University of Missouri Extension’s Pearls of Production program will host a free global speaker series in 2026 in recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The series will feature women agricultural leaders from around the world.

The series is designed to connect agricultural professionals, researchers and producers, said Heather Conrow, Pearls of Production committee chair and an MU Extension livestock and poultry specialist.

“Through engaging virtual conversations and hands-on trainings, the program supports participants in enhancing skills, improving efficiency and adopting best practices in animal agriculture,” Conrow said.

All sessions in the free speaker series will be presented live on Zoom. Organizers plan to announce additional international speakers throughout the year and invite recommendations for potential participants.

Sessions:

• March 25 – Salma Sultana, veterinarian from Bangladesh recognized for innovative farmer-training programs.
• April 22 – Kate Hoare, United Kingdom dairy farmer known for an off-grid system featuring a biomethane-capturing slurry lagoon.
• May 27 – Judith de Vor, fifth-generation regenerative dairy farmer from the Netherlands.
• June 24 – Louise Bulmer, from Scotland’s Rural College, specializes in equine nutrition and research on the gut-brain axis.

Learn more at https://muext.us/PearlsofProduction.

For questions, contact Conrow at hconrow@missouri.edu or 660-248-2272.

Pearls of Production is proud to partner with USDA NIFA, Missouri AgrAbility, Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, MFA Rural Mental Health Awareness.