Ladies Raising Livestock Conference Set for February
Jan 05, 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.
New for 2026 are three pre-conference tracks that offer hands-on learning opportunities in practical livestock and farm management; power tools, small equipment and shop safety; and branding, marketing and business growth for female producers
While the program’s educational material was developed for women in agriculture, anyone is welcome to register and attend. The cost to attend the conference is $50, with registration for both days for $75. Space is limited, and the deadline for preregistration is February 11, 2026. More details and a pre-registration link can be found at the event’s website: ladiesraisinglivestock.tennessee.edu.
You also may register by contacting Smith at JessicaWSmith@utk.edu or co-organizers Sarah Orr, director and Extension agent with UT-TSU Extension Cocke County, at sorr6@utk.edu; Alyssa Large, Extension agent with UT Extension Hancock County, at alarge3@utk.edu; or Lisa McCormick, Extension agent with UT-TSU Extension Washington County, at LEMcCormick@utk.edu.
Organizers welcome event sponsorship and support. More information can be found at ladiesraisinglivestock.tennessee.edu/sponsors.