Welcome
 

Welcome to Hickory Hills Jacks! My name is Elly Stremsterfer, and we’re so glad you found us. Jack Russells have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my family always had one of the long-legged Jacks—...Buck, then Minnie Pearl, and finally Rimshot. After Wade and I got married, we bought our first Jack Russell together. His name was Hank, a lively Parson’s Jack who brought so much joy and energy into our lives. He was with us through three moves and the birth of our daughter, and when he passed unexpectedly in 2011, he left a big hole in our hearts.

 

The following year, we moved into our current home and took some time to get settled before finding the right Jack Russell to join our family again.

Our journey as breeders began in 2013 when we purchased Annie from Russellville Farms in Louisiana. From the moment she arrived, we knew we had found the perfect fit. Annie blended right into our family, and our kids absolutely adored her.

 

That first experience sparked a passion that has only grown stronger over the years. Raising Shortie Jacks has become such a rewarding part of our lives...each litter brings excitement, joy, and valuable lessons in responsibility for our kids.

​

We raise our Jacks here on our family farm in southeast Iowa, where we also manage a herd of Simmental and commercial cattle, along with a variety of other livestock. Sydney and Jackson are active in 4-H and share our love for animals, making this truly a family effort. Every day on the farm is busy, full, and fulfilling...and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

 

A little about Elly
I work full time as the Youth Director and Administrative Assistant at our church, where I oversee all youth activities and events. In 2024, I returned to the classroom as a full-time high school agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor. My days often start early and end late, filled with work, teaching, and time spent caring for our dogs and puppies. There’s something special about being around dogs...they bring so much joy and are truly good for the soul. I’m grateful for the life we’ve built and the work I get to do every day. It rarely feels like work when you genuinely love what you do, especially when it involves raising these sweet puppies.

​

 

 

A little about Wade

Wade recently made the switch to being self-employed, allowing him to focus more on the work he’s most passionate about...managing our hog barns and cattle herd. His strong work ethic and dedication are evident in everything he does, whether it’s caring for livestock, maintaining the farm, or lending a hand in the community. He serves on several committees and is always the first to volunteer when something needs done. Most days, you’ll find him hauling kids to activities, running a livestock judging practice, or tackling a new project around the farm. Wade has a heart for helping others and a drive that keeps everything running smoothly. Life is never dull with him, and I’m grateful for the steady hand and sense of humor he brings to everything we do.

 

A little about Sydney

Sydney is 14 years old and a freshman in high school. She has a love for learning and especially enjoys history and math. When she’s not in the classroom, she can usually be found in the barn working with her animals or spending time with friends and family. Sydney is active in FFA, 4-H, and Sunday School, and she proudly serves on the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association (IJBBA) Board. She has a strong passion for livestock and agriculture, and she takes great pride in caring for and showing her animals. Sydney brings a lot of energy and heart to everything she does...whether it’s helping with chores, preparing for a show, or lending a hand around the kennel. We’re so proud of her hard work, dedication, and the kind, driven young woman she’s growing into.

​

A little about Jackson

 Jackson is 12 years old and in 6th grade. He has a curious mind and a big heart, always eager to learn and try new things. He stays busy with a variety of activities, including 4-H, Sunday School, band, and showing dogs, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and cattle. Around the farm, you can usually find him feeding the dogs, riding the 4-wheeler, or stretched out on the floor playing with the puppies. Jackson is a gifted artist with a vivid imagination...his sketches and drawings often make an appearance on our social media stories. He loves animals and takes great pride in helping care for them, especially when it comes to the puppies. His creativity, gentle nature, and sense of humor bring a lot of joy to our family and to life here at Hickory Hills Jacks.

​

​

We hope you reach out and ask any questions you might have, we will answer them!

~Elly

​

​

​

​

​

​

​