Women in agriculture will have four nights to learn about livestock production, financial tools and sustainability practices during the University of Missouri’s online Pixels of Production conference.

Because of COVID-19, MU Extension pivoted from its annual in-person Pearls of Production-Women in Agriculture conference to an online event. This year’s event includes keynote speakers in areas of animal care, health and safety, and conservation practices.

Pixels of Production offers women farmers and ranchers not only practical tips, but also inspiration, says Marcia Shannon, University of Missouri Extension swine nutritionist.

Session speakers

A highlight of the event will be a presentation by Temple Grandin, renowned author on animal behavior and autism. She will speak Nov. 12. Other sessions and topics include:

Nov. 5. "Ergonomic Tool Talk” with MU Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch and livestock specialist Brenda Schreck

Nov. 5. “Livestock Identity and Tagging” with livestock specialists Kendra Graham and Rachel Hopkins

Nov. 5. A keynote address from Ashland farmer Caroline Sicht on “Building Bridges” to help farmers tell their stories

Nov. 10. “Livestock in the Woods” with natural resources specialist Sarah Havens

Nov. 10. Keynote speaker Micah Jansen, a Zoetis Inc. veterinarian, on “Vaccinology,” an overview of basic pig immunology, how vaccines work, how vaccines can become less effective and how to properly vaccinate

Nov. 10. “Silvopasture” with Ashley Conway of the MU Center for Agroforestry, how to integrate trees with animals and forages

FEATURED SPEAKER: Temple Grandin will share her story Nov. 12. In her lifetime, she has changed the field of animal handling to a kinder, gentler approach.

Nov. 12. “ABCs of USDA” with USDA representatives

Nov. 12. Keynote speaker Temple Grandin on “Beginning Women in Agriculture”

Nov. 12. “Grants: Show Me the Money” with horticulture specialist Debi Kelly

Nov. 17. “Livestock Tools and Equipment” with livestock specialists Kendra Graham and Rachel Hopkins

Nov. 17. Keynote speaker Amberley Snyder, a championship barrel racer who became paralyzed from the waist down after a car crash

Nov. 17. “Regenerative Agriculture” with Susan Jaster, farm outreach worker with Lincoln University

Online options

The sessions run from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Nov. 5-17.

Scholarships are available for previous Pearls of Production attendees, high school and college students, and beginning farmers and ranchers. The regular fee is $70 for all four evenings.

Participants with limited broadband access can contact their local MU Extension center for viewing options. Visit facebook.com/womenandagriculture for details and updates.

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