Vanessa Nunes (Alexandre), 5th Generation
Del Norte Dairy Manager

Vanessa knew she loved cows from a young age, having vivid memories of feeding young jersey calves in a lean-too barn when she was young. Vanessa graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2015 with a BS in agriculture business and a minor in dairy science. Leaving for five months to study pastured dairy farms in New Zealand, Vanessa solidified her love for working with cows and lush pastures.

In college, Vanessa co-managed Cal Poly’s Farm Store, and a committee of 12, providing a mock farm store for Cal Poly grown and raised products. Vanessa held many leadership roles and was President of the College of Agriculture, Food, & Environmental Sciences Student Council. She was awarded the Soares Outstanding Junior Award in Agriculture, the Carl Beck Outstanding Senior Award, and the University Contributions to the College Award, the same award Blake earned 30 years prior.

Vanessa is currently the dairy manager in Del Norte county, overseeing all operations for the 3 herds, from the maternity barn to the calves, heifer and mature cows.  Vanessa also co-manages the dairy and egg brand marketing activities with her Stephanie.

In 2020, Vanessa married Ag and woodshop teacher Justin Nunes, who adds his considerable carpentry skills to farm projects, and Vanessa’s summer helper with the cows!  Vanessa represents the family and business on the boards of the Del Norte County Fair, Del Norte Resource Conservation District, Del Norte Farm Bureau, and Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (WODPA) boards, while utilizing her love for youth and service as the Del Norte County 4-H dairy leader.