MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Two upcoming seminars will help women who work in farming businesses.

This is the second year for “Mississippi Women in Agriculture – Annie’s Project,” which targets women, who are often the sole decision makers in their agricultural businesses.

The three-day programs will help participants make the best choices for their businesses and lay the groundwork for future educational opportunities. Topics include business plans, estate planning, financial records and statements, human resources, marketing, risk management, technology security, and women and money. Each seminar costs $60, which includes lunches, a notebook and support materials. Preregistration is required.

The first seminar will be Sept. 23-25 at the Grenada County Extension Office. Women with interest in any form of agriculture will benefit from each of the seminars, but the focus in Grenada will be row crops, aquaculture, beef and forestry. The registration deadline is Sept. 9.

The second seminar is Oct. 28-30 in Hattiesburg at the Forrest County Extension Office. The focus will be on poultry, beef, forestry and commercial horticulture. This registration deadline is Oct. 14.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is partnering with the Southern Rural Development Center, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to sponsor these business management seminars for farmwomen.

Participants will be encouraged to attend a state conference in February, as well as video conferences on Feb. 6, March 6, April 3 and May 1.

For more information, call (662) 325-3207, contact county Extension offices or visit the Web site at http://extension.msstate.edu/agriculture/farming/women-for-agriculture.

Contact: Sonia Hancock, (601) 941-6082