Annie's Project helps farm, ranch wives
By Brenda L. Shelkey, BHG News Service
Any woman who has married a farmer or rancher or has been the child of one has learned that farmers and ranchers are a different breed of men and that it takes a special woman to understand that. Those women are the focus of Annie’s Project, a six week workshop that is meant to help farm and ranch women take an active role in becoming a knowledgeable business partner in the family farm or ranch. Michelle Effertz, McLean County Extension Agent, has been working with Oliver County Extension Agent Rick Schmidt to bring the workshop to help support the women who are in the farming or ranching industry. The six-week course begins Monday, Jan. 19 in McClusky and Wednesday, Jan. 21 in Center. The Annie’s Project program will begin with supper from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., followed by the workshops which will address everything from farm management to marketing, and include sessions on understanding crop insurance and risk management. Former participants in Annie’s Project, Norma Berg of Wilton, Aggie Jennings of Washburn, and Sheila Schwalbe of Center will open the workshop with a panel discussion. The women are avid advocates of the program.
