Women running their farm operations or considering sole operatorship can benefit from a University of Missouri Extension “On My Own” workshop. Starting in May, these workshops will give participants a primer on agricultural leasing, farmland values and custom work management.

“I put this series together because I see a need for this type of education, based on the number of calls I receive from women who are widowed, divorced or single and are running their farms by themselves for the first time,” said Amie Breshears, MU Extension agricultural business specialist in Benton County.

“I receive questions that range from ‘How do I determine the value of my land?’ to ‘How do I know if I’m paying a fair price for custom work on my farm?’” Breshears said. “This workshop is designed to help these new operators understand the basics and where they can find resources to help them make informed management decisions.”

The workshop will help participants understand essential elements of agricultural leases and resources that can be used to determine land values and rates for custom work, she said. Participants will learn:

• The components and common types of agricultural lease arrangements.

• How to determine the approximate monetary value of leasing agricultural land.

• How to assess the approximate monetary value of agricultural land.

• How to determine the average rate for a variety of custom work activities (including land clearing, custom baling and more).

“On My Own” workshops are specifically designed for women who are first-time sole operators of their farm enterprises, but they are open to everyone, Breshears said. These workshops also allow networking and building connections with other participants in similar operator roles.

Sessions are 10 a.m. to noon in eight locations:

• May 14 – Sedalia, Pettis County.

• June 4 – Boonville, Cooper County.

• June 13 – Clinton, Henry County.

• June 18 – Warrensburg, Johnson County.

• July 23 – California, Moniteau County.

• July 25 – Versailles, Morgan County.

• July 30 – Harrisonville, Cass County.

• Aug. 6 – Warsaw, Benton County.

Visit http://muext.us/OnMyOwn2024 to register online, or contact the county extension center in your area of interest. Cost is $15 per person.