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 in Columbia, MO, USA.

The Pearls of Production Conference will also include Future Pearls of Production, a youth track for ages 5–12 (available only for children of adults participating in Pearls), ensuring the next generation is engaged and inspired.

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.