The Guthrie County Extension Office has a class beginning next week that local women in the agriculture industry are highly encouraged to attend.

Program Coordinator Mary Ebert says the Office’s “Women Managing Cattle” course is related to their successful Annie’s Project course that has been offered in past years, and she wants local women to take advantage of the education and support materials that will be provided.

Ebert says the goal of the course is to supply women with ways to overcome some of the challenges they face as being women in a male-dominated industry.

“What we have seen for success in the past with Annie’s Project is it seems like women are especially interested in coming to an ag program that is designed specifically for women in agriculture just because it’s a good opportunity for them to ask a lot of questions they may be afraid to be asking in front of a regular male audience,” Ebert says.

Ebert says some of the main topics that women will be able to discuss include the cost of cattle production, pasture management and pasture watering options.

Guthrie County resident and ISU extension Farm Management Specialist Shane Ellis will be one of the instructors of the three-week course.  The first class is slated for next Tuesday, November 12th from 6 to 9pm at the Coon Rapids Public Library, and the course will then meet the following two Tuesdays as well.

Cost for participation is $50 and those interested must register by next Monday.  Anyone with questions or if you’d like to register for the course, contact the Carroll County Extension Office at 712-792-2364.