Cornell Expert Supports Growing Sheep and Goat Industry

By Blake Jackson

Jessica Waltemyer, a small ruminant extension specialist with Cornell PRO-LIVESTOCK, has built her life and career around animals. “Personally and professionally, it’s animals all the time,” Waltemyer said. “There’s no part of my life that doesn’t involve them.”

Alongside managing her professional responsibilities, Waltemyer also helps care for her family’s herd of dairy cattle and sheep, making livestock a constant presence in her daily routine.

Most of Waltemyer’s role focuses on outreach, working directly with farmers who raise sheep, goats, and camelids. Waltemyer also dedicates time to research and teaching within Cornell’s Animal Science Department. Her passion for sheep was shaped by the late Cornell professor Michael Thonney.

“He ignited a passion for further knowledge in me,” Waltemyer said. “Working alongside him really sparked my small ruminant interest, particularly in sheep.”

New York’s small ruminant sector is expanding, driven by demand for sheep-milk products and innovative grazing practices. To support this growth, the PRO-LIVESTOCK program was launched in 2024, addressing the diverse needs of producers across the state.

“The needs of New York’s small livestock producers are complex,” Waltemyer said. “Sheep production, for instance, ranges from farms with six sheep to those with 5,000 sheep. My job is to constantly navigate each producer’s goals and needs, and provide supportive research that is relevant to small ruminant production in New York.”

Waltemyer emphasizes practical, goal-oriented management, helping farmers overcome challenges and plan for long-term success. She also teaches hands-on courses that prepare students for careers in agriculture.

“It’s a very hands-on class,” Waltemyer said. “Students are involved in everything from taking care of animals with assigned chores to lamb checks.”

Waltemyer research also tackles critical issues like parasite resistance. “Internal parasites are a huge problem for small ruminant production worldwide,” she said. “New York is no exception due to our fairly temperate climate and our abundance of grazing land.”

Photo Credit: istock-heebyj