Local News

U of I Extension's "Annie's Project" Concludes

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 13:35:37 CDT

(L to R) - Karyl Dressen, Debbie Kibler, Tina Zimmerman, Jean Weitekamp, Amy Hernandez, and Heather Hampton+Knodle

“Annie's Project” concluded on March 26 with participants engaging in discussion and networking with one another. Phillip Alberti, University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, presented a webinar entitled Soil Testing for Crop Production. The webinar provided participants with an understanding of soils including soil characteristics, soil testing basics, soil testing types, interpreting soil tests, and fertilization strategies. Debbie Forbes presented a presentation called, QuickBooks 101. QuickBooks is a software program businesses use to manage sales and expenses and keep track of daily transactions, which could be potentially beneficial to farmers. Participants of this year’s program were Karyl Dressen, Heather Hampton+Knodle, Amy Hernandez, Debbie Kibler, Jean Weitekamp, and Tina Zimmerman.

Annie’s Project is a six-part course offered by University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Annie's Project Organization. The program strives to empower women in agriculture by holding discussion-based workshops that bring women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field. Annie’s Project would not be possible without our local sponsors – Bank of Hillsboro, First Community Bank of Hillsboro, First National Bank of Nokomis, First National Bank of Raymond, Litchfield Farmers Grain, Litchfield National Bank, and Montgomery County Farm Bureau.

Annie’s Project was offered at Montgomery County Extension Office in Hillsboro, IL from 5:30 p.m. to 8:55 p.m. on February 29, 26 & March 5, 12, 19, 26 2019 (Tuesdays). Throughout the six-part course, participants heard from a variety of speakers on a wide range of subjects important for operating a farm.

Topics and speakers included:
History and Overview of Annie’s Project – by Andrew Holsinger, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
Real Colors – by Valerie Belusko, University of Illinois Extension Community & Economic Development Program Coordinator.
Understanding Financial Statements – by Brian Lewey, Farm Loan Officer at USDA Farm Service Agency.
Business Planning – by Andrew Holsinger, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
Commodity Marketing – by Spencer Janssen, Litchfield Farmers Grain.
Grain Markets, Bid Sheets, & Common Grain Contracts – by Caleb May, Farm Credit Risk Management Product and Training Specialist.
Crop Insurance Basics – by Nick Kuhns, loan officer with First Community Bank of Hillsboro.
Using Local Resources: Farm Bureau, Farm Service Agency & Natural Resources Conservation Service – by Katie Wilson, Montgomery County Farm Bureau Manager; Carolyn Slightom, FSA County Executive Director for Montgomery County; Brian Lewey, FSA Farm Loan Officer; and Christine Goldstein, who is a District Conservationist with NRCS in Montgomery County.
Generational Transfers: Estate Planning – by David Pritchard and Steven Dumstorff from Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP and Erik Hyam, Silver Lake Group, ltd.