Mississippi Women in Agriculture MS State University Program for women who want to gain business knowledge Farm women with a passion to succeed are increasing their business knowledge and skills through the Mississippi Women in Agriculture program. It is specifically designed for farm women and sponsored by Mississippi State University and the Southern Rural Development Center. Funding is provided by the Southern Region Risk Management Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program has a variety of opportunities for women who wish to gain business knowledge, increase productivity or even start a new business. In Mississippi, women play a significant role in farming operations, either as the primary operator or as the spouse of a farmer. Therefore, women’s involvement in the decision making and financial management of operations is critical. Participants said the program has helped them maximize their roles in business management, which has been instrumental to their success. The program provides opportunities for women to interact through educational seminars and an annual state conference. “We cover information on human resource development so individuals can learn to work better with their employees and business associates,” said program coordinator Sonia Hancock. “We also include how to prepare for borrowing money from financial institutions, how to manage risks encountered in farming operations and help participants review their estate plans.” Women involved in the program say it has helped them prepare for the expected, and the unexpected in agriculture. Sandra Berryhill, a farmer in Franklin County, turned to the program after her husband passed away three years ago. She wanted the skills to better manage her farm while also taking care of her seven children. “The program taught us a lot about how to acquire loans, keep records and manage credit scores. We also learned about farm credit and estate planning. Whether or not you have children, you need to think about farm succession, because you’ll need a plan to continue your farm.” Berryhill said. Berryhill said she now has a better understanding of why it is important to be a good steward of the land.“When my husband got sick, he told me, ‘I don’t have anything to give you but this place. But if you take care of this place, it’ll take care of you,’” she said. “So that’s what we try to do. I tell our children we have to be good stewards of what we have and we need to work together to keep it going.” Hancock said women farmers have a growing interest in computer programs and other technology for business management. “Participants want computerized record-keeping programs, so we have offered instruction on the QuickBooks record-keeping program. In addition, they want to learn how to build and manage Web pages and blogs to promote their agricultural products.” Poultry grower Delean Robertson of Pike County said using updated technology is useful in managing her poultry operation. “It was what I needed to help our farm become more productive and to know what areas we can improve. The technology helps me keep better track of inventory, what we’re doing, when we’re making improvements, when we’re having glitches,” Robertson said. Being around women also creates more opportunities for networking and communicating new information. “We tend to be more vocal than men, and we know what we are talking about with each other,” Robertson said. “It just feels like you can get more information from other women.” Robertson said the biggest reward has been becoming a knowledgeable businesswoman and producer. “It’s really fulfilling to know that you can work with your hands to produce something, to make something grow, to have something that makes a difference. It is supplying a need in our economy and in our society, and it’s very rewarding,” Robertson said. Robertson’s experience with MSWIA will be useful in the future as she expands her farm. Class times vary, but for more information, interested women can call (662) 325-3207 or contact their local county Extension office.