Jillian Conner

I have four years experience managing sheep, on my own farm and one season working at Knoll Farm in Fayston. In 2020 I had to sell my flock of 20 Icelandic sheep due to a move, but am in search of a new home farm to revive that business. I practice rotational grazing, holistic parasite management, and put animal, soil and climate health at the forefront of all management decisions. I work full time for the VHCB Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a position I love and intend to keep as I begin farming again. This role provides income stability and strong connections to Vermont’s agricultural network. My ultimate goal is to return to shepherding, raising a flock of 20 to 40 sheep primarily for wool, but with additional side income streams of breed stock and meat. I’m also interested in providing contract grazing services to local landowners, solar fields and ski areas to spread the ecological services (soil health, pasture biodiversity, etc) of the sheep as far as possible.