Vision:
Empowering and equipping women in agriculture by addressing the unique challenges they face, fostering a supportive community, and providing hands-on education. This conference celebrates the resilience, dedication, and contributions of female livestock producers while promoting knowledge, health, and personal growth in the industry.
Mission:
The Ladies Raising Livestock Conference is dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting women in agriculture by providing practical livestock management training, addressing health and personal challenges, and fostering a strong community of female producers. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities, we strive to equip women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in the livestock industry.
We are thrilled to announce the 2027 Ladies Raising Livestock Conference—an event celebrating the strength, grit, and resilience of women in agriculture. This conference is designed to shine a light on the unique experiences women face in the livestock industry, from daily challenges to the triumphs that make this work so meaningful.
🌟 Keynote Speaker: SJ McDonald
We are excited to welcome SJ McDonald to the 2027 Ladies Raising Livestock Conference! SJ brings an authentic voice and passion for agriculture, rural life, and the women who keep it all moving. We can’t wait for her to join us in East Tennessee for two days of learning, connection, and encouragement.
📚 Pre-Conference Options
This year, we’re expanding our pre-conference opportunities with FOUR hands-on tracks designed to help you build practical skills you can take home to your farm:
- FARMher – Production, pastures, and livestock management
- MECHANICher – Equipment, tools, maintenance, and hands-on repair skills
- FabricateHER – Hands-on skills focused on livestock production, fabrication, and working smarter on the farm
- FeedHER – Practical, hands-on learning centered around feeding livestock and making informed nutrition decisions
🎶 An Evening with SJ McDonald | 6:00–8:00 PM
- After the pre-conference sessions wrap up, we’re slowing things down and gathering together for a special evening at Grace Meadows Farm—and ALL registered attendees are invited, whether you’re attending the pre-conference or joining us for the main conference!
- Join us for:
- 🎵 An acoustic concert with SJ McDonald
- 🍽️ A grazing table dinner
- 🍦 Fresh ice cream from the Grace Meadows Creamery
- It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, visit, enjoy some great food and music, and kick off the 2027 conference together.
💲 Registration
- Conference Only – $50
- includes the February 26 conference, lunch and Thursday evening concert and dinner.
- Pre-Conference & Conference – $100
- Includes your selected preconference on February 25, both days of programming, lunch both days, and Thursday evening concert and dinner.
💬 Why Attend?
For women in agriculture, raising livestock is more than just a task—it’s something to do, something to love. The Ladies Raising Livestock Conference is your chance to connect with other women who share that passion, gain tools to strengthen your farm and yourself, and leave inspired to keep growing.
📅 Dates & Location
- Pre-Conference: February 25, 2027
- Conference: February 26, 2027
- Location: Grace Meadows Farm – 170 John France Road, Jonesborough, TN
🔗 Registration Link: tiny.utk.edu/LRL – Deadline February 17, 2027
📞 For more information, contact:
Jessica Wilkinson Smith
Roane County Director & Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
Phone: 865-376-5558
Email: JessicaWSmith@utk.edu
✨ Let’s raise livestock—and each other!
