10/01/2026
Hi friends! I thought it was time for some more formal introductions. My name is Jillian. I’ve been working with animals for more than 30 years, beginning with an active role in my high school FFA chapter and equestrian team. That early experience grew into a lifelong passion for animals, agriculture, and learning by doing. I went on to earn an associate’s degree in Agricultural Business from SUNY Morrisville and have gained hands-on experience working with dozens of different types of animals, from sheep and quail to horses and beyond.
I’m a professional carriage driving trainer and an active member of the American Driving Society, as well as the North American Babydoll Southdown Sheep Association/Registry and the Harlequin Sheep Society/Registry. I am also a chronic illness and chronic pain advocate. I’ve been dealing with health issues since I was nine and building my life around animals with my own chronic conditions has certainly had its challenges! Oh, I’m also that mom to my two 9 and 11 year old, who comes home to ask ‘any new critters?’
In 2022, Jason and I started Fruitless Farm, turning what was once a backyard dream into our everyday reality. What began as a desire to have a farm of our own has grown into a passion for sustainable, small-scale agriculture and sharing what we’ve learned along the way.
I believe farming doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Whether you have acres of land or a small backyard, there are meaningful ways to grow food, care for animals, and become more connected to where those things come from. I want to help make agriculture practical, approachable, and adaptable to real people and real lives. I hope to create opportunities for people to learn, share, and grow together. For me this is about more than building a farm… it’s about building a community around a willingness to learn, get our hands dirty, and discover what’s possible!
