About
Whitney Meadows
the Van Driestens
also established in 2022
We (Ken & Karla) bought these 50 acres of irrigated pasture in 2022, about 5 months after our wedding. Since the closest place name on the map was the now non-existent rail siding of Whitney, Whitney Meadows seemed like a fitting name.
​
As our family grows, our roots in this part of the world deepen and these acres feel more and more like home.
Our Story
All about grass
We were living on Karla's family dairy farm, but were looking for a place of our own. When 50 acres of irrigated pasture came for sale just a mile down the road, we had to try to make it ours, even though it seemed like a stretch.
​
What could we do with this farm to pay the mortgage while building our dreams? Sheep of course! While they may not be the obvious choice for everyone, they are a great fit for our long-term goals on these acres.
​
We started with a group of East Friesian dairy sheep originating on Ken's parents sheep dairy, and a group of commercial crossbred ewe lambs from Ken's brother. This has morphed into several maternal composite breeding lines, a flock of commercial East Friesians, and pedigreed flocks of Scottish Blackface and Texel sheep.
​
We also believe in growing our own healthy food, and forage-fed lamb is a wonderful food. As we develop our farm, building fences and planting orchards, we hope to produce an entire diet of food that we can share with our customers.
