PHOTOS BY SYDNEY LEEMHUIS
Sukey, have been trailblazers in regenerative farming practices for over 40 years. Now in his 80s, Jamison has retired.
“ I went and knocked on his door in Latrobe,” explains Blake.“ I asked him to teach me how to raise sheep using his traditional methods, which are the healthiest for the land and for people.”
About two weeks after that request, the master sheepherder traveled to visit Ridgemeade Farm, and loved what Blake and Danielle were doing with it.“ We wanted to recreate the legacy that he started,” says Blake, and Jamison has been a great source of encouragement and advice.
At Ridgemeade they produce 100 % grass-fed and finished lamb, which is now available to the public in limited quantities through the farm’ s online store. There is also forested pork, pastured poultry and eggs, heirloom garlic and bees.
Danielle has started a subscription service for her flowers, which grew from a small 10 x 10 ft. bed to now almost one-eighth of an acre. Subscriptions are booked for the year, but customers can still order individual flowers for pickup and delivery.
Though her ballerina background may seem at odds with her life now, it prepared Danielle for farm work.“ I’ m not afraid to put in the hard work to produce something beautiful.” She can often be found cutting flowers on the farm in the cool early morning, or at night after she’ s put their three children to bed.
In 2026, events will be held at the farm. Reminiscent of the English Cotswolds, it will be the setting for romantic weddings and parties, for which Danielle will be able to offer her fresh floral arrangements. There will also be a fall festival and dining events.
Blake feels that the future of small farms is bright.“ As people become more aware of how food is produced, they are supporting local farms more. We have zero background in farming and yet we have a flock that’ s doubling every year. Ranchers and farmers are aging. The future lies in small-acreage farms that honor the traditional practices that respect the land.”
For more information, visit ridgemeadefarm. com. n
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