National dairy sheep development,
built from a working farm.
As the only licensed sheep dairy in South Carolina,Whispering Pines Dairy serves as a training, advisory, and genetic hub for dairy sheep producers, community agriculture leaders, researchers, and youth programs across the U.S. and beyond.
Multi-State & International Impact
Active Training, Implementation, & Genetic Expansion States
NY, PA, WV, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TN, KY, IN, MO, NM, NJ
Active International Projects
Puerto Rico
Jamaica
Pending & Emerging Projects
OH, KS, AR, MI
This map reflects locations of active training, genetic expansion, implementation projects, institutional partnerships, and emerging dairy sheep initiatives influenced through on-farm education, technical guidance, and breeding support.
Serving Farmers, Families, and Future Producers
The dairy sheep industry grows when knowledge reaches every type of producer and community.
Our training has supported a wide range of agricultural contexts.
Notable Programs
Dairy Sheep 4H Club: Only Dairy Sheep 4H Globally
Clemson University: Applied Research & Learning
University Instruction: The Dakotas
National Dairy Sheep Association: Founder
Homesteaders and family farms
Hobby farms transitioning to commercial milk
Amish farming communities (PA)
Apache and Comanche agricultural leaders (OK)
Hutterite colonies (SD)
Clemson University research collaboration
University-level dairy sheep instruction (Dakotas)
Our Stories
Puerto Rico - Dairy Sheep Development
A seven-year advisory and training project supporting the establishment of Puerto Rico’s first sheep dairy operation. Included immersive training, system development, and ongoing technical guidance.
Amish Farmers — Pennsylvania
Amish families traveled from Pennsylvania to study dairy sheep systems and purchase breeding stock, focused on practical implementation and long-term production.
Tribal Agricultural Training — Oklahoma
Apache and Comanche representatives traveled from Oklahoma for dairy sheep production and cheese processing training to support sustainable milk systems within tribal agricultural initiatives.
Hutterite Advisory — South Dakota
Deb traveled to South Dakota to assist Hutterite communities with sheep milk production and cheesemaking systems, and taught dairy sheep classes through a university program in the Dakotas.
About Debbie
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.