9:19 a.m., Jan. 12, 2011----University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, in conjunction with the University of Maryland, is offering a series of classes focused on the business of agriculture, geared specifically to women.

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The classes begin Jan. 26 and are part of a national program called Annie's Project. The registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 14.

“Annie's Project developed as a way to empower farm wives,” says Tracy Wootten, Cooperative Extension horticultural agent for Sussex County. “It was designed for women who work with their husbands on family farms to help take them to the next level of knowledge. But the program is equally appropriate for those who have never been a part of agriculture but would like to be.”

The eight-part series focuses on the myriad aspects of managing a farm or other agricultural operation. Topics covered include risk management, production, marketing, computer and other technological issues, financial affairs, risk management and human resources.

Special guest lectures will be presented by Robin Talley, of the USDA Farm Service Agency, who will speak about updates to the agency's programs, and by Buck Smith, who will discuss effective estate planning.

Annie's Project encourages females in agriculture to build professional networks. The class format encourages such networking via a dinner and social networking period at the beginning of each three-hour class session.

The program runs from Wednesday, Jan. 26, to Wednesday, March 16. It will be offered at UD Extension's Paradee Center, 69 Transportation Circle, Dover. The cost of the course, including meals and materials, is $75. Registration ends Friday, Jan. 14.

The class is limited to 25 participants but late registrants will be accepted if any space is still available.

For more information, call Tracy Wootten at 302-856-7303 or email her at [wootten@udel.edu], or call Maria Pippidis at 302-831-2506 or email her at [pippidis@udel.edu].