FORT DODGE – Women managing their own farming operations now have the chance to connect with other women through a six-week course designed to empower them to take control of their operations through Iowa State University Extension.

“Typically, there is a low percentage of women participants in agriculture programs offered through ISU Extension,” said Mary Jo Wagner, program coordinator. “Women have a unique learning need, and they need to have programs designed to meet their learning profile.

“That’s why I’m excited to have the Annie’s Project coming to our area.”

The class, consisting of six 3-hour sessions, will teach women about financial management, marketing, human resources, dealing with the public and computer technology.

The classes originally started in Illinois when Ruth Hambleton, Extension educator in farm business management at the University of Illinois, received grant money to start the program, which had been a long-standing idea in her mind.

“Opportunity met with resources, giving me the opportunity to develop the program,” she said.

From there, she said, the program spread to Iowa and Missouri.

“Just like any thing spreads, people watch and learn,” she said. “Good people in Iowa were watching good people in Illinois. That’s what Extension does.”

Classes will meet from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 4, 6, 11, 18, 25 and July 2 on the Iowa Central Community College campus.

Registration is require due to limited seating. The cost is $75 per person. For more information or to register contact the Webster County Extension office at (515) 576-2119.

Register online at www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/annie/quickregister.html.