Completed Project Report


Educational Opportunities for Women Involved in Agriculture

  • Award Amount: $48,214
  • Regional Center: Western Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2011 Competitive Grant Program
  • Project Director: Margaret Viebrock
  • Email: viebrock@wsu.edu
  • Organization: Washington State University Extension

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Project Overview

Educational Opportunities for Women Involved in Agriculture addressed Financial, Price/Market and Human Risks. These topics were identified by women through focus groups, program evaluations and telephone interviews. Sixteen locations simultaneously hosted a state-wide webinar. The workshop included nationally recognized speakers discussing their successful business strategies to reduce financial risk, improve marketing and manage human risk. Local producers participated in panel discussions and showcased how they manage their financial, marketing and business risks. The goal was to reach 200 women and nearly 500 women participated. Retrospective evaluations showed an impressive impact of knowledge gained and their “action plans” committed to behavior changes. Follow-up evaluations 10 months later, with a 27% return rate, showed improved financial record keeping, farm visions developed and used to make decision, refined marketing skills and written business plans. Women met with government agencies, networked with other women and started each day with a plan. Eight follow-up workshops presented throughout the state addressed financial management, business relationships, time management and succession planning. Extension faculty and financial collaborators facilitated these sessions. An additional 186 women participated. A website, electronic newsletter information, Constant Contact and other social media continue to be used to stay in contact with the participants.

Number of Participants: 665

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

There are no educational materials available for this project.

REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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