Join Pearls of Production - Empowering Women in Ag

By Blake Jackson

University of Missouri Extension's Pearls of Production committee is offering a series of five online sessions, "Pixels for Production," aimed at empowering women livestock producers across the state. While tailored for women, all producers are welcome to participate.

The series kicks off with a free session on Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m., focusing on small ruminants like goats and sheep.

David Brown, MU Extension small ruminant specialist, will address biosecurity, emphasizing its importance in preventing disease spread. “Without proper biosecurity measures, diseases can spread rapidly, leading to production losses, increased veterinary costs and even livestock mortality,” Brown stated. His presentation will provide practical steps to enhance biosecurity and protect livestock health.

Complementing Brown's presentation, Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, DVM, will discuss "When To Dial the Doc," offering insights on when to seek veterinary assistance for small ruminants.

"We are hoping to meet women where they are for five sessions and then come together for the in-person Pearls of Production conference Nov. 8 at the University of Missouri to learn hands-on techniques, network with other women and make connections that last the entire year until the next conference, when we can do it all over again," said Heather Conrow, MU Extension livestock specialist and Pearls of Production committee chair.

To foster community, "Chick-Chat," a 20-minute networking session, will precede each virtual event at 6:40 p.m. For those preferring in-person participation, "barn locations" at local extension offices in Lewis, Howard, Callaway, Wright, Ray, Atchison, and Jackson counties will host viewing parties.

Conrow emphasized that the virtual sessions build a foundation for the hands-on training at the November conference. "The more Pixels you attend, the better prepared you’ll be for Pearls," she noted.

Following the free March 25 session, the remaining virtual sessions are $10 each. The in-person Pearls of Production conference will cost $99.

Upcoming virtual sessions include:

• June 24: "Stop the Bleed," injury awareness, presented by Beth Koster, MU outreach coordinator.
• July 22: "Feeding and Managing Pregnant Beef Cows and Heifers for Calf Success," presented by Allison Meyer, MU associate professor of nutritional physiology/ruminant nutrition.
• September 23: "Gut Health Issues? Let’s Talk About SRP, a Novel Technology," presented by Andrea Pitkin, DVM, Vaxxinova US.
• October 28: "Heroes to Hives," beekeeping for veterans and women producers, presented by Joni Harper, MU Extension specialist.

Register for the March 25 session at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/pixels-of-production-virtual-pearls-of-production-women-in-agriculture-conference-session-one.

Photo Credit: pearl-of-production