For the past several years there has been a rapidly growing population of women producers and an increasing role they are playing in agricultural operations. Women are taking on the role of management and more opportunities are being shifted to this new wave of farmers across the country. University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit and Tazewell County Farm Bureau in cooperation with Annie’s Project is offering a hybrid course that is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field. Each session offers time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with presenters and fellow participants. The next class in your area will be offered February 27-28 in Pekin.

Whether these women producers are new or experienced, understanding the five areas of agricultural risk, knowing how to analyze agricultural spreadsheets, and other necessary skills are vital. Learning these topics in Annie’s Project course with a friendly environment where questions and discussion are welcomed, allows the learning process to flourish. The classes are a relaxed, fun, and dynamic way to learn, grow, and connect with other women in agriculture.

The cost for the course is $50 per participant, which includes a workbook and support materials for all sessions. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Course size is limited, so please register soon at go.illinois.edu/AnniesProjectFMPT.

Linda, an Annie’s Project alumna says, “I took the class to gain a better understanding about agribusiness and how financial decisions impact our farm operation. I have a better understanding of balance sheets and the futures market…this class has improved communication with my spouse on concerns he works with on a daily basis.”

Annie’s Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks, and resources. The organization provides agricultural risk management education programs for women involved in agriculture. Annie’s Project courses have successfully reached more than 18,000 women in 38 states and one U.S. territory. 

For more information contact Tara Heath, commercial agriculture educator at 309-547-3711 or [email protected]. Online registration is available at go.illinois.edu/AnniesProjectFMPT.

More information can be found on the Annie’s Project website at anniesproject.org.