Event teaches tech skills for women on the farm

There are times on the farm when “shucky-darn” isn’t enough.

University of Missouri Extension specialists will show women in agriculture how to hone shop skills at “Save the Cuss Words 2.0: You Got This” during the the annual Pearls of Production Women in Agriculture Conference on Nov. 8 in Columbia.

“We are hoping to meet farm women who want to learn hands-on techniques, network with other women and make connections that last the entire year — until the next conference, when we can do it all over again,” Heather Conrow, MU Extension livestock specialist and Pearls of Production committee chair, said in a news release.

MU Extension Assistant Professor Karen Funkenbusch and livestock specialist Brenda Schreck will teach skills that come in handy on the farm.

By learning technical skills, women can “deal with those days when the hot wire isn’t hot, but the bull is and has his head is stuck in the gate,” Funkenbusch said.

“You may have the whole day planned out and too many things to do,” Conrow said. “That’s when all ‘H-E Double Hockey Sticks’ breaks loose. The cows are in the road, the trailer tire is flat and Kid No. 2 forgot his ball uniform. You just want to go back to the house and crawl under the covers. We’re here to help you navigate those days.”

They will show how to secure a load, how to replace a chain on a chainsaw and more.

Other sessions on Nov. 8 will cover swine and beef topics, small ruminant management, Heroes to Hives beekeeping and “Stop the Bleed” emergency management.