Upcoming Events
Lamb Camp Bottle Feeding
🐑 Lamb Camp Bottle Experience
A real farm visit during the sweetest (and busiest) time of year
Spring has arrived at Whispering Pines Dairy, and the barn is full of babies. We’ve welcomed over 100 lambs and goat kids this season. The babies are bouncing, the moms are busy, and every day looks a little different. This is when the farm is at its best. And we’re opening it up for families to experience it with us.
👉 Reserve your spot here
This is not a petting zoo
Whispering Pines Dairy is the only licensed sheep dairy in South Carolina.
When you visit, you’re stepping into a real, working farm.
That means real animals, real routines, and sometimes things you don’t expect. There is always a chance you could witness a live birth during your visit.
What your visit looks like
Your visit begins at the farm store.You’ll check in, take a few minutes to look around, and then we head out to the barn together.From there, Lamb Camp begins.Part guided walk.
Part hands-on experience.During your visit, you will:Watch the milking processMeet the momma sheep and goatsSee the different breeds we raiseWatch the babies bounce and playLearn how a sheep dairy actually operatesPossibly witness a live birth
Bottle Feeding Experience (VIP)
For kids or adults who want to be part of the action.
Children and adults age 5 and older can participate in our Bottle VIP experience.
You’ll learn how to properly hold a bottle and safely feed a baby lamb or goat kid.
Each VIP child receives: One bottle, One baby to feed, Guided instruction from us.
After feeding, there’s time for cuddles, photos, and letting the kids enjoy the moment.
Tickets
Lamb Camp Bottle VIP — $35
For children and adults 5+ who want the full bottle feeding experience
Farm Experience Pass — $10
For parents and guests attending but not feeding
Children under 5 — Free
(They attend with an adult but do not participate in feeding)
Before you come
A few things to know so you’re not surprised:
This is a working farm.
Wear closed-toe shoes.
Clothes may get a little dirty
Please leave pets at home (even friendly dogs can stress livestock)
We operate rain or shineIf weather moves in, we have shelter so everything can continue safely
This season doesn’t last long
Spring on the farm is short.
The babies grow quickly.
The pace changes.
And this window closes before you realize it.
If you’ve been thinking about visiting, this is the time.
Whispering Pines Dairy at the Greenville Farmers Market (Saturdays)
If you’ve never tried sheep milk, this is your chance.
Whispering Pines Dairy is the only licensed sheep dairy in South Carolina, and every Saturday we bring the farm straight to downtown Greenville.
Real products, raised and made right here.
At our booth, you’ll find:
– Fresh sheep milk (rich, smooth, naturally easier to digest for many people)
– Small-batch sheep and goat cheeses
– Farm-raised meats
– Rotating seasonal products depending on what’s happening on the farm
If you’ve only ever had cow dairy, sheep milk is a different experience entirely. It’s naturally higher in protein and butterfat, with a clean, slightly sweet taste that surprises people the first time they try it.
Come by and ask questions, learn how the animals are raised, and understand exactly what you’re buying.
We’re a working dairy, everything you see here starts on our farm.
Why People Stop By
– Curious about sheep milk but don’t know where to start
– Looking for local, clean dairy options
– Wanting to support a real working farm
– Tired of mass-produced food that all tastes the same
What to Expect
– Friendly conversations
– Samples when available
– Products that rotate week to week
– A chance to try something most people in South Carolina have never had
Important Notes
– First come, first served — we often sell out of certain items
– Bring a cooler if you plan to stock up
– Card and cash accepted
Sheep and Goat Farming 101
Learn How to Raise Sheep & Goats the Right Way (Hands-On Farm Class)
A full-day, hands-on farm class at Whispering Pines Dairy for people who are ready to stop guessing and start building.
If you’ve been thinking about raising sheep or goats, you’ve probably already realized something:
There’s a lot of information out there.
Very little of it comes from people actually doing the work every day.
This class is different.
At Whispering Pines Dairy, you’ll spend a full day on a real working sheep dairy learning how animals are raised, fed, milked, and cared for in real conditions.
This is not a quick farm visit.
This is not a classroom lecture.
This is hands-on learning for people who want practical knowledge they can actually use.
What You’ll Learn
Start With the Right Foundation
Learn how to choose the right sheep or goats for your land, your goals, and your level of experience. We’ll also talk through the mistakes most beginners make early on and how to avoid them.
Land, Forage, and Pasture Management
We’ll cover how to evaluate your land, manage pasture more effectively, and think through forage in a way that supports healthier animals and lower feed costs.
Using Goats for Land Clearing
Goats can do more than just graze. We’ll talk through how they can be used as a practical tool to help clear and manage land.
Feeding and Nutrition
You’ll learn what sheep and goats actually need to stay healthy, along with feeding practices that are more sustainable, more practical, and less wasteful.
Milking and Dairy Basics
This class includes hands-on instruction in how to milk sheep and goats. You’ll see the process up close using animals that are currently in milk and learn what’s involved if you want to produce your own dairy products.
Life Cycles and Animal Care
From bottle babies to mature animals, we’ll walk through the different stages of life and the care required at each one, including baby care and day-to-day management.
Health Checks and Common Issues
We’ll show you how to evaluate small ruminant health, what early warning signs to look for, and how better daily practices can help prevent bigger problems later.
Start Your Farm This Weekend
Take the class. Leave with the animals. Start your farm.
We have sheep and goats available for sale, including animals in milk, weaned animals, and bottle babies.
You’ll spend the day learning how to care for them, then have the opportunity to take that next step immediately.
For the right person, this is the difference between thinking about it for another year and actually getting started.
Why This Matters
This class is about more than livestock.
It’s about learning how to use your land more wisely, raise food for your family, and build something more sustainable with your own hands.
We’ll also talk about how raising sheep and goats can help families live more closely connected to the land.
For children especially, caring for animals creates real responsibility. It gets them outside, involved, and part of something that matters.
That said, this particular class is built for adults and focused learning.
If you have younger children, our Lamb Camp Bottle Feeding experiences are a much better fit for them.
Hands-On Experience
This is not a sit-and-listen class.
You’ll be on the farm, learning in real time and seeing how things are actually done, including:
Hands-on milking demonstrations
Direct interaction with sheep and goats
Basic handling and care techniques
Real-time farm operations
Practical Q&A throughout the day
Who This Is For
This class is a good fit for:
People considering starting a small farm
Landowners who want to use their property more effectively
Beginners who want to raise sheep or goats the right way
Early-stage livestock owners who want to improve
Families thinking seriously about a more agricultural lifestyle
Event Details
Date: April 18
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lunch Break: 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Lunch: Pizza provided
Location: Whispering Pines Dairy, Seneca, South Carolina
Format: In-person, hands-on farm class
What to Bring
Please come prepared for a real day on the farm.
Bring:
Closed-toe shoes
Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
A water bottle
Snacks if you’d like them during the day
A cooler if you plan to bring home farm store purchases or products
Ready to learn how to raise sheep and goats the right way?
Reserve your spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sheep-goat-farming-101-hands-on-farm-class-at-whispering-pines-dairy-tickets-1986596255879?aff=oddtdtcreator
FAQ
Do I need experience to attend?
No. This class is designed for beginners and early-stage livestock owners. If you are starting from scratch, you’ll be able to follow along. If you already have animals, you’ll likely leave with a clearer, better way of doing things.
What if I don’t have land yet?
That’s fine. Many people attend before they buy land or animals. This class will help you understand what you need before making those decisions.
Is this class really hands-on?
Yes. You’ll be on a working farm interacting with animals, observing and learning milking, and seeing real farm systems in action.
Will I learn how to milk?
Yes. We will teach hands-on how to milk, and we have both sheep and goats currently in milk.
Will there be animals for sale?
Yes. We have sheep and goats for sale, including some in milk, some weaned, and some bottle babies.
Can I actually start right after taking the class?
For the right person, yes. You can take the class, understand what’s involved, and have the opportunity to purchase animals and get started right away.
Is lunch included?
Yes. We’ll break from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, and pizza will be provided.
What should I bring?
Bring closed-toe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, a water bottle, snacks if you want them, and a cooler if you plan to take home store purchases or products.
Can I bring my kids?
This class is designed for adults and focused learning. Younger children will likely get more out of our Lamb Camp Bottle Feeding events, which are specifically designed for kids and families.
—
This is a real farm.
You’ll learn in real conditions, with real animals, from people who do this every day.
You won’t leave with a vague idea of what to do next.
You’ll leave with practical knowledge, clearer direction, and the chance to start.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting Baby Goats and Lambs
Get ready for a hands-on farm experience at Whispering Pines in Seneca, SC!
What to Expect When You’re Expecting Baby Goats and Lambs is an in-depth class for anyone who wants to learn how to care for pregnant goats and sheep, recognize labor signs, assist in delivery, and handle newborns with confidence.
You’ll get up close with baby goats and lambs, learn milking basics, newborn care, bottle feeding, and homesteading tips that matter. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just curious, this event delivers the real, practical skills you need - and it’s a great gift idea too.
👉 Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-baby-goats-and-lambs-for-2026-tickets-1977817107209?aff=oddtdtcreator
Volunteer Training for Lambuary
Volunteer Training for Lambuary is a hands-on orientation for able-bodied volunteers who want to help during lambing season at Whispering Pines Dairy in Seneca, SC. This training prepares volunteers for the real work that happens before the cuddles - caring for pregnant sheep and goats, watching for labor signs, assisting when needed, feeding and watering animals, and protecting newborns from the elements.
Participants will tour the full 180-acre working farm, learn daily care routines, understand pasture safety, and get familiar with the physical demands of lambing season. Expect lots of walking, outdoor work in all weather, and meaningful responsibility. This training is required for volunteers who plan to help on a regular weekly basis and is not designed for children. Family-friendly options are available through other programs like Little Shepherds and Lamb Camp.
If you want deeper, step-by-step instruction on labor and delivery, check out the separate class What to Expect When You’re Expecting Baby Goats and Lambs.
👉 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-training-for-lambuary-tickets-1979522956450?aff=oddtdtcreator
Little Shepherds Class
Little Shepherds Class is a hands-on farm experience designed for children and families who want to learn how to care for sheep and goats while experiencing lambing and kidding season up close. Hosted at Whispering Pines Farm in Seneca, SC, this class teaches kids how to safely approach, handle, and help care for livestock, including newborn lambs and baby goats.
Participants will be out in the pastures with working guardian dogs, pregnant animals, and possibly newborns - and there is a real chance of witnessing a live birth during class.
This is an interactive, educational experience similar to 4-H, open to all ages, and ideal for homeschool families, young animal lovers, and teens interested in future volunteer opportunities.
Parents must attend. Closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty are required.
👉 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-shepherds-class-tickets-1979474951867?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thank Ewes - The Blessings From Sheep
About This Event (Sign Up on our EventBrite Page)
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, come celebrate the blessings that sheep give us: milk, meat, and wool.
This event brings together the best of education, craftsmanship, and farm life. Perfect for homeschoolers, homesteaders, craft lovers, and anyone who wants to connect with where their food and fiber come from.
What to Expect:
• Learn how to work with wool—spinning wheels, looms, and hands-on demos
• Explore how sheep milk becomes cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products
• Talks and demonstrations on raising healthy sheep and managing quality forages
• Learn about rotational grazing and small-scale dairy management
• Visit the farm store for artisan cheese, wool goods, and farm-made products
Learn how you can purchase starter flocks for your homestead or hobby farm
Bring a bag to take home wool for craft projects. Free wool to each attendee!
You’ll leave with new knowledge, inspiration, and maybe a few new farm-made treasures to take home. Farm Store will be open for purchases!
Sign up here!
***South Carolina Sheep Association Members can attend Free of Charge. Not a member? Register here - www.scsheep.com
Homesteading 201 Sheep, Goats, and Native Grasses
Homesteading 201: Sheep, Goats, and Native Grasses
Join us at Whispering Pines Dairy on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM (ET) for an in-depth look at how to raise sheep and goats while making the most of your land.
What You’ll Learn
How to raise sheep and goats for milk, meat, or family sustainability
The role of native grasses in improving soil health and supporting your herd
Practical management techniques to balance livestock care with land stewardship
Real-world insights from experienced shepherds and homesteaders
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for both new and experienced homesteaders who want to expand their skills and learn how to build a productive, sustainable homestead.
Why It Matters
Sheep, goats, and native grasses work together to provide food, improve land quality, and create a healthier environment for your family and community.
Come ready to learn, share, and connect with other homesteaders. This event combines education with hands-on learning, giving you knowledge you can take home and put into practice.
We look forward to seeing you at the farm!
Sign up on our Eventbrite page!
Shepherding 101
Shepherding 101 at Whispering Pines Dairy
Spend the day learning the essentials of shepherding on a working dairy farm. This hands-on class is designed for families, aspiring homesteaders, and anyone curious about sheep and goats.
What to Expect
Rotating Learning Stations: Small groups will rotate every 20–30 minutes for focused time at each activity.
Milking Parlor: Learn what equipment is needed and practice milking sheep and goats.
Pasture Tour: Explore our pastures and understand the basics of nutrition, shelter, and fencing for healthy flocks.
Health Checks: Practice FAMACHA scoring and BCS, learn humane handling techniques, and discover how to care for young lambs and kids.
Wool Workshop: Try your hand at felting with a take-home project, plus take home extra raw wool (bring a bag).
Bible Lesson: Learn why sheep are the most mentioned animal in the Bible, taught by a shepherd.
Working Farm in Action: Watch Border Collies herd, see livestock guardian dogs at work, and experience daily feeding and farm tasks.
Farm Store
Our farm store will be open after class with cheeses, meats, fresh milk (cow, goat, and sheep), kefir, yogurt, and wool products including yarn, roving, blankets, and hides.
Who Should Come
We have taught visitors from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, inspiring new micro dairies and homesteads. If you are considering starting your own flock, this class is the perfect place to begin. Families are welcome, and children under 5 attend free. Tickets are the same price for children and adults, with discounts for SC Sheep members.
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothes
Rain or rubber boots (easy to hose off)
Baby wipes and hand sanitizer
Water bottle
Bag for wool to take home
This event runs rain or shine. The SC Sheep annual meeting will follow the class. Do not miss this opportunity to connect with nature, gain practical skills, and enjoy a memorable farm day.
Sign up now on our Eventbrite page!
Happy Sheep & Goats with Regenerative Forage Practices
Learn how to raise healthy, happy sheep & goats using regenerative forage methods at our upcoming event!
Sign up on our Eventbrite Page
Date and time
Saturday, September 27 · 9am - 3:30pm EDT. Doors at 8:30am
Location
Whispering Pines Stables/Upstate Equestrian Ministry
681 Campbell Bridge road Seneca, SC 29678
Get directions
Agenda
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Gates Open, Follow Signs to parking areas and Sign in
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Introduction to Whispering Pines and the dairy.
A brief tour of the facilities, a quick description of how to milk and introduction of speakers. Then we will divide up into groups to walk through different pastures. The leaders will stay in their area and attendees will move from pasture to pasture to benefit from learning from each forage expert.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Forage evaluations
Whispering Pines has 180 acres with over 25 different pastures of a variety of forages to suit the wide variety of livestock. Attendees will learn how to evaluate forages for nutritional value, identify Native grasses, seasonal annuals, grasses, legumes, brassicas and forbs as well as learn the why and what purpose of each type of forage to bring to your farm- whether medicinal value for small ruminants or increase of protein, fiber or mineral values and the related soil health outcomes.
Also, the methods needed for each forage- whether to broadcast or drill! Great information for seasoned farmers or beginning homesteaders!
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
How to milk sheep, goats and cows
We have an option to learn milking of cows, sheep and goats for any interested attendees.
This option is available at no additional charge but you will need to sign up by contacting Whispering Pines by 9/20/25. Only limited number of attendees can sign up.
This experience will be an overview but a dedicated milking class is recommended, which we offer throughout the milking season on Tuesday- Friday by appointment.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Basics on Sheep and Goats
Learn basic handling, herding, hoof care and health check basics. Some small ruminants have been handled less than others. Learn good shepherding techniques! Chasing them is not one of the techniques!
Learn the how to in handling, basic health checks, learn how to do vaccinations and why? An opportunity to learn some basic hoof trimming techniques and corrective hoof care. For those interested in evaluating breeding stock or learning some tips for record keeping during breeding season, we're already started and share our methods at Whispering Pines.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch - We provide lunch. Great time for networking!
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
FAMACHA Certification and Body Condition Scoring
FAMACHA is a great tool for evaluating anemia in small ruminants (sheep and goats). Using this method, you can determine whether you need to deworm or not. Dewormers should not be given periodically but only when necessary. Learn what dewormers should and should not be used on sheep and goats as well as parasite resistance to certain types of dewormers. This segment will have a class room as well as hands-on opportunity.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wrap-up- final thoughts and questions, finishing up on skill trainings
About this event
South Carolina Sheep and Goat Association welcomes you to Whispering Pines Dairy Farm sponsored by National Grazing Lands Coalition
Raise healthy, happy sheep & goats with regenerative forage practices
Come join us at Whispering Pines for a hands-on event all about raising your sheep and goats the right way! Learn about regenerative forage practices that will keep your animals healthy and happy. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to improve their livestock management skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge to take back to your own farm. See you there!
Cheese Making Basics
Join us for a hands-on introduction to the art of cheese making.
We will begin with a guided tour of our creamery, where you will see the molds, methods, and equipment behind our cheeses. You will also get an overview of the different products we create right here on the farm.
Next, roll up your sleeves as we learn the process of making cheese. You will follow along with a recipe you can take home, and each guest will leave with a 1/2 pound of fresh soft cheese.
Fresh milk and cheese-making supplies will be available for purchase. Because it is the end of milking season and quantities are limited, we recommend placing orders in advance. Our farm store will also be open after class.
Sign up here on our Eventbrite page!