Our history
Yellowbird Farms was founded in 2012 by Jim Malooley and Deanna Magar. We were drawn to “working the land” and managing a farm responsibly and sustainably. From the beginning we strived to create products that our customers would feel good about using and that they could feel good about putting in and on their bodies. From this dream, and an unimaginable amount of work, Yellowbird Farms lamb and Yellowbird Botanicals skincare products were born. Initially, our farm focused on producing grass-fed lamb and beef. We enjoyed initial success, but as we learned and developed our farming skills, our goals and objectives also evolved. We noticed something was missing from the livestock business.
The more we learned about the challenges presented by starting a farm, the more opportunities we saw to improve on conventional approaches. Deanna and I had already developed meaningful skills in our previous work experiences, so we just had to learn how to apply those skills to farming. As we took these next steps, Yellowbird Farms really came into its own. In my previous career as an engineer, I used my math and science background to develop creative solutions to complex, real-world problems. By implementing a similar approach to improving the genetics of our sheep flock, Yellowbird Farms has developed a reputation for breeding sheep of exceptional quality.
By sharing our experience with our customers, our process has come full circle. We are proud of our sheep, but we are also proud of the guidance and support that we offer our customers. Of course, we do not have all the answers, and there is still much to learn. We are always seeking out new, creative approaches to improving our genetics and management, and we strive to be a knowledge hub for our customers by offering educational resources and mentoring services on shepherding. Together, our clients and customers can raise the bar for American lamb. Yellowbird Farms is committed to helping your flock reach its maximum potential.
The more we learned about the challenges presented by starting a farm, the more opportunities we saw to improve on conventional approaches. Deanna and I had already developed meaningful skills in our previous work experiences, so we just had to learn how to apply those skills to farming. As we took these next steps, Yellowbird Farms really came into its own. In my previous career as an engineer, I used my math and science background to develop creative solutions to complex, real-world problems. By implementing a similar approach to improving the genetics of our sheep flock, Yellowbird Farms has developed a reputation for breeding sheep of exceptional quality.
By sharing our experience with our customers, our process has come full circle. We are proud of our sheep, but we are also proud of the guidance and support that we offer our customers. Of course, we do not have all the answers, and there is still much to learn. We are always seeking out new, creative approaches to improving our genetics and management, and we strive to be a knowledge hub for our customers by offering educational resources and mentoring services on shepherding. Together, our clients and customers can raise the bar for American lamb. Yellowbird Farms is committed to helping your flock reach its maximum potential.
Our Team
JIM MALOOLEY
Shepherd and Grazier Born and raised in Indiana, Jim studied engineering at Purdue University and spent a few years working in Sonoma County, California. Wanting a career with less "office time," Jim decided to go back to school for construction management. While studying at Boise State University, he met Deanna and her daughters and they quickly became a family. After working for a time in the Pacific northwest, and being required to move to a new town with each new project, Jim and Deanna decided to put out permanent roots in Warren County, Tennessee. Hence Yellowbird Farms was born along with a passion for shepherding.
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DEANNA MAGAR
Shepherdess Deanna grew up in the southwestern United States, spending her childhood and young-adult life in Arizona and Nevada. Her career led her into hospitality management, but she always harbored a passion for plants, gardening, and natural health and beauty products. After founding Yellowbird Farms with Jim, she was able to apply her passions to creating a line of small batch, handcrafted skincare products, Yellowbird Botanicals. She is a lifelong learner and is constantly pursuing her education in aromatherapy, aesthetics, skincare, holistic bodywork, and reflexology. Some of the institutions she has attended are The Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, The Dr. Vodder School, and Mueller College, amongst others. She currently owns and operates Sage Skincare and Wellness, a spa in McMinnville, Tennessee. She also offers her line of Yellowbird Botanicals products at Sage, created from ingredients harvested from her impressive garden on the farm.
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RACHAEL ADAMS
Apprentice Shepherdess
Apprentice Shepherdess
As an integral part of our operations here at Yellowbird, Rachael assists with farm management and ensures all of our projects run smoothly. When not working hard on the farm, Rachael can be found spending time with her family and friends, reading an interesting novel or taking care of sheep, goats, chickens, & dogs at home.
NIGEL
Head of Sheep Operations
Head of Sheep Operations