This course offers women an opportunity to learn more about Iowa’s equine industry from a business and production perspective. The USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture reported nearly 55,000 horses, ponies, mules and donkeys on more than 9,000 farms in Iowa. The state’s total sales of equine was $19.7 million, ranking Iowa 11th in the nation.
As horse owners and business managers, women make important decisions about the equine in their care. Horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys are an important part of Iowa’s agricultural economy and landscape.
Sessions cover financial documentation and breakeven analysis, equine insurance, annual horse health care plans, evaluation of feed rations, marketing your equine business, environmental management, and land use decisions.
Do you want to attend the program but can’t attend the in-person sessions? Try the live webinars that will be held at the same time on Thursday evenings starting at 6:00 PM CST beginning on Thursday, November 14, 2019. Participants will be able to view the presentations as well as interact with the speakers. The webinars will be recorded and available for viewing by participants signed up for the course.
Thursday November 14th
COSTS OF PRODUCTION by Kelvin Leibold, Farm Management Specialist
Understanding financial statements
Calculating break-even price points
Analyzing potential profitability
Accessing USDA farm programs
Thursday November 21st
INSURANCE by Wade Ellerbroek, Ellerbroek and Associates, Sibley, IA
Knowing when to insure horses
Buying insurance for farm families
Understanding liability laws
EQUINE HEALTH CARE by Loretta Berkland, VMD, Sibley Veterinary Clinic, Sibley, IA
Recognizing common diseases
Selecting treatment protocols
Designing and annual health care program
Thursday December 5th
MARKETING STRATEGIES by Sarah Zwiefel and Peggy Auwerda
Building your brand
Marketing on the internet
FEED AND NUTRITION by Peggy Auwerda, Iowa Equine Extension and Outreach Specialist
Evaluating rations and feed regimes
Normal eating and drinking habits
Thursday December 12th
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT by Kapil Aurora
Choosing housing and fencing
Managing and disposing of manure
Assessing water and land use
Instructions and access to Zoom online will be forwarded once registration is completed. Future Women Managing Horses programs will be held around the state of Iowa.
For more information and to register, click here.