Jessica is currently a veterinarian with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets but previously has also held roles with Cornell's Animal Health diagnostic lab managing a...
Year of the Woman Farmer – Jessica Smith
dairy cows
Farmers as Environmental Stewards in New York
Across New York State, farmers play an important role not only in producing nutritious food, but also in caring for the land, water, and wildlife that surround their farms. Many farms are...
Spring Is Coming: Preparing Animals for NY Seasonal Transitions
As winter loosens its grip across New York State, livestock and poultry producers are already preparing for the transition into spring. March is a pivotal month on the farm — longer days and milder...
Part 2: How Northeast Farmers Are Leading the Way in Sustainable Livestock Farming
In Part 1, we explored the broader conversation around livestock farming’s climate impact and the misconceptions surrounding it. Now, in Part 2, we’ll dive into the innovative strategies Northeast...
Part 1: Debunking the Myths of Livestock and Climate Impact
Critics often spotlight animal agriculture while underestimating emissions from fossil fuels, transportation, and deforestation. Globally, livestock farming accounts for approximately 14.5% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). However, in the United States, agriculture contributes only about 10-12% of total emissions, with animal agriculture accounting for just 4% (EPA) and dairy contributing just 2% of total emissions.
A Year in Review: Sustainable Practices in New York Farming
As we wrap up another harvest season in New York, it’s important to reflect on the sustainable practices farmers use throughout the year to keep their farms productive while protecting the...
Dairy Runs the Distance
In triathlon, it’s often said that fueling is the fourth discipline and I couldn’t agree more. As an athlete I want to feel good because of how and what I’m fueling with. For those of you unfamiliar...
Efficiency and Sustainability: New York Farmers’ Approach
In the lush landscapes of New York, farmers in the animal agriculture industry are not just tending to their livestock; they are stewards of the land, architects of sustainability, and pioneers of...
Thank You for 10 Years!
In August 2013, what began as a visionary idea transformed into a cornerstone attraction at the New York State Fair — the Dairy Cow Birthing Center. For ten years, courtesy of the New York...
A Cow’s Breakfast…. Lunch and Dinner – Kind of Like Making a Smoothie
Think about the last time you had a smoothie. What were the necessary steps you took to make the finished product? You needed a recipe, a variety of ingredients, and a blender. Feeding dairy cows is...
