On farms large and small across the United States, the number of women making the decisions is growing. More than 25,500 women are decision makers on Kansas farms. They farm more than 14 million acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Census of Agriculture. Overall, in 2017, 36% of all agricultural producers across the country were women, up from 31.5% in 2012.
Fifty-six percent of farms had at least one female decision maker.
K-State Research and Extension recognizes the financial stress that farmers and ranchers are experiencing due to low commodity prices and high input costs. More than ever, financial management of the operation is critical to long-term sustainability.
Kansas State University will host a four-part series of workshops focused on helping women sharpen their farm financial management skills. This workshop series will teach principles of recordkeeping to develop a balance sheet, income statement and a cash flow statement. Participants will work with a case farm to do performance analysis and understand how these statements can help with management decisions. Other special topics will include managing family living expenses, coping with mental stress and developing a whole-farm financial management plan.
The K-State Research and Extension program will run as a series, so each evening session builds on material from the previous sessions. Participants register at a cost of $40 for the entire four-session series. The fee covers all meals and program materials. The sessions, all on Wednesdays, are Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and offered in 31 locations around the state through a combination of broadcasted keynote and local speakers.
Southwind Extension District will be a host site at Midwest Fertilizer Agronomy Center in Chanute. Register for the series by visiting: www.AgManager.info under Events. Registration is due by Dec. 31. Space is limited.
For more information, contact Joy Miller at the Southwind District Fort Scott office: 620-223-3720.
