Annie's Project MissionTo empower farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.

Situation

Farm women want:• To understand farm business practices• To get more involved with farm business in

meaningful ways, either filling the role of decision maker or supporting decision makers.

• A continuous educational and social environment where they can share their experiences and learn from teams of professionals.

Priorities

Our Mission To enable people to improve their lives and communities through

learning partnerships that put knowledge to work.Our Values As Extension professionals, we are dedicated to the following

organizational values —We believe in providing excellence in educational programming. We believe in providing accessible programs that help people

solve problems. We believe in useful, practical programs. We believe in creating value for people. We believe in quick responses to customers’ concerns. We believe in providing unbiased information. We believe in establishing credibility with customers. Our Vision As Extension professionals, we —Focus on critical economic, environmental, leadership, youth, and

family development issues.Engage people in lifelong learning.Address emerging needs by developing programs that anticipate

social, economic, and policy changes.Apply valid, reliable research and information.Bring together and extend University of Illinois resources.Maximize resources by initiating and organizing community

coalitions.Educate without discrimination and employ people representing the

diversity in the state’s population.Recruit and develop volunteers to multiply Extension’s outreach.Teach with appropriate and effective educational techniques and

methods.Value teamwork, recognizing and supporting the contributions of

others.

The mission of University of Missouri Extension is to: improve Missourians' lives by addressing their highest priorities through the application of research-based knowledge and resources.

Response

• Ruth Hambleton at the University of Illinois developed a program called Annie’s Project, 2003

• Bob Wells tried Annie’s Project in Iowa, 2004• Mary Sobba and Tim Eggers expanded Annie’s

Project into other parts of Iowa and Missouri, 2005

• Annie’s Project grew to a program with over 900 participants, 2005/06

Priorities

Farm Women Priorities:• Educational programs must fit into their work

and family schedules• Programs must be relevant and hands-on

whenever possible• Be able to share experiences with their peers

and interact with professionals• Receive support following programs by

developing mentoring and nurturing relationships

InputsUniversity Extension Staff

– Farm Business Educators– Family & Youth Educators

Partners– Agribusiness professionals– Community Colleges– Agribusiness suppliers– Lenders– Farm and Commodity Organizations

Inputs (cont.)

Equipment & Technology– Computer labs or laptops with internet connectivity– Computer projector– Class rooms

Materials– Notebooks– FAST CD– Business Plan Software– Pens and calculators– Pre and post survey instrument– Class syllabus – Course curriculum

Inputs (cont.)

Time– Each Annie's Project is designed for 18 hours of

class room instruction and socialization– Preparation time: 18 hours for each Annie’s

Project

Money– Grant supported– Sponsorships– University resources– In-Kind contributions

Outputs - ActivitiesSeek partners and local sponsors for Annie’s ProjectWrite grantsPrepare curriculum Procure classroom suppliesIdentify and recruit instructorsTrain teams of qualified instructors in the use of the developed

curriculum and philosophy of Annie’s ProjectSchedule meeting times, and locations and make arrangements

with local hosting sites for meeting space and use of computer labs

Develop uniform publicity and marketing plan through Extension and partners’ channels that will target farm women

Handle registration, maintain data bases and spreadsheetsTeach subject matter to farm womenDevelop and post information to Annie’s Project web pageEdit and distribute Annie’s Project Newsletter

Outputs - Participation• Farm women from ages 19 to 84 from all

backgrounds and years of experience.• Politicians• Risk Management Agency• Farm Service Agency• Soil & Water Conservation Districts• Lenders• Crop Insurance providers• Grain & livestock merchandisers

Short Term Outcome/Impacts

– Farm women are aware of a program designed to fit their needs (800 farm women in 7 states)

– Farm women who attend Annie’s Project grow in confidence, business skills, and community prestige

– Farm women find answers, strength, and friendship– Farm women fill their desire to become a better person– Farm women understand common needs and

conditions of the women in their groups– Annie’s Project provides a network of support– Annie’s Project legitimizes farm women's’ role in

decision making

Medium Term Outcome/Impact

Farm women take on active management roles that they previously felt unqualified to do.

Farm women spread the word to other women they see who can be helped by Annie’s Project

Farm women return for second and third level programming

Long Term Outcome/Impact

Farm women develop a clear purpose of farm management tools and skills

Increases satisfaction for living in rural societies

Evaluation & Reporting• Annie’s Project makes use of the following

evaluation instruments:– Baseline Risk Management Survey

• 49 questions in the five areas of risk, Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal and Human Resources

– Satisfaction/reflection survey, open ended questions completed by participants.

– Six month follow up on selected participants – Central data base– Annie’s Project Progress and Impact Reports are

shared with partners, grant providers, and University Extension through media outlets, presentation and paper copy.