Growing up in Pennsylvania, Missy's fondest memories were spent on her uncle's dairy farm where she saw first hand how farming fosters deep family connections and a true sense of community.
When she married into her husband, Rob's farming family, she took her childhood experiences and applied them to the running of Ioka Valley Farm, working part time for nearly 20 years before joining fulltime in 2015 which has allowed her to be involved in all aspects of the family's diversified operations which include maple sugaring, a seasonal restaurant, petting zoos, pumpkin patches, retail Christmas trees, and raising grain, corn, hay, and natural beef.
Missy is also very active with various agricultural commodity associations including the Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association and Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, having served on the Board of Directors as Vice President, and currently their Coordinator, while also serving as the Chair of the Education Committee of the North American Maple Syrup Council.
While it presents challenges, she finds immense fulfillment working with the people who she loves the most: her husband and her children. Her goal is to continue the family's commitment to producing high-quality locally grown products while maintaining high standards and the best sustainable farming practices.