Olivia. A conversation with our Herdsperson
I decided you all might like to get to know our team here on the farm. Over the next year or so I will introduce you to each of them. This month Olivia, our herdsperson, has volunteered to be our first interviewee. Olivia takes care of our animals. From caring for a sick piglet to helping the cows deliver healthy calves, Olivia works her butt off everyday. She makes sure our animals are comfortable and happy. If you have met our rabbits or seen the chickens scurrying around the yard that’s all thanks to her and her love of animals.
So Olivia, where did you grow up?
Southern New Hampshire. I lived in Nashua and attended Alvirne Technical High School. This is where I was first introduced to dairy farming!
How did you get into farming?
My childhood dream was actually to be a wildlife rehabilitator. I started working with dairy cows at 15 years old as a way to gain more practice with large animals. I studied Animal Sciences and Fisheries, Forestry, and Wildlife at The Ohio State University. I spent a few summers working with elephants and rhinos in captivity and the wild, but I would help nearby horse and dairy farms during the school year. I eventually learned that farming in a conscientious way can be just as rewarding and beneficial to the ecosystem as environmental field work. (And I absolutely fell in love with cows). I decided to follow a career in regenerative agriculture following school, which eventually led me to The Grey Barn.
I have to ask - did you have a favorite childhood food?
A bowl of frozen blueberries with a splash of cream. The cream freezes around the blueberries and makes little blueberry ice cream bites.
Do you have favorite food right now?
I am a soup lover! Winter is my favorite time of year to have soup everyday and bake holiday treats for a warm desert.
Olivia, what do you love about working here that you want share?
My favorite part about working at The Grey Barn is being able to develop relationships with the animals and learn all their unique personalities. Having a bond and trust between myself and the animals I work with is what makes me excited to come into work everyday. I have the best co-workers!
If you had to pick one, who is your favorite animal on the farm right now?
Hank the cat! He is always waiting in my parking spot when I arrive in the morning and is my little shadow around the farm. Hank loves his cows more than anything!
What are you listening to right now?
The cows and I have a playlist we like to listen to while milking, our favorite in the mix is Dancing In The Moonlight (Ft. NEIMY) - Jubel. Listen along with our Milkin’ Cows Playlist. Just click here and you’ll be milking right here with us!
Favorite thing to do
I love doing anything outside, Traveling, Hiking, Sailing, Dirt Biking. If it involves fresh air and I can take my dog, Finnigan, then I will be happy.
Do you have a favorite Grey Barn product?
The Cheese of course! My favorite snack is some Eidolon with dark chocolate.
What is your favorite thing to do on the island when you are not here on the farm?
My happy place is taking my dog to the beach when no one else is around. My dog goes swimming with me, he likes to dive underwater for rocks! I usually will read or draw.
Olivia if you could on your dream vacation what would it be?
Volunteering with Orangutans in Indonesia! They are appealing to me because of their striking similarities to ourselves. It’s just something I’ve always been fascinated with and being an endangered species the opportunity to interact with them in a more natural setting will become more and more difficult.
Last but not least … Do you have any must-see TV?
‘Undone’ on Amazon Prime. It is an animated psychological comedy. It's the most visually beautiful show I have ever seen.
Thanks so much for chatting with us!
Anytime! Please tell everyone to stop by the milking window and to join us for Caroling for Cows. I can’t wait!
I hope you all enjoyed learning a bit about Olivia. I know I surely did. Next month meet Rachel, our cheesemaker! - Molly
