August 26, 2015

Registrations are due soon for Annie's Project, a six-week course designed to help farm and ranch women develop management and decision-making skills. Nebraska Extension will be offering the course at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, beginning Sept. 10.

Pre-registration is due by Monday Aug. 31. Class size is limited, but if room is available, registrations may be taken after that date. The cost is $75 per person. Registration scholarships are available.

Annie's Project gives farm and ranch women the opportunity to learn from agricultural professionals and network with other women in similar situations. The sessions will meet from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, and Oct. 15.

Sessions include a brief presentations, hands-on learning projects, and discussions focused on participant questions. Participants will receive handouts, an Annie's Project portfolio, and a light dinner at each meeting. Distance education technology can be used if a participant cannot attend every session in person.

Annie's Project is funded by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Agency. For more information and to register, call Jessica Groskopf at 308-632-1247, jgroskopf2@unl.edu

Programs Dates and Topics

      Sept. 10: Real Colors, by Cynthia Gill, UNL Extension Cheyenne County. Identify your personal strengths and the strengths of others. Understand what motivates people and how they process information to enhance communication channels. Learn strategies to build rapport with others.
      Sept.17: Basic Financial Documents, by Kelly Downer, Joni Richards, and Darrin Clarkson, Farm Credit Services of America. Learn about the 5C's of lending. Understand a balance sheet and cash income statement. Understand common financial ratios including: working capital, current ratio, equity to asset, and debt coverage.
      Sept. 24: Estate Planning, by Rick Ediger and Libby Stobel, Simmons Olsen Law Firm, P.C.
Learn about basic steps of developing an estate plan to include Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives and the impact of death taxes. Discuss probate, business entities and other methods of transferring assets to the next generation.
      Oct. 1: U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Roger Joekel and Barb Cross of the Scottsbluff FSA. Understand the programs offered by the Farm Service Agency. Become aware of deadlines for sign-ups. Increase awareness of Farm Service lending opportunities.
      Oct. 8: Crop or Livestock Marketing, by Jessica Groskopf or Kate Brooks, UNL. Increase awareness of marketing terms: spot price, futures, basis and carry. Learn how to develop a basic marketing plan. Understand the use of the most common contracts. Discuss varying marketing strategies.
      Oct .15: Participants' Choice