AMES, Iowa – The Women in Ag Program at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering six different educational courses throughout the state, including Women Planning Ag Businesses, Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Farm Transition Planning, Women Managing Horses, Women Managing Crops, Annie’s Project farm business management, and Advanced Grain Marketing for Women.
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach farm management team is leading courses in nine locations in Iowa this winter. The farm management team strives to improve the quality of life in Iowa by providing research-based educational programs that expand agricultural businesses, improve natural resource management, and support the community of women in agriculture. Courses are offered through a network of ISU Extension and Outreach educators, including statewide equine and other specialists as well as county based professionals.
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Women Planning Ag Businesses is a multi-session course for women interested in exploring, starting, or expanding a farm or rural business. Women will access valuable resources and support while writing their personal business plan. Registration is open for the classes in Edgewood beginning Jan. 25 and in Cresco beginning Feb. 2. Cost is $75.
Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Farm Transition Planning is a five-session course designed to help women learn about four components that create a successful transition – succession, business, estate and retirement planning. Participants will be provided with resources and activities to help make decisions for successful business transitions. Registration is open for the class in West Burlington and Mt. Pleasant beginning Jan. 27. Cost is $75.
Women Managing Horses is a four-session course focusing on equine management decisions. Sessions cover feed, labor, facility and risk protection decisions. In addition, managing land, water and manure resources will be discussed. Women will discuss the challenges in bringing horses to market and calculate the true costs of production. Registration is open for the class in Cherokee beginning Jan. 27. Cost is $75.
Women Managing Crops is a four-session course designed for women of all ages and experience levels who want to know more about the key agronomic decisions for corn and soybean production. The sessions take a seasonal approach and cover the decision making for soil and tillage management, seed selection and planting considerations, pesticide management, and machinery, harvesting and storage considerations. Registration is open for the class in Nora Springs beginning Feb. 3. Cost is $75.
Advanced Grain Marketing for Women is a multi-session course offering insight into options trading for grain and livestock producers. Women will benefit from understanding the role farmer-owned cooperatives, grain merchandisers, and brokers have and the services they offer related to options trading. Participants will learn how and why options are traded for commodity grain as well as the pros and cons of different marketing strategies. Registration will open soon for the class in Oskaloosa beginning Feb. 15. Cost is $75.
Annie’s Project: Farm Business Management is a six-session course designed to help women develop their management and decision-making skills. Participants learn about the five areas of agriculture risk management: financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production. Registration is open for classes in Newton beginning Feb. 8, Tabor beginning Feb. 16 and Oelwein beginning Feb. 28. Cost is $75.
Cost for the courses includes meals and course materials. To find a course near you, visit the Women in Ag Program Online. Select the class location for details and registration. Advance registration is required and space is limited.
Shareable photo: Woman and combine harvesting corn.
