Women Planning Ag Businesses

February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23 and March 3, 2022 | Cresco, IA

A multi-session course to help you plan and document ideas for new or expanding businesses.

What is Women Planning Ag Businesses?

Thoughtful planning improves business success.This course is for women interested in exploring, starting, or expanding a farm or rural business. It offers a step-by- step approach for developing business plans for local foods, family farm growth or transition, rural businesses such as arts, sales, or transportation, and more.The course includes four in-person sessions and four online sessions. In-person sessions may be attended online if preferred or necessary.The course covers production methods, new markets, job descriptions, cash flow and other topics important to building a profitable business. Women will access valuable resources and support while writing their personal business plan.

Course Curriculum

Designing the Opportunity
  • Goals and mission
  • Ownership structure
  • Building net worth
  • Building net worth
    • Producing Goods or Services
  • Job descriptions
  • Risk management
  • Production protocols
  • Breakeven cost
    • Marketing the Business
  • Market trends
  • Distribution channels
  • Four P's of marketing
  • Cash flow analysis
    • Creating an Overall Strategy
  • Professional team
  • Strategic analysis
  • Accessing loans

    • Format

    • Taught in the tradition of Annie’s Project
    • Topics of importance to your future in farming
    • Brief presentations and extended discussions with ag professionals
    • Practical hands-on activities
    • Decision making resources available to you
    • Networking with other farm women

    When

    February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23 and March 3, 2022

    A light meal is served at 5:00 PM. Program begins at 5:30 pM and concludes at 8:30 PM.

    Where

    Featherlite Center - Howard Co. Fairgrounds
    227 7th St W
    Cresco, Iowa 52136


     

    Statewide sponsors

    Farm Credit Services

    USDA

    Register

    $75

    Registration, prior to midnight, January 26, 2022

    Registration includes course materials and light meals.

    Reminders

    • Registration deadline is midnight, January 26, 2022.
    • Class size is limited and pre-registration is required to attend. Registrations accepted on a first-come, first-paid basis.
    • Confirmation of registration is sent via email. Please provide a valid email address when registering
    • To cancel your registration, or for assistance with registration, receipts, or questions on the status of your registration contact Program Services at anr@iastate.edu.

    Contact

    Sue Barnes

    Sue Barnes
    office manager
    Howard County Extension
    563.547.3001
    skbarnes@iastate.edu

    Melissa O'Rourke

    Melissa O'Rourke
    farm management specialist
    712.395.0006
    morourke@iastate.edu