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Annie's Project

Empowering Women in Agriculture

Women standing in a circle learning about rangeland plants

Annie's Project is open to all interested in agricultural business. Participants join a series of in-person and online workshops focused on the five areas of risk management. This program is designed for women in agriculture, whether you're a recent college graduate or a seasoned producer, to gain knowledge and networking opportunities to confidently manage farms and agricultural businesses successfully. The practical education and strong support network benefit farmers, ranchers, business professionals and those who support the agricultural industry.

Example Annie's Project program

  • 18 hours of risk management training covering:
    • Marketing: understanding agricultural marketing and making informed decisions
    • Financial: business planning, budgeting and record-keeping
    • Production: managing crops, livestock and natural resources
    • Legal: using contracts, leases and other legal agreements
    • Human Resources: hiring, communicating and managing business dynamics
  • Customized course content based on participant interests and needs
  • Networking opportunities

Join a Growing Network

After completing the core Annie’s Project series, program alumni will receive invitations to participate in future statewide conferences and workshops. Additionally, communities may choose to host workshops tailored to specific interests. These Annie’s Inspired programs provide opportunities for learning and skill-building based on what participants want to explore next.

What Participants are Saying

Participants have taken what they learned in Annie's Project to "review what we have in place for insurance, long-term plans, goals and deciding what changes need to be made."

"My husband and I put a business plan together to buy more cows and took it to the banker. The banker said to move forward."

After completing Annie's Project, "We do several balance sheets per year and [communicate regularly] with our ag banker."

A map of South Dakota with dots indicating where Annie's Project classes have taken place.
Host communities: Annie's Project has been hosted by more than 40 communities: Belle Fourche, Bison, Bowdle, Bowman, Britton, Brookings, Buffalo, Chamberlain, Clark, Eagle Butte, Faith, Gregory, Herreid, Hot Springs, Lake Preston, Lemmon, Long Valley, Martin, McIntosh, Miller, Mitchell, Onida, Philip, Pierre, Plankinton, Presho, Redfield, Salem, Selby, Sioux Falls, Sisseton, St. Onge, Sturgis, Timber Lake, Union Center, Wall, Watertown, Webster, White River, and Winner.

How to Participate

Browse the upcoming events list below to see scheduled workshops. If you don’t find one in your area, fill out the interest form and we’ll notify you when new programs are scheduled.

Host a Workshop

SDSU Extension offers two in-person Annie’s Project series each year, choosing locations based on community interest. If you or your organization would like to host a program, fill out the interest form and we’ll connect with you to explore the details.

Hosts work with SDSU Extension to set program dates, select content and determine local logistics such as meeting space and meals. They also play a key role in promoting the program and recruiting attendees.

Related Topics

Farm Business Management