Conversations about passing the family farm on to the next generation are often difficult. A course offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program can support farm women with those decisions.
Managing for Today and Tomorrow is a five-session course designed to help farm women learn about the four components that create a successful transition—succession, business, estate, and retirement planning. Greene County Extension and Outreach will host the class at the Extension office, 104 W. Washington St in Jefferson, beginning Monday, March 21. Classes will continue Thursday, March 24, Monday, March 28, Thursday, March 31 and Thursday, April 7. Classes will be held from 6 to 9 pm. A light meal will be provided at 5:30 .m. Register online or contact the Greene County Extension and Outreach office at 515-386-2138. This program is valued at $300. Local sponsor is Iowa Corn of Greene County, and the state sponsor is Farm Credit Services of America. Thanks to those sponsorships, cost to participants is $75.
Managing for Today and Tomorrow is a course developed at the request of past participants and provides valuable information related to transition planning. Women of all ages can learn how to plan for the successful transition of their farm business.
During the five-week course, participants will be provided with resources and activities to help make decisions for successful business transitions. There will be in-class activities and discussions based on participant questions, as well as follow-up activities for family members to complete at home.
According to ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist Alexis Stevens, Managing for Today and Tomorrow participants will be empowered to confidently set goals, nurture effective family or non-family conversations, and help define the farm legacy. “The goal of Managing for Today and Tomorrow is to provide women in agriculture the tools they need to plan for the future of their farm business,” said Stevens.
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach farm management team strives to improve the quality of life in Iowa by providing research-based educational programs that expand agricultural businesses, improve natural resource management, and support the community of women in agriculture. Courses are offered through a network of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach educators, including county-based professionals.
“Offering a quality program such as Managing for Today and Tomorrow benefits our community and we are excited to be a partner in providing this program,” said Lori Mannel, Greene County Extension director.
Persons who want more information can contact Mannel at 515-386-2138, or e-mail lmannel@iastate.edu. Register online at www.aep.iastate.edu/womeninag.
Cost for the courses includes meals and course materials.
