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Full speed ahead: A fresh perspective from Sarah Pelissero

This is part of a series of profiles highlighting participants in our women in the egg industry program, a unique mutual mentorship program that brings together women egg farmers from across Canada to build leadership skills and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Sarah Pelissero

St. Ann’s, Ontario

When Sarah Pelissero steps into a barn, she combines hands-on technical knowledge with a problem solving instinct. Travelling across southwestern Ontario, a typical day might involve helping farmers manage flocks, troubleshoot issues and optimize production—all while balancing life on her own farm and raising two young children.

Her journey into egg farming was anything but planned. “I applied for a summer job at the University of Guelph’s Equine Research Station, hoping to work with horses,” she recalls. “During the interview, I realized it was linked to the poultry station, and I would have to work with both.”

Having already visited her now-husband’s egg barns, she had more hands-on poultry experience than other candidates, which helped her land the job. That summer sparked a fascination she hadn’t anticipated.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animal biology, Sarah spent a brief period in livestock nutrition research before joining McKinley Hatchery in St. Marys, Ontario. Today, her role keeps her on the road visiting egg and pullet farms, adjusting feed and lighting programs, and troubleshooting flock issues. “No two flocks are ever the same,” she says. “The genetics are constantly evolving, which keeps me learning and adapting.”

Sarah’s husband Jacob farms eggs with his parents, and together they manage a small herd of horses and longhorn cattle, while growing hay for personal use and local sales. Outside the farm, Sarah and her husband are active in Ontario’s rodeo scene—a passion that doubles as family time. She competes in breakaway roping, where the goal is to rope a calf as quickly as possible, while her husband participates in team roping, a two-person event requiring coordination and precision.

Their two toddlers are already following in their footsteps: Their four-year-old son competes in barrel racing in the “Little Buckaroos” division, while their two-year-old daughter loves riding in a backpack saddle during backyard trail rides. “Roping teaches patience, skill and partnership with your horse,” Sarah says. “It’s competitive but also a way for the family to connect outside of the farm.”

Sarah is also part of the women in the egg industry program, which connects female farmers and industry professionals nationwide. “It’s invaluable to share experiences and support each other,” she says.

“Seeing women in leadership makes it easier for the next generation to imagine themselves in these roles.” She is optimistic about both the industry and the role she can take in it.

“The egg industry is dynamic and ever evolving,” she says. “There’s room for women to take on leadership, innovate and help the industry grow sustainably. That’s exciting, and it keeps me motivated every day.”