1. Annie’s Project Increases Knowledge and Changes Behaviors
of Farm Women in Missouri
Travnichek, R.J.1, Devlin, K.L.2, Doty, R.E. 3, Hansen, K.R.4, Kelly, R.A.5, Sobba, M.S.6
1FamilyFinancial Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Savannah, MO, 64485
2Ag Business Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Edina, MO, 63469
3Ag Business Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Maryville, MO, 64468
4Ag Business Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Chillicothe, MO, 64601
5Ag Business Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, St. Joseph, MO, 64507
6Ag Business Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Mexico, MO, 65265
Abstract
Annie´s Project encompasses many learning techniques necessary for a farm business. The class was designed based upon topics that would have helped Annie (an Illinois farm wife) become better partners. The objective of Annie´s
Project is to empower farm women to become better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. Participants had hands-on experience in the learning environment. Curriculum covers many
aspects of risk management including: financial, marketing, production, legal and human resources, taught in various locations throughout the state to reach new audiences. At the end of class, learners are asked to rate their knowledge
gain and behavior changes. Five years of results include recognizing the difference between lease types (61%), identifying goals (42%), and utilizing financial ratios (29%). A Likert scale was used to report changes in behavior; where 2 =
sometimes and 3 = will do. Learners indicated they prepared a balance sheet (3.0), checked insurance policies (2.96), set goals (2.88), and added POD/TOD on titles and accounts (2.79). Learners gained knowledge and developed skills
to write business plans, compare insurance, construct financial statements, calculate financial ratios, evaluate leases, and develop marketing plans.
Annie's Story Mission Statement Multi-level Evaluation
To empower farm women to be better business partners through Evaluation processes were conducted at the beginning of the initial
Annie was a woman who grew up in a small town in Northern networks and by managing and organizing session, at the end of the sixth session, and a follow-up evaluation
Illinois. Her goal was to marry a farmer and she did. Annie spent critical information. 6-months following the program.
her lifetime learning how to be an involved business partner with
her farm husband. Together they did great things, but it wasn't
easy. This is Annie's Project – take her experiences and share it
to
with farm women living and working in a complex business.
Cheryl Bilby, Vice-President of
Nodaway Valley Bank and a farm
woman in Andrew County Hands-on
Missouri ,shares how the farm experience with
loan process works . laptops during
Annie’s Project
Workshops are
one thing
participants in
Andrew County
Missouri
appreciated.
Portion of end-of-session evaluation used at every Annie’s Project
Workshop series.
Annie’s Project participants in Mercer
County Missouri are learning about types
of insurance‒life, health, home, and
disability.
Results
A game/exercise designed to teach Annie’s Project participants how to
use Microsoft Excel.
A Likert scale was used on the evaluation above with 2 =
sometimes and 3 = will do.