Julian Janies of North Carolina opted to quit science in 2013 to pursue her lifelong passion of caring for animals. Janies went on to become one of the co-founders of Red-Tailed Farm, a pasture-based farm of 14 acres located in Burgaw, North Carolina, where she found her livelihood in raising livestock. Having worked on the development of vaccines for almost a decade.
Despite her career in laboratory research, her interest in animals remained a strong influence. The transition meant leaving a conventional professional career for the practical challenges of running a farm. Alongside her partner, Gregory, she had to find suitable land, develop the necessary infrastructure, and build a business capable of supporting itself. She also talked about her career switch and difficulties she faced when starting up a farm in the midst of leaving behind what was a more stable employment. Rotational grazing forms an important aspect of what is done at Red- Tailed Farm. Rather than allowing animals to graze in one place all the time, the animals are rotated between the different pastures and the time that each area spends being grazed. This system works provided that the proper stocking levels and recovery times are employed, but it relies on factors such as weather and soil condition. Research published in Agriculture Ecosystem and Environment has found that grazing management strategy can affect soil health and nutrient dynamics although outcomes vary with management and environmental conditions. Its success depends on thoughtful management and the needs of the land.
In 2013 she left her research position to pursue her long standing and becoming a farmer. Because animals graze outdoors, this is also an important distinction: pasture- based farming is not automatically sustainable simply.
Julian Janies studied animal science at Michigan State University before spending nearly a decade working in scientific research and vaccine development, according to The Thriving Farmer podcast.
