Inspiration can come from people, places, or things, and we never know when or from where our inspiration may come. For Denna Peterson, it emerged from the process of remodeling. She started making her own chandeliers and furniture, then moved on to painting the inside of her home. Her husband, Chris, swore they were losing square footage in the house because of the numerous layers of paint. An acquaintance commissioned Denna to collect oyster shells to form “oyster trees.” Denna had never created anything like that, but said she would “give it a whirl”. This was the first piece of art Denna sold.

Who would have thought that a small jelly kitchen in the Mitcham family’s backyard would grow into a major company? I’m quite certain Robert, Sr. and Patsy Mitcham did not know that Robert’s agricultural experience and teaching, along with running the canning plant at that school and the canning plant for Rabun County would turn into this!

Graham Phillips first came to White Oak Pastures as an intern with the World Wide Opportunities On Organic Farms. He returned in 2017 to management as our Egg Production Manager. His role evolved into a grazier position and from there he became our Regenerative Land Manager. Graham is also the White Oak Pastures Savory Institute Environmental Outcome Verification Hub Verifier and is working to build our Livestock Guardian Dog program.

Even though she describes White Oak Pastures as “complex,” that didn’t deter Nichole Griffin’s career change to create the life she wanted. For inspiration to follow your dreams, read what Nichole has to share.

Alena Ivakhnenko, our lead craftswoman, was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, where memories of helping her grandmother cultivate their vegetable garden, along with her love for the outdoors, was of paramount significance in guiding her future. Her family made a move to Salt Lake City, Utah where she graduated from Westminster College in 2010. Continue reading to be inspired by the opportunities bestowed upon Alena, whose desire to unite food and food systems greatly enhances what she contributes daily to White Oak Pastures.

After moving back from Dothan, Alabama to live with her family, Kyndall Bright came to White Oak Pastures in the summer of 2016. When asked to describe White Oak Pastures, ironically, Kyndall’s reply was simply “family”, which seems to be a shared sentiment amongst those here on the farm. She recruited her sister, Kayla, who has also joined the White Oak Pastures team. Kyndall shares her story as she plans another move straight to Bluffton to be close to her extended family here on the farm!

Jeff Lackey, manager of poultry livestock production since 2016, describes White Oak Pastures as “Enviro-agrarianism”. Prior to White Oak Pastures, Jeff became increasingly interested in raising livestock, producing food, and improving the environment. Those three things led him to White Oak Pastures and Jeff has fascinating information to share!

Deviled eggs are a southern favorite. We've created a unique twist using our pasture-raised eggs, pasture-raised pork sausage, and a local hot sauce we stock in our General Store.

Ground turkey is a healthy, lean protein alternative. We're excited to provide Pasture-raised, Certified Non-GMO, Certified Humane, GAP Step 5+ turkey through our regenerative farm. Below is a unique twist on meatballs using ground turkey. We love it, we shared it around the farm and our employees love it, and we think you'll love it too! Bon Appétit! 

Members of the White Oak Pastures team had the opportunity to attend the Memphis in May World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest. Brian Sapp (Director of Operations) and Ban Stewart (Quality Control Manager) assisted in cooking two of our Heritage Breed Hogs with BBQ Hall of Famer, Myron Mixon. Myron, who hails from Unadilla, GA, is the winningest man in Bar-B-Que, a successful cookbook writer and widely popular TV personality on several cooking shows and competitions. His team’s official name is, Jack’s Old South and together they have won more competitions than any other team in the world.