Hayley Harbaugh is someone who knows what it’s like to be on both sides of the consumer equation. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she knew very little about where food came from. However, her passion for country life and sheer determination allowed her the stepping stones into farm work, and she never looked back. Never again, she decided, will she have to question how her food is raised.
In 2021, Hayley graduated from the Ohio State University with honors with an associates degree in animal science, specializing in animal health. During her studies, she focused heavily on efficient production management, animal care and maintenance, and breeding strategies to improve the health and welfare of a variety of livestock species.
She served as the milk room operator for Richman Farms where she ensured maximum herd health and productivity 5 days per week in a dairy herd of 100+ cattle by independently performing cattle sorting and identification tasks, fulfilling daily equipment checks, observing general herd health, communicating pertinent herd information to management, operating a six-chute milking parlor and equipment, cleaning and sanitizing production rooms, bottling and supplying milk to calves, and assisting with barn maintenance.
At Peruvian Soul Alpaca Farm, she prioritized herd health and nutrition 4 to 5 days per week through maintenence of four barn and pasture systems containing approximately 50 male and female alpacas by administering veterinary care and medications, sanitizing sterile surfaces, sorting and measuring feed, fulfilling daily equipment checks, observing general herd health, communicating pertinent herd information to farm owners, maintaining cleanliness standards, applying fertilizer to fields, removing undesirable pasture forage, and operating machinery.
On her own farm, Hayley routinely raises 300+ poultry per year for the purpose of meat and eggs by formulating diet plans, determining pasture allotment, maintaining a steady growth rate, repairing housing and containment structures, and overseeing transport when needed. She also currently manages a herd of alpine dairy goats, market hogs, rabbits, and a rescued horse, named Chicken, of which she maintains full care, veterinary and farrier work, and training.
At Hoofs, Hogs, and Hamsters LLC, Hayley voluntarily assisted in the nutrition, vetting, cleanliness, and physical enrichment of rescued/relinquished equines, swine, goats, and poultry approximately 80 hours per month by completing daily welfare tasks, observing animals for changes in health, bailing and stacking hay, assisting in team cleaning activities, and filling in for the barn manager on an as-needed basis.
Moving forward, Hayley hopes to share her knowledge of the agricultural industry and continues to seek out opportunities to learn more.
Other Certifications
FEI Horse Care and Management: Basic Management and Care (2021)
FEI Horse Care and Management: Basic Hoof Care (2021)
FEI Behavior and Handling: Handling in Challenging Situations (2021)
FEI Veterinary: Basic Biosecurity for Equine Events (2021)
Hayyy Farms 