Jessica was born and raised on a small family farm in Butler County, Pennsylvania. She has always had a passion for animals, community outreach and knowledge. Currently, she lives on and manages a 220-acre farm with her husband, Marc, and their three kids Jaxson, Cole and Trace. They milk 70 head of Jersey and Holstein dairy cattle, and raise a flock of 20 hair sheep, 2 livestock guardian dogs, 5 herding dogs and 6 riding horses just for fun.
Previously, Jessica worked for Cornell University in the Animal Science Department for 14 years, where she collaborated with multiple staff and faculty developing research projects and course development while managing the 250-head Cornell Sheep Flock. In addition to her management role, she instructed the Practical Large Animal Handling Course, co-lectured the Dairy Sheep Management Course, instructed Advance Lambing Internships and was the instructor for the Meats Course.
Extension Focus
Providing New York statewide programming, research, and support to small ruminant producers of varying sizes and production approaches; supporting Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, the Cornell Small Farms Program and allied industry professionals.