File photo: Temple Grandin at the 2011 Peabody Awards. Photo by Anders Krusberg / Peabody Awards, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY 2.0. Image resized.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri livestock producers will have an opportunity to hear from animal scientist Temple Grandin when she visits the University of Missouri Dec. 11 to open the Pearls of Production conference.
Grandin’s appearance at Trowbridge Livestock Arena begins a two-day event marking the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The conference continues Dec. 12 at MU’s Beef Research and Teaching Farm with practical livestock education and opportunities for producers to meet agricultural specialists and one another.
For northeast Missouri producers, the Columbia event offers access to a nationally recognized livestock-handling expert alongside a second day focused on skills used on the farm.
Grandin to headline opening session
A Colorado State University animal science professor, Grandin is known for her work on livestock behavior, handling facilities and animal welfare. She is also an author and advocate for people on the autism spectrum.
MU Extension identifies her presentation as the opening event for this year’s Pearls of Production conference. Trowbridge Livestock Arena is located at 1024 Ashland Road in Columbia.
Heather Conrow, an MU Extension livestock specialist who chairs the 2026 conference committee, says Grandin’s influence extends beyond animal agriculture. Organizers are inviting people from across Missouri to attend.
Hands-on livestock learning follows Saturday
The Saturday program begins at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm, 5169 Old Millers Road in Columbia. Activities are scheduled through 5 p.m.
The conference combines hands-on instruction with opportunities to build connections among livestock producers and agricultural professionals. Organizers will also recognize women’s leadership and contributions to agriculture as the International Year of the Woman Farmer draws to a close.
Lunch is included for registered Saturday participants.
Children’s program returns
The event includes Future Pearls of Production, an agricultural activities program for children ages 5 through 12. Children may register only if an accompanying adult is participating in the conference.
The separate children’s program allows parents to attend conference activities while their children take part in agricultural learning.
Adults may register for Friday only, Saturday only or both days. Registration fees depend on the options selected.
Pearls of Production is an MU Extension program offering education, networking and leadership development for livestock producers.
For registration assistance, current session times and other event information, contact Conrow at 660-248-2272 or hconrow@missouri.edu.
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