Elaina joined the Food and Agriculture team as Program Assistant in October of 2015 and in May 2017 she was promoted to Field Specialist in Rockingham County.  As a member of the Dairy, Livestock, and Forage Crops Team, Elaina works directly with livestock producers to help improve low-stress livestock handling techniques, facilities for efficiency, animal comfort and welfare, and pasture and grazing management. She also works to empower beginner and women farmers as they get started in their agriculture business through whole farm planning and her role as an Annie’s Project Facilitator.

A New Hampshire native, she spent most of her time working on farms raising a variety of crops and livestock. This work inspired her to pursue a BS in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from UNH. This allowed her the opportunity to study in New Zealand, Ireland, and Panama where she deepened her knowledge in agriculture ecosystems and practices that encourage environmental conservation.