Submitted by Brandy Brabham
WVU Extension Agent 304-927-0975
There will be a "Women in Agriculture Day" event is today from 9 a.m. to noon at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer, W.Va. The event is open to anyone with an interest in farming from beginning farmers to experienced farmers and especially farm women, regardless of county residency.
Participants will learn about farm programs, services, and agencies, receive food preservation and canning tips from West Virginia University Extension, and learn of a new educational opportunity for female operators known as the West Virginia Annie's Project.
The nationally renowned 'Annie's Project' has grown from a southwest Illinois program developed by Annie's daughter Ruth Hambleton to a program offered in over 20 states and will be offered in West Virginia beginning this fall. The Women in Agriculture team for WVU Extension partnered with other state agencies and organizations to prepare a grant through the North Central Risk Management Agency to develop the curriculum for the classes.
Women managing their own farming operation, or partnering with a spouse or other individual, will have the chance to connect with other women through a six to ten week course designed to empower them to develop their management and decision making skills through a short course offered by the West Virginia University's Extension Service and Small Farm Center in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, and Farm Credit of the Virginias.
A highlight of the local "Women in Agriculture Day" event will be an open forum for producers to share their stories of trial and error in becoming successful farm managers.
Refreshments will be provided by the West Central Extension Master Gardeners Association.
Pre-registration is requested, but not required. For more information about the event or to pre-register, contact the WVU-Roane County Extension Office at 304-927-0975 or email Brandy Brabham at brandy.brabham@mail.wvu.edu
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