Following the extremely popular Woman Managing the Farm program that was held in January of 2020, K-State Research and Extension is holding another Statewide series this January. Both Great Bend and Hays will be hosting a site for the program, so contact either Alicia Boor, or Stacy Campbell for more information.  

K-State Research and Extension, recognizes the uncertainty that farmers and ranchers are experiencing due to fluctuating grain and input prices.  More than ever, risk management of the operation is critical to long-term sustainability. 

This workshop series will teach principles of determining cost of production, developing a marketing plan, purchasing crop insurance, and participating in farm programs (ARC/PLC). Participants will work with a case farm to apply these topics to a real-world farming operation. The goal is for participants to acquire risk management skills they can apply directly to their own farming operations. Other special topics will include managing stress and being resilient in tough times, and communicating effectively with family members. 

The program will be a combination of broadcast keynote speakers, local speakers, and facilitators to assist in completing the hands-on activities. 

An optional 5th session will cover similar risk management principles for beef cow/calf operations. 

This program is just one example of K-State Extension’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. While the program is designed to highlight women’s issues in agriculture, it is open to any participant without regard to sex. 

This program will be run as a series, so each night will build upon the material from the previous sessions. As such, participants will register for the entire four-session series (session number five is optional). 

There is a $50 registration fee will cover all meals and all program materials if registered by Dec. 31 for the first four sessions. After that, the fee is $75.

Local scholarships may be available. 

Add $10 if registering for fifth session of the series or $15 for that session alone.

For more information, contact Robin Reid, K-State Agricultural Economics, at 785-532-0964 or LaVell Winsor, K-State Farm Analyst Program, at 785-220-5451. 

 Register for the series at https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHtbfGu2WLJBuu.

First 500 participants to register will receive a free grain marketing book! 

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.