Cheryl Woodcock
Cheryl's Primary Agricultural Focus
Livestock and homemade dog treats
In Her Words: Cheryl's Story
A love of animals has always been in my blood. I participated in Vo Ag classes in high school. I was in 4-H and horse club. Moving back to the country was my dream and I’ve been living it for 30 years now. I started with horses, then came she sheep, the Scottish highland cows, chickens, and last but not least alpacas. Working with animals is amazing to me. I have pulled lambs and calves. When you get to know an animal you can see and feel how that animal feels when their baby doesn’t make it or how utterly in love they are when their baby is alive and nursing. I started the dog treat business over 20 years ago as a way to supplement my critter addiction. I also raise the sheep to sell and the alpaca give me fleece that I have made into yarn. With the yarn I knit and crochet products to sell. I couldn’t do any of this without the support of my husband. I have cameras in my barn so I can check on sheep during lambing. It’s an amazing way to live!
What does working in agriculture, and specifically being a woman in agriculture, mean to you?
Many of my friends find it amazing that I would do things like feeding animals, pulling babies out of moms, having sick babies brought into the house where they can get the care that they need. That means my house can sometimes smell like a barn and there is tons of laundry to do … but the end result is always worth it.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in agriculture?
The next generation of woman need to get in there, get their hands and clothes dirty and love every minute. It is the most amazing feeling in the world. And hands and clothes can always be washed. But the feeling of accomplishment will be something no one can take away from you.
Have you had formal or informal training to help you grow your operation? If so, what?
The only training I’ve had was my time in Vo Ag classes, 4-H, horse club, and 5 years I worked as a vets assistant. I do a lot of reading and do a lot of research on my own.
What technologies have made the biggest different on your operation?
Cameras in the barn are the best investment I have made. The ability to check on animals in the barn any time and from any place is something I would highly recommend. It gives such assurance of how the animals are doing.