Women’s roles in agriculture continue to expand. In Iowa, one in five principle operators or primary managers of farm businesses are women. Women involved in agriculture in Iowa have a significant economic impact nearly $500 million.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach continues to provide educational opportunities for women across the state to be more informed about the finances on the farm. Tama County Extension is offering Women Managing Farm Finances beginning Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, and continuing Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, and 19, 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. A light meal will be provided following each meeting. Cost of the course is $40. Classes will be held at Tama County Extension in Toledo, Iowa.

During the five-week course, participants will gain an understanding of how to complete a balance sheet and calculate key ratios like current ratio and debt to assets to help them determine how their business is doing. Other topics covered include Income Statements, Cash Flow, and Budgeting and Benchmarking.

“This is a great opportunity for women to gain a better understanding of the primary aspects involved in keeping a farm business healthy,” said Kelvin Leibold, Farm and Ag Business Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Women often handle the finances on farm businesses, so it’s extremely important to have a grasp of the many financial components of a farm operation,” Leibold added.

Register for Women Managing Farm Finances at the Tama County Extension Office at 203 W. High St., Toledo,Iowa, or call the office at 641-484-2703 to sign up or for more information.