Annie’s Project

A localized approach to empowering women in agriculture

Annie’s Project provides the training, resources and networking opportunities for West Virginia women to help build viable, efficient and sustainable farm businesses. Small classroom sizes and local experts help provide support and networking opportunities that extend well beyond the course.

Annie’s Project provides expert risk management training in business planning, record keeping, financial analysis, farm and food safety and networking.

The courses are customized to meet the needs in our region, providing a unique peer-learning environment and helping ensure that every class is a valuable learning experience.

For general information about Annie’s Project, please click here

Mission

Who should participate?

The course is designed to appeal to everyone including aspiring, beginning, or life-long farmers. Regardless of your skill level, there’s something to learn through Annie’s Project.

Where is Annie’s Project?

Annie’s Project takes place at six physical locations around the state. One online-based program is also available. View a list of locations and dates

Training Session Topics

Six training sessions will take place over a 10-week period:

• Session 1 – Risk assessment, enterprise budgets, and record keeping
• Session 2 – Financial statements and interpreting financial data
• Session 3 – Creating business plans and making realistic marketing and financial plans
• Session 4 – Farm and food safety and determining your insurance needs
• Session 5 – Networking and partnering with fellow farmers
• Session 6 – Participant selected topics and graduation

Expert Training

Annie’s Project training is administered by members of the WVU Extension Service Women in Agriculture team. Special topics training will be performed by local experts dealing with site-specific concerns.

Meet the Annie’s Project Team

Register for Annie’s Project

At this time registration is limited to 15 participants per site. Pre-registration is required. You many register by contacting the agent at the site in which you wish to participate (view site list), or by printing the registration form and mailing it to the corresponding site.

People are Talking About Annie’s Project

Your passion for farming can be your paycheck

Boston-native Cathy Flashman is enjoying her time farming in the mountain state, but Cathy’s quickly learning that she needs to start preparing her farm now if she wants to eventually turn her passion into her paycheck. Hear from Cathy

Peer-based learning proves beneficial

Hear from farmer Anne Banks on how a peer-based learning environment of women farmers can lead to a better discussion of the topics. Listen to Anne

Who is “Annie?”

Read more from Iowa State Extension about the woman who inspired Annie’s Project.

Funding for Annie’s Project in West Virginia is provided by: