or completing obtaining market pricing information from a reliable source. Furthermore, 76% reported starting, continuing, or completing modified forms of property ownership to reduce liability or meet other goals, are comparing their farm financial ratios to benchmarks, and are visiting NRCS to learn more about programs offered.  Additionally, 100% of those reporting indicated that this course provided a safe and nurturing environment for learning.  Moreover, 94% indicated that an all-women environment would be important to them in the future.  Comments on the survey about the steps taken during the course included asking more questions about their operation, communicating with husband more, and meeting with insurance agent for proper coverage for their operation.