Karen's Keynotes
by Karen Armstrong, Human Development Extension Agent
Rolette County

NDSU Focuses on Empowering Farm Women through Annie’s Project

The next six-week session of Annie’s Project will get under way the week of Jan. 22 at 15 locations across North Dakota. Annie’s Project is a program coordinated in North Dakota through the North Dakota State University Extension Service to enthuse and empower farm women to take a major interest in contributing to and managing the agricultural business. The course is six three-hour sessions.

Introduced into North Dakota last year, Annie’s Project received very high reviews from the approximate 100 women who participated. Because of this success, the program has been expanded for next year.

The Annie’s Project sites are Underwood, Carrington, Grand Forks, Cavalier, Grafton, Minot (afternoon and evening), Bowbells, Watford City, Devils Lake, Dickinson, McClusky, Fargo, Wahpeton, Oakes and Jamestown.

According to Willie Huot, Annie’s Project state coordinator and Grand Forks County Extension agent, the program will be delivered to all sites by interactive television and local presenters.

Topics include:

·      How bankers make loan decisions

·      Tracking expenses and income for business and families

·      Mastering spreadsheets

·      Land rental agreements

·      Retirement, farm transfer and estate planning

·      Grain and livestock marketing

·      Insurance needs, such as crop insurance

·      Personnel management

·      Why and how to develop business plans

More information about Annie’s Project and registration details can be found at www.ag.ndsu.edu/anniesproject  or contact Huot at (701) 780-8229 or by e-mail willie.huot@ndsu.edu . Any of the site facilitators listed on the Web site also can be contacted for more information.

The cost is $100 per person. Seating is limited at all sites. Those interested in the program are urged to register early. Annie’s Project is sponsored statewide by the NDSU Extension Service, Farm Credit Services, North Dakota Grain Growers, Risk Management Agency, and Farm and Ranch Guide. In addition, there are many local sponsors at each location.

Tis the Season: Donating to Charities

 With more than half a million federally recognized charities soliciting contributions, chances are you'll be asked to donate. Here are some tips to help you give wisely:

 *Ask for written information. A legitimate charity will give you information outlining its mission, how your donation will be distributed, and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.

 *Ask for identification. Many states require paid fund-raisers to identify themselves as such and to name the charity for which they’re soliciting.

 *Watch out for similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations.

 *Call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. If not, you may be dealing with a sham solicitor.

 *Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making. Check your records if you have doubts about a pledge you supposedly made.

 *Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate charities won’t push you to give on the spot.

 *Be cautious of charities that offer to send a courier for your donation.

 *Consider the costs. When buying merchandise or receiving free goods for giving, remember that these items are paid for by your contribution. That means less of your donation may go to the charity.

 *Be wary of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for your contribution. You never have to donate to be eligible to win.

 *Don’t send cash. For security and tax record purposes, pay by check. Write the official name of the charity on your check.

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Updated 12-18-06 Carleen Jeannotte