Annie's Project

Women have always played an important role in U.S. farming and ranching, a role that is only growing with farm ownership and operation by women continuing to increase. Rose Holste has run a row crop and hay operation in Iowa with her husband since 1968. Even with decades of experience, she still wanted to learn more about the business side of farming. Several years ago, she found Annie’s Project, a national program designed to help women in agriculture.

“It was so worth the time,” Rose says. “The sessions were all well planned and presented and gave me a new perspective. We’ve definitely applied the information to our lives and our operation.” Annie’s Project (short for “Annie’s National Network Initiative for Educational Success”), is a six-week course that teaches risk management, problem solving, record keeping and decision-making skills. Classes are designed around specific regional needs and help participants develop local support networks.

Annie's Project has served more than 6,500 women in 25 states.

This program definitely has something for every age group and every situation, Rose says. “The group that attended with me was diversified, which made the discussions interesting. I felt that everyone who attended walked away with new knowledge.”

Since its inception in 2009, Annie’s Project has served more than 6,500 women in 25 states. In 2011, Farm Credit’s national sponsorship is helping to support Annie’s Project.