Lisa Kempisty has been a Community Educator for Dairy/Livestock for Cornell Cooperative Extension for 28 years. She teaches dairy and livestock producers, family members and farm employees production management information, works with the 4-H youth and facilitates the Dairy Youth Explorers Program.
Lisa’s responsibilities include organizing, facilitating and presenting educational programs and workshops; facilitating farm family business planning; evaluates farm production practices and provides recommendations; and disseminates agricultural information upon request. She also facilitates the Chautauqua County 4-H Dairy Program and the Dairy Youth Explorers Program, a career exploration program for youth 13 – 19 years of age in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties. This hands-on educational program is held every other year, with 20 youth participating in 2012.
Lisa also facilitates the Chautauqua County “Visit the Farm Day” program, an educational event designed to teach the non-farm public about current agricultural practices and the importance of agriculture in our local communities. She has also assisted with similar programs in Cattaraugus County throughout her career. Lisa also educates elementary children about agriculture at dairy farm tours and Conservation Field Day activities.
Lisa developed her interest in agriculture and working with others through her involvement in 4-H and her responsibilities growing up on her family’s farm in Southern Erie County. Lisa received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from Cornell University in 1984. She is an active member of the New York State Association of County Agricultural Agents and has served various leadership roles in the organization. She is also a member of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, participated in National Conferences and has been recognized for her Extension work at the National level. Lisa serves on the Chautauqua County Dairy Promotion Committee; NYS Grasslands Conservation Initiative Steering Committee; NYS Dairy of Distinction Committee; and the Cornell Pro-Dairy Advisory Committee. She is also a member of Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau.
Lisa and her husband, David, have lived on a small farm in Cattaraugus for twenty-eight years. Their son, Brian and his wife, Dawn, reside in Ellicottville.
The following characteristics resulted in Ms. Kempisty being nominated for this award:
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Always an Ambassador for Agriculture
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Always finds something good, no matter how bad it seems
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Always has a Positive Attitude
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Passionate about her job – Cooperative Extension Agent
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Excellent Leader for the Dairy Youth Explorers
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Has great people skills
