Pearls of Production to celebrate 10 years with events in Kirksville, Mount Vernon

Pearls of Production, taught by University of Missouri Extension women specialists to women producers, is celebrating its 10th year and offering one-day events on Sept. 30 and Nov. 4.

Pearls began in 2013 to offer women hands-on training in agriculture production practices.

In a press release, MU Extension livestock field specialist Heather Conrow said, “With two events in different regions of the state this year, we are hoping to reach a larger audience. For some women, it’s a struggle to get away from home and the farm to attend an overnight conference, so we’re hoping these one-day events closer to their homes will accommodate more women.”

The first event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Truman State University in Kirksville. Topics are:

• Feeding livestock in a forage shortage.
• Internal parasite control.
• Practical biosecurity updates for the farm.

The second Pearls of Production event is will be held from 1-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in Mount Vernon. Topics are:

• Basic cheese lab.
• Sheep production – the FAMACHA system and five-point check for small ruminants.
• Elderberry – what you need to know.

“We want to meet women where they are by bringing the learning close to their farms,” said Reagan Bluel, MU Extension dairy specialist. “Pearls of Production is about helping women who want to get their hands dirty learn how to produce food.”

The number of women involved in agriculture in Missouri and across the U.S. continues to increase, and more women own and operate farms and ranches, Conrow said.

“Women are also increasingly playing larger roles in livestock production, as nearly half of our country’s women-operated farms specialize in livestock production,” she said.

Conrow says women offer a unique perspective on ag. Through programs like Pearls of Production, they can learn and share new ideas on raising livestock that can benefit one another.

“It’s imperative for women producers to learn these skills in a safe, non-stressful environment where they can understand and practice hands-on techniques,” she said. “That’s what we are happy to provide at Pearls of Production.”

Register at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/pearls-of-production-in-the-field. Cost is $40 per event.

For more information, contact Reagan Bluel at BluelRJ@missouri.edu or 417-847-3161.