Powder River Examiner -

(PR Extension)

Week four of Annie’s Project featured MSU Extension Ag Econ Specialist Joel Schumacher who shared insight to different ways to transfer the ranch or farm to younger generations and representatives from NRCS who explained the availability and purpose of USDA programs, according to Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph.

Annie’s Project is a six week course designed especially for women in agriculture to develop their management and decision-making skills for their farms and ranches. It is sponsored by Powder River Extension.

Schumacher shared a “Family Business System” model depicting the intersecting circles of ownership, family and business and discussed how challenging family businesses can be. He also shared the four main reasons members join a family business: desire, obligation, cost and need, adding that if someone joins the business for any reason other than desire, the potential for the business to fail is much greater. He also shared different ways to calculate the contributions made by each member involved in the business and how to base rewards on the contribution.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist Shanna Talcott explained the history and purpose of the agency. Born out of the dust bowl in the 1930’s, it was known as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) until 1994 when it was renamed the Natural Resource Conservation Service because its mission was broader than soil, and included water, air, plant and animals.

Talcott shared who was on the Conservation District Board and which areas of the county they represented. She then explained the different programs available through the NRCS that are designed to help landowners develop new conservation practices or enhance existing practices.

A recent addition to the local NRCS office staff is Elizabeth Emeline, Northern Plains Conservation Specialist whose focus is the preservation of northern prairie birds. Emeline shared a pocket guide from the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and descriptions of six major birds in our area. She explained how “much like the canary in the coal mine, the presence of these birds are indicators of the environmental health.” She also shared the “calls” of a few birds and stated that sometimes they are more likely to be heard than seen.

Next week Annie’s Project, on Monday, December 3rd, will focus on tax preparation with Missy Billing, CPA, Gardner and Billing CPAs, PLLC, and equine health and nutrition with Melissa Ashley, MSU Extension Agent, Rosebud/Treasure County. The program will be held beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Broadus Community Center. For more information, contact the Powder River Extension Office at 436-2424.