Jude's research focuses on modeling the sustainability of livestock production systems, specifically dairy and beef. She is currently working on projects relating to South American beef production; on-farm medicines use; and the impacts of livestock health and welfare on system sustainability. Her professional goal is to communicate the importance of factors affecting livestock industry sustainability to enhance the knowledge and understanding of food production stakeholders from the farmer through to the retailer, policy-maker and consumer. She sits on the National Beef Association board; is Chair of the Route Panel for Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care and Vice-Chair of the Green Apprenticeships Advisory Panel at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

She has an active social media presence and spends a considerable amount of time de-bunking some of the more commonly-heard myths relating to livestock production. To this end, she was awarded the Women in Dairy “Dairy Industry Woman of the Year 2017” and the Farmers Guardian “Farming Hero of the Year 2018” awards. Associate Membership of the Royal Agricultural Society was conferred upon Jude in 2018. In 2021, Jude was awarded an honorary doctorate (DSc honoris causa) by Harper Adams University in recognition of her contribution to the UK livestock industry.