Pearls of Production - Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer - February

Join us as we kick off the International Year of the Woman Farmer with an inspiring keynote from Carey Portell, nationally recognized speaker and best-selling author. Carey’s powerful story of resilience—shaped by her twelve-year recovery as a survivor of a drunk driving accident—challenges audiences to break through limitations and embrace possibility.

Her message sets the tone for a year-long series of monthly virtual learning sessions featuring international speakers from multiple countries, delivering practical, research-based education and diverse perspectives. These sessions build knowledge, confidence, and community, all leading up to the hands-on Pearls of Production Conference, November 6-7 2026.

The Pearls of Production Conference will also include Future Pearls of Production, a youth track for ages 5–12, ensuring the next generation is part of the conversation.

Thank you to our partners for making this program possible: USDA NIFA, Missouri AgrAbility, Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, and MFA Rural Mental Health Awareness.

Questions? Contact Heather Conrow, Livestock Specialist / Statewide Poultry Specialist and 2026 Pearls of Production Committee Chair, at hconrow@missouri.edu or 660-248-2272.