The Livestock Project is a place for learning and sharing ideas. Our mission is to shine a light on the challenges, concerns, and successes of non-conventional livestock and poultry farmers and those who support them.
The Livestock Project is for:
- organic and alternative livestock producers
- veterinarians, veterinary students, and technicians
- extension specialists and organic certifiers
- researchers and animal scientists
- and anyone who supports them.
Over the next few years, we will:
- Carry out a national survey of organic and alternative producers
- Gain insight into their needs, gaps, challenges related to animal health and illness prevention
- Create user-friendly tools to address gaps
- Create training for veterinarians and other animal health professionals focusing on organic and alternative practices, rules, and available treatments.
See us on Facebook or Join our Facebook Group.
Meet our team
Dr. Jenna Bjork
DVM, MPH
Jenna is an Associate Director and Lead Public Health Veterinarian on the Center for Food Security and Public Health team. She is passionate about advocating for all creatures great and small, from whale sharks to honey bees. Knowing the relationship with our food should be central to our existence, she is excited to partner with farmers on improving our ecosystem health for generations to come.
Dr. Renée Dewell
DVM, MS
Renée has been a veterinarian for 29 years. Her career has focused largely on beef cattle, but she enjoys working with all livestock species. She and her family have raised purebred Angus and commercial cattle, Rambouillet sheep, broiler and layer chickens, swine, and goats. She is looking forward to contributing to and learning from The Livestock Project.
Brooke Kesner
Brooke is currently an undergraduate student at Iowa State University, studying Animal Science on the pre-veterinary track. She grew up working with beef cattle and swine on her family’s farm and other farms in her community. Brooke is passionate about working with livestock and educating others about the livestock industry. She hopes to pursue a career in veterinary medicine as a production animal veterinarian.
Dr. Delaine Quaresma
DVM MPH
Delaine is a public health veterinarian on the Center for Food Security and Public Health team. Having grown up on a 3rd generation dairy farm in California, her childhood was spent around animals and agriculture. Delaine has a passion for increasing sustainability in agriculture and education in livestock practices that promote animal health and welfare, public health, and food security. She enjoys working with farmers to fulfill their goals of a healthier planet and better tomorrow.
Dr. Katie Steneroden
DVM MPH PhD DACVPM
Katie is a Lead Public Health Veterinarian on the Center for Food Security and Public health team. She is proud to be working with and for organic and alternative producers – people who are good stewards of the land and great stewards to the animals under their care. Katie believes few things are more important than happy animals, community, and great food!
Reach out to Dr. Katie Steneroden with any questions.
The Livestock Project is a new initiative at the Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH). This project started in 2021 with grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Farm photos courtesy of Rosmann Family Farms, Integrated Certified Organic in Harlan, Iowa.