Learn to Save the Cuss Words, Secure Your Load at Pearls of Production

By Linda Geist

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

University of Missouri Extension specialists will show women in agriculture how to hone their shop skills at “Save the Cuss Words 2.0: You Got This” during the in-person session of 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,” said Heather Conrow, MU Extension livestock specialist, statewide poultry specialist and Pearls of Production committee chair.

“Shop Talk” focuses on how to perform routine tasks on the farm. 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,” says Funkenbusch.

 “You may have the whole day planned out and too many things to do,” says Conrow. “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.”