By Andi Anderson
For Loretta Reimers, Annie's Project in 2013 was just the beginning of her journey in women in agriculture programs. The 86-year-old Crawford County farm owner, deeply involved in her 400-acre crop farm, stresses the importance of women's active participation in farming decisions. She advocates for knowledge and education to understand land value, soil needs, and other crucial aspects.
Following Annie's Project, Reimers embraced a variety of Annie's-inspired programs offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. With ten programs, including Women Marketing Grain, Advanced Grain Marketing, Women Managing Cattle, and Women Managing Farm Finances, women can delve deeper into topics that align with their specific needs.
Annie's Project covers agricultural risk management in financial, human resources, legal, marketing, and production aspects. While not mandatory to complete Annie's Project first, many women, like Reimers, find themselves eager to learn more. Madeline Schultz, president of the national Annie's Project board of directors, notes that women often enroll in multiple inspired courses as their desire for learning grows.
The community and networking aspect of these programs are highlighted by Tim Christensen, an ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist. His experiences show that women appreciate the smaller, more specialized nature of Annie's-inspired courses, fostering a closer connection and shared learning.
Mandy Maher, ISU Extension and Outreach Fremont County director, emphasizes the community-building aspect of Annie's and its inspired programs. Although Fremont County hasn't hosted inspired programs, Maher notes the profound impact of Women, Land, and Legacy, a USDA program supporting Iowa farm women.
Charles Brown, another farm management specialist, highlights the continuous demand for these programs. Offering Annie's Project around a decade ago, Brown has since facilitated numerous inspired courses, witnessing the enduring benefit women derive from the shared learning experience.
Carol Remick, a participant in Women Managing Farm Finances in 2021, commends the classes for bridging knowledge gaps and facilitating essential conversations with her family. The courses provide practical insights into financial statements, accrual accounting, and the complexities of modern farming.
With Annie's Project reaching over 19,000 people across 38 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Schultz assures its relevance today. The evolving topics, including cybersecurity, family living benchmarking, and mental health, reflect the commitment to empowering women in agriculture through education and networking.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-scharfsinn86
Categories: Iowa, Education