Compeer Financial is collaborating with Annie’s Project — Education for Farm Women. Annie’s Project provides educational programs designed to strengthen women’s roles in the modern farm enterprise. The program fosters problem-solving, record-keeping and decision-making skills in farm women.

Annie’s Project was launched in 2003 by University of Illinois Extension educator Ruth Hambleton in tribute to her mother, Annette Kohlhagen Fleck. As a farmwife, Fleck faced many challenges while working with their farm. She became successful through making thoughtful, knowledgeable decisions. To continue her mother’s legacy, Hambleton began to provide educational resources for modern-day women farmers.

Farming is a complex business, and an increasing number of women are becoming active partners and owners in their farming operations. Annie’s Project provides resources in educational sessions with topics from five risk areas: financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production.  

As an Annie’s Project collaborator, Compeer Financial will assist in providing the programming to farm women who reside within the three-state territory of Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“Building a diverse and knowledgeable team is essential to farm operations wishing to grow and succeed in creating a lasting legacy,” says Rebecca Binsfeld, a client education specialist at Compeer Financial. “Whether the sole owner-operator, holding an off-farm job or anywhere in between, women in agriculture provide valuable and unique insights. Compeer Financial is thrilled to offer the opportunity for women to continue to grow their farm business skills while creating invaluable connections to other women in the field for years to come.”

In 2018, Compeer Financial will provide several stand-alone events inspired by Annie’s Project that will feature speakers, a panel discussion, alumni and networking. Any women involved in agriculture are invited to attend. In 2019, Compeer Financial will offer traditional Annie’s Project programs in several areas throughout the three-state territory. These sessions will meet during January, February and March, once a week for six weeks.

“We are pleased that this collaboration will enhance our reach into the three-state territory,” says Claudette Roper, director of administration for Annie’s Project — Education for Farm Women. “We receive program requests from this area quite regularly and look forward to seeing these needs met.”

For more information, visit your local Compeer Financial office, or go to compeer.com or anniesproject.org.

Source: Compeer Financial