Specialists
The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops specialists work together with Cornell faculty and extension educators statewide to address the issues that impact the dairy, livestock and field crops industry. Our Specialists have varying areas of expertise but work as a team to provide educational programs and information to commercial producers and agri-business professionals in our regions.
Amy Barkley
Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Areas of Interest: beef, sheep, goat, and poultry production; beginning farmer support; product quality and consistency
Katelyn Miller
Field Crops and Forage Specialist
view details about Katelyn
Katie Callero
Dairy Management Specialist
Areas of Interest: Dairy, Calf Management, Cattle Welfare, Herd Health
Kate McDonald Polakiewicz
Farm Business Management
view details about Kate
Field Crops
Dairy
Business
Livestock
Grains
Upcoming Events
Boots in the Barn: Cornell Dairy Research Updates
January 13, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 27, 2026
February 3, 2026
February 10, 2026
February 17, 2026
February 24, 2026
Join us for some or all!
Advanced Hoof Health Program
January 15, 2026
Belfast, NY
Who should attend?
- Professional hoof trimmers
- Dairy farm owners or managers in charge of farm foot health
Topics include:
- How to Create a Strategic Trimming Program for your Dairy
- The Latest in Lameness Technology for the Dairy Industry
- Housing and Flooring Design: Its Role in Hoof Care
NY Pork Producers Connection Breakfast - Geneseo
January 17, 2026 : Pork Producers Connection Breakfast - Geneseo
Geneseo, NY
All pork producers are invited to join the New York Pork Producers for a free hot farmer's breakfast, at which they'll catch up on topics including the pork to dairy barn conversion series, NYPP digital campaigns, and 840-RFID tags.
Announcements
Cows, Crops & Critters Newsletter Sponsorship
TRYING TO REACH GROWERS AND AGRIBUSINESSES IN OUR SOUTHWEST REGION OF NEW YORK?Our two forms of publications feature research-based and timely information from our four specialists, listed to the right, along with local event notifications and Cornell University outreach. This information is provided to participants who range from dairy, livestock and field crops producers to agricultural suppliers and consultants.
Weekly Email Update: Shared with 625+ households who have signed up with our program.
Monthly Paper Mailer: To reach our stakeholders and farmers who lack internet access, we send out a monthly mailer where your company's logo and contact information would be featured with a mailing list of 330+ households.
If you sponsor our weekly and monthly publications you reach approximately 955 households.
Questions?
Contact Kelly Torrey | 585-268-7644 ext. 10 | KLB288@cornell.edu