Debbie Webster

Debbie Webster grew up around horses and livestock and has been in business in South Carolina's upstate since 1980. Throughout her career, she has successfully pivoted multiple ventures as markets changed, demonstrating the adaptability that defines successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

Debbie began with horse training and therapeutic riding programs, where she trained both horses and riders. She developed the first horse-related vocational program for high school students with autism and pioneered innovative ways to use her sheep for therapeutic purposes. She operated two retail tack shops that evolved into farm stores, ran a therapeutic riding program, and managed a non-profit supporting an equine therapeutic ministry for children.

When a car accident in 2001 ended her horse training days, Debbie transformed her interest in cheesemaking into a professional specialty. She spent the next decade mastering her craft using sheep milk while selectively breeding her dairy sheep into some of the most sought-after genetics in the country. Her expertise extends beyond her own operation as she has sold dairy sheep and goats while mentoring producers across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica.

As a dairy specialist, educator, and entrepreneur, Debbie helps livestock producers care for their animals and land using regenerative grazing practices while developing sustainable value-added products. Her involvement with national and state grazing organizations, USDA committees, dairy associations, and genetic improvement initiatives keeps her calendar full of speaking engagements. She regularly contributes articles about dairy sheep, cheesemaking, and regenerative agriculture practices to national magazines, helping producers nationwide improve their operations.

At Whispering Pines, her licensed dairy and cheesemaking facility, Debbie produces award-winning artisan cheeses using milk from sheep, goats, and Jersey cows. At peak season, she milks up to 150 sheep and 80 goats, creating thousands of pounds of hard cheeses, soft cheeses, yogurts, kefirs, and specialty dairy products. 

Her passion centers on helping people get started and succeed in dairy sheep and goat operations, teaching creative approaches to value-added products and income-generating opportunities that work for their specific situations.