Laurie was born a second generation farmer on a dairy farm in Cheshire. Although her family farm became a casualty of the dairy crisis in the 1980s and her career path initially took her to Corporate America, she longed for a life of farming as she sat in her office dressed in business clothes. That calling brought her back into the world of agriculture and she hasn't looked back since. With her husband Jim Thomas, she currently owns Thomas Farm & Dairy, the largest goat dairy in Massachusetts with 160, making cheese while also growing and harvesting nearly 100 acres of hay, vegetables, and flowers for their farmstand.
In her own words, "Farming is fundamental and the absolute most important job in the world. Feeding people is a monumental task and you need to be smart, resilient, and capable. Being a woman is just a bonus when it comes to farming."
She brings enthusiasm, drive, and perseverance to the barn with her every single day. At her farm, she hosts many tours for local schools, colleges, universities, vendors, restaurant staff, local and state politicians, as well as national and international visitors where her passion shines through in showcasing her love of animals and producing food.
For new and aspiring women farmers, she encourages them to believe in themselves, to never stop learning, and find a mentor to whom they can turn to when they need advice or to just listen.
Learn more about her family business, Thomas Farm & Dairy.