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Sustainable Annie’s Systems in South Dakota for Years to Come (SASSY)

Robin Salverson

Summary

Women that participated in Annie’s Project expressed strong desires to continue learning and networking. To continue the enthusiasm, a project was created that focused on developing self-driven, sustainable learning communities that empowered women to take action with their families called Sustainable Annie’s Systems in South Dakota for Years to Come or more commonly referred to as SASSY. Site coordinators worked with existing Annie’s Projects throughout South Dakota to help them become sustainable learning communities. Because women are dedicated to their families, communities and operations their lives are busy, therefore, to help with participation the women determined the structure of the program. A complete curriculum was developed focused on finding balance between the individual and the agricultural operation, marketing, understanding financial documents, implementing record keeping, and future planning.

Henry Ford said “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Therefore, the second part of SASSY is a planned 2 day Family Business Workshop that focuses on bringing the family unit together working through Sustaining the Legacy workbook. Families will leave the workshop with working documents to help with management and wealth transfer planning of their ranch. Annie’s Project has proven to be a successful program in South Dakota, the question was how do we continue the learning and networking that women value? The continued relationship has been rewarding but challenges still occur.

Details

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