Jared grew up on a small, homestead farm, in the foothills of Cambridge, New York where he fell in love with all things feathered, furry, and scaled. After countless barefoot adventures as a boy, (Louie the pet raccoon, goats under the kitchen sink, and experimental falconry to name a few) he went on to study ecology in college, focusing his efforts on renewable energy and conservation. After undergraduate school Jared traveled and worked field biology jobs while searching for a gal like Shannon. (note: He found her on the side of a New Hampshire rock-climbing cliff sporting her Sunday best; a bumble bee costume.) After some adventuring around the country with his new gal, Jared returned to graduate school and focused his studies on ornithology. His varied background gives him the skills to care for a farm with a gentle hand, an eye on natural biodiversity, and sustainable management as top priorities.
Shannon Woodcock
Shannon grew up in the suburbs of Omaha, Nebraska. She spent most of her early years chasing after a soccer ball or testing costumes/appropriate venues for her costumes. She studied elementary education in college. Following undergrad she got a PhD in good, clean fun. While living in her 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee with her best friend, sampling the nation's rock climbing hot spots and swimming holes; she bumped into Jared on the side of Cathedral Ledge in New Hampshire. She was instantly attracted to his oversized mustache and bare feet and decided she would marry him. Shannon’s resume includes, but is not limited to; the National Park Service, full time climbing bum, ski instructor, camp counselor, the Sturgis motorcycle rally, and kindergarten teacher. Now she adds full time mom and farmer to her resume!
Shiloh John Shiloh is four now! Just like his dad he is a critter lover. He is especially fond of lizards, turtles, narwhal wales and orcas. He dreams of taking a trip to Madagascar someday to find an aye-aye. He is a down-right comedian and always up for a good prank (i.e. banana peels in the door-way). He constantly makes us laugh and lives for his "Oma days".
Calla Eloise
Calla is seven. She remains the official farm greeter and tour guide, chicken hugger and smile bringer‐outer! She loves to assist in any of the "gross" farm tasks. When she grows up she wants to be a mom, artisit, farmer, vet, and Co-op worker (depending on the day). We have no doubt that all of these dreams will come to fruition for her.
Calla and Shiloh are the heart and soul of Taproots Farm.