Risk and Financial Management for Women in Agriculture Subject of Colorado State Seminar

Colorado State University, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency, will offer a risk and financial management seminar specifically tailored for women in agriculture on June 21 in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

The one-day conference uses hands-on instruction tools (including computer-simulation and spreadsheets) to help participants determine their operation’s financial health, measure and set their own individual risk management goals and identify the individual risks that may affect their operation. The last session of the day is an open forum to discuss unique risks that participants face as female agricultural producers and to provide feedback and advice on how to manage those issues. The forum will be facilitated by local female agricultural leaders.

"While it is well known that there are many risks in agriculture, there have not been many formalized programs to educate producers in the five areas of risk, even at the college level," said Catherine Keske, a conference organizer and professor in Colorado State’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. "Few programs have addressed specific risks that female agricultural producers face."

Dana Hoag, also a professor in the department, is a co-organizer for the event.

The seminar is designed to provide women with risk management tools that they can customize for their own situation, whether they are an owner, operator or new to agriculture. An outlet for women to network and offer one another solutions and support also is offered.

The program has already received a significant amount of support from local agricultural leaders. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency.

Registration is complimentary, and a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. There also are a limited number of lodging scholarships available. Hoag and Keske plan to offer a second seminar later in the year, with the second location to be determined at a later date.

For more information about the conference and registration, visit the conference Web site at www.agwomenandrisk.com.

-30-