Farm Management Series 'On My Own' Offered This Fall

JULIE HARKER

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

A program to help women landowners and operators understand agricultural leases and the value of land and agricultural activities will be offered this fall in a series of evening events.

University of Missouri Extension will hold “On My Own” classes on various weeknights at locations throughout the state from Oct. 15, 2024, through Feb. 25, 2025. There are also two opportunities for taking the class online.

“I will have fresh data from the most recent MU Extension rental rates survey and farmland values opinions survey to share,” said Amie Breshears, ag business specialist for MU Extension in Benton County.

The workshop will help participants understand the basic elements of agricultural leases and other resources that can be leveraged to determine land values and rates for custom work.

Participants will learn:

• Components and common types of agricultural lease arrangements.
• How to determine the approximate monetary value of leasing ag lands.
• How to determine the approximate value of ag lands.
• How to determine the average rate for a variety of custom work activities (such as land clearing and custom baling).

The “On My Own” program is specifically designed for women who are first-time sole operators of their farm enterprises, but it is open to everyone, Breshears said. “These workshops are an opportunity to network and build connections with other participants in similar operating roles.”

The format is informal, conversational and interactive, she said. Attendees will receive a folder full of information and resources that they can take home.

Dates and locations

All classes are 6-8 p.m.

• Oct. 15. Warsaw, Warsaw First United Methodist Church.
• Oct. 24. Warrensburg, Johnson County Extension Center.
• Nov. 6. Boonville, Cooper County Extension Center.
• Dec. 10. Online.
• Dec. 12. Sedalia, Pettis County Extension Center.
• Jan. 14, 2025. California, California City Hall.
• Jan. 21, 2025. Versailles, Morgan County Extension Center.
• Jan. 30, 2025. Online.
• Feb. 18, 2025. Clinton, Henry County Extension Center.
• Feb. 25, 2025. Harrisonville, Cass County Extension Center.

Register at http://muext.us/onmyown2024, or contact the county extension center for your preferred location. Cost is $15 per person.   ∆

JULIE HARKER: University of Missouri