Katie Callero, dairy management specialist, joins the SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program from Cornell University Cooperative Extension. She will offer programming to agricultural producers in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties.

Katie Callero has joined Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Program as its dairy management specialist.

Callero will be working on programming related to herd health, milk quality, calf care, nutrition, grazing, and more. Her journey into the world of animal science began with her early fascination with animals as a child. Callero 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, she worked as a lab manager for a dairy cow research lab housed in Cornell’s vet school that focuses on transition cows and sparked an interest in the world of research. Callero then 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.

Callero said she is eager to connect with local producers and learn about their needs. She will be spending her first few months on the team visiting the 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, program 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.