By Blake Jackson
Women in livestock production will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of beekeeping during the Pearls of Production event on Nov. 8 in Columbia, Missouri.
Organized by the University of Missouri (MU) Extension, the in-person session will highlight how beekeeping can promote personal growth, wellness, and agricultural engagement among women and military veterans.
MU Extension natural resources specialist Joni Harper will lead the beekeeping discussion, sharing insights from the Heroes to Hives program, a nationwide initiative that teaches beekeeping skills while supporting the emotional and financial wellness of veterans. The program is offered in partnership with Michigan Food & Farming Systems and provides free professional training and community development opportunities.
Since its start in Missouri in 2021, the state’s Heroes to Hives chapter has trained more than 1,500 veterans in beekeeping practices. The national program began in Michigan in 2015 and has since grown into the largest agricultural training effort for U.S. military personnel.
According to Harper, Heroes to Hives not only teaches the technical aspects of beekeeping but also focuses on stress management and building camaraderie among participants. “It helps veterans find purpose and community while learning valuable agricultural skills,” Harper said.
The Pearls of Production event will also feature several other educational sessions, including presentations on swine vaccination technology, stress management, calving, farm finance, beef genetics, and first aid for life-threatening injuries.
Through these programs, MU Extension continues to empower women in agriculture by offering hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, leadership, and sustainable production skills across multiple areas of the farming industry.
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Categories: Missouri, Education, General