The six-week program, which helps farm women become better business partners in their farm or ranch operation, will start the week of Jan. 17, 2011, at seven locations across the state. These sites are: Alexander, Grand Forks, Towner, Beach, Cando, Elgin and Dickinson.
This North Dakota State University Extension Service project gives women the skills and confidence to become more actively involved in their business's decision-making process.
The program received very high reviews from the more than 1,000 women who have participated during the past five years.
"The most frequent comment made by participants at the end of the project is, 'I wish I would have taken this course years ago,' " says Willie Huot, Annie's Project state coordinator.
The program will be delivered at all sites by a combination of interactive
television and local presenters. The program provides comprehensive information on key farm management topics such as:
* How bankers make loan decisions
* Tracking expenses and income for business and families
* Mastering spreadsheets
* Land rental agreements
* Retirement, farm transfer and estate planning
* Grain and livestock marketing
* Insurance needs, including crop insurance
* Personnel management
* Business plans, and why and how to develop them
More information about the North Dakota Annie's Project, as well as registration details, are available online at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/anniesproject; by
contacting Huot at (701) 780-8229 or e-mail at willie.huot@ndsu.edu; or by
contacting any of the site facilitators listed on the website.
The cost is $100 per person for registrations received before Jan.5. A $35 late fee will be added after that date. Those interested in the program are urged to register early because seating is limited at all sites. Online registration also is available at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/anniesproject.
This program is made possible by several statewide sponsors, including the NDSU Extension Service, AgCounty Farm Credit Services (Fargo and Grand Forks), Farm Credit Services of Mandan, Farm Credit Services of North Dakota (Minot), North Dakota Grain Growers and North Dakota Farm Service Agency. In addition, many local sponsors at each location help offset the program costs.
