Women in Agriculture set for conference Nov. 6

Pearls of Production: Women in Agriculture will hold their third annual conference Nov. 6-7 in Columbia, focusing on hands-on opportunities for women to learn agricultural practices.

"During the research we did with the 2010 census, we recognized that there is a higher number of female managers and owner/operators in the agriculture business than we historically thought," said Marcia Shannon of the University of Missouri Extension office. "We recognize that women often times think differently and work differently than men do, so we wanted to get them the resources they need or the hands-on techniques they need to be successful."

The conference, which will be held in the Animal Sciences Research Center located at 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, will cover a host of issues facing today's agriculture professionals. According to Shannon, the hands- on topics have rated highest among participants, so this year they have added more of those options including, but not limited to, tractor maintenance, animal vaccinations, and artificial insemination.

There will also be panels on pasture management, business management and food quality for consumers. Further, a health and safety panel will focus on alternative ways to get some of the heavier work accomplished safely because women's hands and overall body-size differ from men's.

"Stereotypically, women are seen as the bookkeepers or secretaries in these businesses," said Heather Curnow, a livestock specialist with the Callaway County Extension office who is also one of the event organizers. "We really want to help them develop their leadership skills."

This year's keynote speaker will be Lorenza Pasetti of Volpi Foods out of St. Louis. Pasetti heads her family's company, which specializes in crafted, cured meats and was founded in 1902.

"We thought she'd have an interesting perspective on the industry since their company started as a small family business and is now a large company that sells to restaurants and stores everywhere," said Shannon. "We are also interested in what she sees for the future of the industry."

Event organizers try to keep sessions limited to 20 to 25 people in each break-out group because of the hands-on nature of the classes. They've seen an increase in participant numbers each year, including women from the Fulton/Callaway county region.

Early registration for the conference will close October 8, and regular registration begins October 9.