Hot Springs Annie’s Project a success

BROOKINGS — For six weeks in May and June, 11 women from Hot Springs and surrounding areas participated in Annie’s Project presented by SDSU Extension.

This national program focuses on assisting women to become stronger business partners in their farming and ranching operations. The core curriculum focused on the five areas of risk management: Financial, Market, Human, Legal, and Production.

“Specific lessons were taught within many of these areas; while the group dictated the production topics they wanted to learn more about and were relevant to their operations,” said Adele Harty, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist.

Harty says a key component of Annie’s Project is networking. “There is tremendous power in knowing that you are not alone and there are other women who are in similar situations. The connections that were made and bonds that grew stronger between the women in this group were very encouraging,” Harty said.

When referring to the networking and meeting other women, one participant stated, “There are quite a few upstarters in the area like myself!”

This group has decided they want to continue meeting this fall and invite more women to join them. “They have a desire to continue learning and developing their skills in the ranching and farming sectors,” Harty said.

This program was sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America, First National Bank of Chadron, Bill Graves State Farm Insurance, First Interstate Bank in Hot Springs, Fall River Feedyard, LLC., and Rancher’s Feed and Supply in Edgemont.

The group will be meeting again Sept. 11, 2014. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Harty at 605-394-1722 or adele.harty@sdstate.edu.