Risk Management for Women in Agriculture
Extension Education
Rachel Bearden
CEA - Agriculture
UofA Division of Agriculture Research & Extension
Malvern
Abstract
The objective of Annie’s Project is to empowering farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. Programming focuses on five areas of risk management: financial, legal, human resources, marketing, and production. Annie’s Level 1 was held in 2018 and Level 2 in 2019. Our third session was cancelled due to COVID In 2020 and rescheduled for August 2021. With the surge of the Delta Variant in July 2021, it was shifted to virtual programming and shortened to an Inspired by Annie’s program. Levels 1 & 2 were conducted as six-week programs with participants meeting once a week for three hours. These were discussion and hands on based educational programs. For Inspired by Annie’s, we shortened the planned programming to once a week, one hour Zoom sessions, with each week focusing on one of the core risk management topics. The program is scheduled to resume in person in April of 2022.
The biggest changes in knowledge gained were in Production. Post test results revealed that 78% or respondents increased knowledge to know quite a bit or became completely familiar with the production topics presented during Annie's Project seminars, compared with only 13% in pre-tests. After participation in Annie's Project marketing seminars, respondents are in progress or have completed a marketing plan (75%), use reliable sources for market price information (88%), and explore ways to manage price swings in the marketplace (75%). 88% agree or strongly agree that information was valuable and provided in a safe and encouraging environment.
Overall participants have been very engaged in an online social media group to stay connected to Annie’s and other Extension programs. This has become a vital group in planning Extension programs and volunteering with demonstrations. These producers have been more confident in taking leadership roles in their farms and continuing to master new skills.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Rachel Bearden, Amy Simpson
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Bearden, R. CEA - Agriculture, UADA, Arkansas, 72104
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Simpson, A. CEA - Agriculture, UADA, Arkansas, 71923