Rebecca Hemstead

• Creating innovative businesses opportunities to promote the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut industry including designing retail stores and developing new ideas for events, products, and consumer agricultural education. • Analyzing market trends to generate new business ideas, set strategic goals, and build partner relations. • Developed and launched a new brand focused on promoting 100% Hawaii-grown macadamias in local and regional markets. • Leading a team and collaborating with others to drive strategic initiatives and support company growth. • Partnering with sales teams to develop and execute effective sales strategies, increasing brand visibility and market presence.

• Analyzed current farm practices and conducted research to increase sustainability and productivity across macadamia orchards. • Designed and implemented soil health initiatives to enhance carbon sequestration and orchard resilience, including pollination projects, cover cropping trials, and canopy management strategies. • Performed regular soil and leaf tissue testing to assess nutrient status and guide data-driven fertility recommendations. • Developed integrated pest management (IPM) and weed control programs aligned with regenerative agriculture principles and ecosystem health including a monitoring and control program for the newly introduced pest, the Macadamia Felted Coccid, protecting long-term crop viability. • Utilized ArcGIS drone technology to monitor pests and disease pressure throughout the orchards.

• Managed a large-scale weekly farmers market, overseeing vendor relations, and customer experience. • Implemented nutrition programs in collaboration with the USDA and local government organizations. • Led advertising and marketing efforts to promote a local and sustainable diet, while effectively bridging the gap between consumers and farmers through education and community engagement.

• Conducted research on the use of organic and synthetic herbicides and evaluated cover crop strategies to suppress weeds, improve soil organic matter, and promote carbon storage in cranberry and blueberry systems. • Designed and executed control trials for Carolina Redroot and maple trees in cranberry bogs while collecting and analyzing field and greenhouse data. • Developed IPIPE project collaboration with the USDA scouting using drones and GIS mapping to monitor pest pressure and ecosystem health in cranberries and blueberries.

• Performed research to further develop The Farm’s sustainable business model. • Educated consumers on livestock management and supported marketing through social media outreach. • Developed crop and livestock rotational plans to provide adequate harvests for chef and baker partners while optimizing soil fertility, enhancing biodiversity, and support carbon farming principles.

• Analyzed samples for microscopic recognition of diseases and soil and tissue testing. • Developed chemical and fertilizer planning and application procedures, equipment maintenance and repair plans. • Established water management schedules, IPM techniques, course setups and irrigation maintenance schedules.

• Represented the Vineyard Vines brand on campus, engaging with students and promoting products • Hosted successful events to increase brand awareness and drive sales • Managed social media campaigns to boost online presence and reach a wider audience

• Conducted lab tests to assess the effects of colostrum and fetal maternal programming on dairy calves. • Collected and analyzed blood samples, ensuring optimal care for the calves. • Contributed to significant findings on calf health and growth at Cornell University, enhancing research outcomes.

• Managed and cared for 30+ horses at Hidden Acres Equestrian Farm in West Milford, NJ. • Conducted horseback riding lessons, imported and trained horses, and organized youth summer camps.

Sustainability and Environmental Action in New South Wales, Australia