Livestock Management Webinars for Women

REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- The University of Missouri Extension is hosting a series of webinars for women livestock producers throughout the year to be capped off by an in-person conference.

The university's Pearls of Production committee planned out content to cover issues in the sheep and goat industry, cattle business, animal health, nutrition and beekeeping. The online education series starts March 25 at 7 p.m., focusing on biosecurity measures for small ruminants.

"Without proper biosecurity measures, diseases can spread rapidly, leading to production losses, increased veterinary costs and even livestock mortality," David Brown, MU Extension small ruminant specialist, said in a news release. Brown will focus on how to enhance biosecurity in sheep and goat flocks to reduce disease risk and safeguard health and productivity.

During her presentation, "When to Dial the Doc," Veterinarian Charlotte Clifford-Rathert will discuss when producers should call a veterinarian for their animals.

Five online sessions are scheduled, with hopes of bringing more producers to the in--person Pearls of Production Conference on Nov. 8 at the University of Missouri to learn hands-on techniques and network with other women.

Prior to each virtual session will be a 20-minute "Chick-Chat."

MU Extension livestock specialist and Pearls of Production Committee Chair Heather Conrow said they want to give producers a chance to talk to other producers.

"If virtual sessions aren't your cup of tea, we are also providing 'barn locations' to attend the session from local Extension offices," Conrow said. "During registration, you will be able to list the counties you would be interested in traveling to." These locations are in Lewis, Howard, Callaway, Wright, Ray, Atchison and Jackson counties.

The March 25 virtual session is free. Register at: https://muext.us/…. The other sessions are $10 each, and the November in-person conference is $99.

Virtual sessions include:

-- June 24 is "Stop the Bleed," injury awareness with Beth Koster, MU outreach coordinator.

-- On July 22, Allison Meyer, MU associate professor of nutritional physiology/ruminant nutrition, will discuss "Feeding and Managing Pregnant Beef Cows and Heifers for Calf Success."

-- The Sept. 23 session is "Gus Health Issues? Let's Talk About SRP, a Novel Technology" with Andrea Pitkin, Vaxxinova U.S. veterinarian.

-- The final virtual session is on Oct. 28, with Joni Harper, MU Extension specialist, discussing "Heroes to Hives," helping veterans and women producers establish beekeeping.

To register for the Pearls of Production conference, visit: https://extension.missouri.edu/….

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at [email protected]

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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