The University of Missouri Extension sponsors a two-day hands-on workshop to reach women who are playing larger roles and making key decisions in farm livestock production, according to MU Extension state swine specialist Marcia Shannon. She says this year's event focuses on farm biosecurity.

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn will welcome fellow female farmers to the sixth annual Pearls of Production: Women in Agriculture workshop Nov. 2-3 in Columbia. She kicks off the event at 1 p.m. Nov. 2, at the Stoney Creek Inn.

Chinn, a fifth-generation farmer from Clarence, manages a farrow-to-finish operation with her husband and children. The Chinns also have a small cow-calf herd and family feed mill, and they grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Over the years, she has served as a leader in many agribusiness groups.

Attendees will then travel to Austin and Dustin Stanton’s poultry operation in Centralia, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Stanton Brothers Eggs is the largest independent free-range chicken operation in the nation, according to USDA. They also produce honey ice cream. Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg toured the Missouri Century Farm in 2017.

During the evening meal, Bill Pittenger, poultry program manager for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, will give an update on farm biosecurity.

Pearls of Production will offer hands-on breakout sessions Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beef reproduction specialists will cover anatomy, tract scoring and semen evaluation. Beef nutrition specialists will talk about interpreting hay test results, choosing supplemental feeds and fetal programming. MU Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch will cover shop safety, tractor handling and horsepower, and how to use tools properly for better ergonomics.

Shannon says farm biosecurity is another emerging issue that MU Extension specialists will cover. They will give tips for small poultry and swine operations.

Register online or call 866-682-6663. Early registrants receive a free T-shirt. Early registration ends Oct. 12.

Source: University of Missouri