April 26, 2012

Annie’s Project, a series of six classes hosted by UNL Extension and Farm Credit Services of America, will begin in May at Thedford.

Annie’s Project is designed to empower farm and ranch women to manage information systems used in critical decision-making processes and to build local networks throughout the state. The target audience is farm and ranch women with a passion for business and involvement.

Annie’s Project is comprised of six classes held over three weeks. Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Brahmer’s Steakhouse in Thedford on May 22, 23, 29, and 30 and June 5-6. The focus will be on beef enterprises, but some crop information also will be covered.

Class size is limited. Participants should contact Bethany Johnston at the Central Sandhills Extension Office before May 1 to enroll. Registration is $50 per person before May 1, and $60 aftereward. Call 308-645-2267 or 1-800-657-2113, or email bjohnston3@unl.edu. Discounts will be given to groups of two or more ($40 per person).

More information is available at http://centralsandhills.unl.edu/annies.

Annie grew up in a small town in Illinois, married a farmer and spent her lifetime learning how to be an involved business partner with her husband. Enterprises were started and ended because of Annie’s detailed recordkeeping. Annie’s Project is a continuation of the knowledge Annie learned.

Risk management, record keeping, and production, financial, legal, market, and human resources will be discussed during the classes. Resource materials and supper are included. Laptop computers are available to use during the sessions. Other topics include learning how to work with different personalities, estate and transition planning, what goes into a business plan, what to include in a pasture lease, what financial documents are important, insurance needs (life, health, long term, crop/forage), drought management resources, how to interpret financial records, and range management. Participants are able to choose topics for the final session.

Annie’s Project is brought to you by UNL Extension with generous funding from Farm Credit Services of America.

David Ostdiek
Communications Specialist, Panhandle REC