Farms.com Home   News

UT Ladies Raising Livestock Conference Returns for 2026

University of Tennessee Extension is pleased to host an event celebrating the strength and resilience of women in agriculture. The 2026 Ladies Raising Livestock Conference aims to inspire and connect the livestock business community.

The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at the UT Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville. An optional preconference takes place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on February 19.

“This event offers livestock producers from across Tennessee and beyond a weekend of learning, connection and encouragement where they can grow stronger together,” says Jessica Wilkinson Smith, an agriculture and natural resources agent with UT Extension Roane County and one of the conference organizers. “We invite everyone to join us for inspiring sessions, new pre-conference tracks and an empowering keynote speaker.”

The keynote speaker for the event is Coach Kiah, a nationally known advocate for women in agriculture. Through a heartfelt and humorous storytelling style, Kiah weaves together her agricultural background and personal journey to deliver a powerful message of resilience. Her talk, “Grow Through It,” encourages people to bloom through discomfort and keep moving forward—no matter the challenges they face.

Source : tennessee.edu

Trending Video

CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.