Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
|
|
Extension Communications |
12/9/03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Tim Eggers, Agricultural Economics, (712) 542-5171, teggers@iastate.edu
Catherine Hunt, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-1039,
cathi@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Online Course Helps Farmers with Financial Decisions
AMES, Iowa - Iowa farmers can learn to enhance the financial health of their operation by taking an online financial decision making course from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. The course is one of a series of online noncredit courses offered through the Agricultural Management e-School (A.M.E.S.).
The "Financial Decision Making" course helps farmers, ag educators and ag service providers develop and analyze financial statements, understand and practice good cash management principles, and relate financial analysis to production records. Participants will receive cash flow budgeting tips, and analyze three case studies.
Participants can log on to attend class any time and place they have Internet access. The course has features common to the traditional face-to-face learning environment such as readings, assignments, and quizzes. However, conversations are replaced by online chats, subject matter is supplemented by links to Internet resources, and quizzes and assignments are self-graded.
ISU Extension offers many online courses and hundreds of other online resources for farmers and ag professionals. "The Ag Management e-School is a good example of how ISU Extension is using the Internet to make resources more readily available to farmers and all Iowans," said Donald Lewis, Interim Director, Extension Ag and Natural Resources.
Other A.M.E.S. course offerings include "Advanced Grain Marketing," "Farmland Ownership," "Farm Machinery Economics," and "Farm Leasing Arrangements." For more information about these courses visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ames. To view course schedules and register go to http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ames/registration.htm.
Farmers also have access to financial decision making resources through the Ag Decision Maker Web site at www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm. This site features current ag economics information to help farmers better manage their operation or agribusiness. It includes budgeting worksheets, rental rates and land values, financial analysis, marketing information and more.
The A.M.E.S. series of courses is offered through the Iowa State University Outreach Academy, a university-wide initiative designed to provide research-based, customized education geared to professional or personal development http://www.outreachacademy.iastate.edu/.
-30-
ml: isufarm