BERLIN – In an effort to encourage women in agriculture, the local extension office is offering a variety of educational programs during the coming months.
The Worcester County Extension Office this week launched Annie’s Project, its annual program aimed at empowering women farmers. This year’s program involves four evening events. The first was held Feb. 4 with the others planned for Feb. 18, March 3 and March 17.
“We’ve designed it to be a series of suppers,” said Jessica Flores of the Worcester County Extension Office. “Over dinner we bring in guest speakers. It’s designed to empower women but in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Flores said the program was part of a national initiative meant to help women in farming, as now 30 percent of farmers in the U.S. are women.
While in the past the extension office offered a series of classes for the program, this year Flores said they decided to make Annie’s Project more casual. Four supper programs will be held at the One Stop Job Stop in Salisbury from 6-9 p.m. Flores said the evening events were meant to be easier to attend for women who had jobs or cared for children. There is a fee of $10 for each event.
“That includes dinner and handouts,” Flores said.
Topics to be discussed will vary. This week’s event focused on funding options for farms, while the Feb. 18 session will explore ways to expand farms. Flores said attendees would be asked to consider how their operation would need to adjust as their farm grew.
On March 3, speakers will talk about marketing farms.
“That’s going to be a fun evening,” Flores said. “We’ll talk about how to use social media.”
On March 17, supper will be followed by a session on agriculture law. According to Flores speakers will discuss contracts and liability issues, among other things. Drones—specifically how they can be used to help farmers—will also be on the agenda.
“With our farmers,” Flores said, “we’re finding they’re very adaptable. What an awesome tool this could be to use.”
She said they’d talk about how drones could be used to do everything from survey herds of cattle to diagnose crop issues. The new regulations governing drone use will also be discussed.
“It’s a tool that can be helpful on the farm but there are some things you need to be aware of,” she said. “It’s a very hot topic right now.”
While the Annie’s Project events are geared toward women, they’re open to anyone. Attendees don’t even have to be farmers yet, they just need to be interested in expanding their understanding of the industry.
“There’s so much knowledge attendees can pull out of this program,” Flores said.
To register go to http://lowershore2016anniesproject.eventbrite.com/.
In addition to Annie’s Project, the Worcester County Extension Office also coordinates the Pencil to Plow program. Pencil to Plow, which also kicked off this week, is designed to educate new farmers.
“We know our farming population is aging,” Flores said. “The average age is 60s and 70s. The newer generation is not replacing those retiring.”
Because of that, her office wants to make sure those who do actually pursue careers in farming are successful. While most get into agriculture because of a talent for growing things, they often lack the business savvy needed in today’s world.
The Pencil to Plow program teaches them business skills to enable them to make better decisions.
“We want these farmers to get off on the right foot,” Flores said.
The eight-week course began Tuesday and is offered each winter.
For more information about either of the programs contact the Worcester County Extension Office at 410-632-1972.