By Blake Jackson
Pearls of Production will launch its celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer with a keynote webinar on February 22 featuring Carey Portell, a cattle farmer, author, and motivational speaker known for her powerful story of resilience.
Portell has become an influential voice in agriculture after overcoming significant physical challenges resulting from a serious car accident. According to Heather Conrow, University of Missouri Extension livestock and statewide poultry specialist, Portell’s journey offers inspiration and practical insight for women in agriculture.
“Carey Portell’s keynote will inspire participants to see challenges as opportunities,” Conrow said. “Her story of resilience and determination offers practical strategies for overcoming obstacles, both in agriculture and in life. Attendees can expect to leave motivated, empowered and ready to tackle the future with confidence.”
Portell credits Pearls of Production with providing encouragement and connection early in her agricultural journey. “Initially, I felt a common ground with the other attendees and realized there are other women out there who want to work the farm just as I did,” Portell said. “I felt like I was part of a community very quickly.”
Through the program, Portell also learned about Missouri AgrAbility, which she says had a lasting impact. “I received the guidance that I needed not only to work on the farm as a woman but as a partially disabled woman,” Portell said.
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize women’s vital contributions to global food security. Pearls of Production will continue the celebration throughout the year with monthly webinars featuring women farmers and ranchers worldwide.
For registration, visit https://pears.io/events/mu/3344/
Photo Credit: pearl-of-production
Categories: Missouri, Education, General