Women's ag business course is set

Women Planning Ag Businesses, a multi-session course for women interested in exploring, starting or expanding a farm or rural business, is being offered statewide by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Story County.

     Online registration is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/womeninag or at the ISU Extension and Outreach Story County office. Classes will be held both virtually and in person. The in-person sessions will be held monthly on Saturdays beginning Jan. 16, 2021, and continue Feb. 6, March 6 and April 3 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, at 2055 Ironwood Court, Ames.                                                            

     Attendees can choose to participate online. Additional sessions will be hosted virtually beginning Thursday, Jan. 21 and continuing Feb. 18, March 18 and April 15 from noon to 1 p.m. The cost is $75.

     ISU Extension and Outreach continues to provide educational opportunities for women across the state to be more informed about developing or improving a farm business. During this multi-session course, participants will learn more about production methods, new markets, job descriptions and cash flow.

     The course will be taught by Madeline Schultz, program manager for women in ag with ISU Extension and Outreach. Guest instructors and women business owners will also be providing expertise and instruction throughout the course.

     “I am looking forward to teaching this special ag business course for women,” said Schultz. “This course is a great opportunity for women involved in agriculture to learn more about planning a farm business, or expanding and improving their farm business.”

     Women will also have a chance to meet and share with other women, as well as develop or increase their professional networks.

     “Women in Ag courses are meant to encourage learning from experienced ag business owners, as well as share ideas with other women in the class,” Schultz said. “As women, we are interested in hearing from others, and we learn that way, too.”

     Participants will hear from local guest speakers ranging from women managing their own agriculture businesses to attorneys and United States Department of Agriculture agency professionals. Women will have the opportunity to connect with different speakers and build new networks for support and information. Schultz will be the course facilitator.

     For more information, contact Michaela Van De Berg, ag and natural resources program coordinator with the ISU Extension and Outreach Story County office, at 515-382-6551 or email mvandb@iastate.edu. To register online, visit www.aep.iastate.edu/womeninag/.