Katie Callero Joins SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides on-the-ground expertise to local farmers

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Program (SWNYDLFC) is excited to welcome Katie Callero as their team’s Dairy Management Specialist. Katie will be working on programming related to herd health, milk quality, calf care, nutrition, grazing, and more. You can reach Katie by calling 607-422-6788 or emailing krc85@cornell.edu.

Katie Callero’s journey into the world of animal science began with her early fascination with animals as a child. Katie then pursued higher education at Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Infectious Disease Biology, graduating with the distinction of cum laude. After graduation, Katie worked as a lab manager for a dairy cow research lab housed in Cornell’s vet school that focuses on transition cows. This experience sparked her interest in the world of research, and she decided to return to Cornell University to pursue her Master’s of Science. Her thesis was focused on the behavior and welfare of cows and calves in relation to separation.

Katie is eager to connect with local producers and learn about their needs. She will be spending her first few months on the team visiting our region’s farms and agribusinesses to learn more about the successes and needs, and how she might be able to help. She will also share her wealth of knowledge and Cornell’s vast research through articles, workshops, and programming efforts.

“We are thrilled to have a complete team of specialists serving our region,” said Katelyn Walley, SWNYDLFC Team Leader and Farm Business Management Specialist. “Katie has already proven to be an invaluable addition, offering our farmers not only a wealth of knowledge and expertise but also a compassionate and supportive approach. Her dedication and experience are truly assets to our team and community.”

The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program is the newest Cornell Cooperative Extension regional program and covers Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben Counties. Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops regional specialists work with Cornell faculty and Extension educators to address the issues that influence the agricultural industry in New York by offering educational programming and research-based information to agricultural producers, growers, and agribusinesses in the Southwestern New York Region. Katie Callero joins Katelyn Walley, Business Management Specialist; Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist; and Katelyn Miller, Field Crops Specialist.

SWNYDLFC is a partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Their team includes Katelyn Walley, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522); Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844); Katelyn Miller, Field Crops Specialist (716-640-2047); and Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist (607-422-6788). CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Kelly McDonald, kmm525@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301.