What is Annie's Project

   Farm women have diverse backgrounds, some of which prepare women well for the responsibility of running a farm business. Other farm women come into farming by ways of marrying men who happen to be farmers, or by means of their spouse or family members dying and leaving them in charge.

   Being married to a farmer or being a woman in a male dominated business has its challenges. Some women have learned to handle this responsibility very well and are valuable mentors to women who have not had it so easy.

    Through Annie's Project, Annie's daughter, Ruth Fleck Hambelton, creator of Annie's Project, takes the skills instilled in her by her mother, and educates farm women. Farm women find answers, strength and friendship in Annie's Project. Farm women grow in confidence, business skills and community prestige.

   Other women and men equally skilled, educated and impassioned for the roles of farm women have expanded the program into surrounding states and southern states. Everyone seems to find a piece of Annie in their lives.

Annie's Project in North Dakota

   Annie's Project was first introduced in North Dakota in 2006 and has been conducted every year since then. To date, over 800 farm and ranch spouses throughout the state have participated in the project. It is conducted from late January to early March each year.

   The information at each site is delivered by a combination of sessions conducted over the Interactive Video Network (IVN) as well as local presenters. North Dakota is one of the few states that are able to offer this project without the use of any grant funds. This is possible due to the:

Use of Interactive Video Network technology.

The continued sponsorship of AgCountry, Farm Credit Services, North Dakota Grain Growers and Farm Service Agency and many other sponsors at each location where the project is offered.

Dedication and support from many state and county based NDSU Extension staff members, and other professionals who assist with many aspects of delivering this project to many sites each year.