Who We Are

Pasture Proper™ has been created out of the thirty years of trial, error, study and experience by Don and Virginia Wilkinson.

Don was born and raised on a ranch in Hanford, California. His family raised dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine and sheep, as well as row and field crops. While working on his family’s farm, Don pursued his interest further by joining his high school’s FFA program (Future Farmer’s of America). Out of high school, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in General Agriculture and minored in Biological Science at Fresno State University.

Teaching others about farming and animal husbandry has always been important to Don. He was awarded a Secondary Teaching credential at U.C. Davis, California. He taught High School agriculture in California and Oregon for twelve years. Don took his teaching out of the classroom by serving as the Oregon State University Extension Agent in Douglas County, Oregon. He was their Livestock and Forage specialist for four years. As an Extension Agent Don educated others about pasture raised, pasture finished beef.

Virginia is a converted "city girl", educated in English and Business. She worked extensively in public education and has experience in the veterinary and health care fields. Virginia handles business management, record keeping and marketing.

Over 25 years, the Wilkinsons researched and implemented cutting edge practices in their sheep and beef operations in Western Oregon, cooperating with universities and private enterprises studies and conducting seminars and schools on grass based, sustainable production practices.

Having relocated in Idaho in 2006, they are currently focusing on the consulting, certifying and marketing portions of the business on behalf of a select group of producers in Idaho and Oregon.

Their goal is to support others and make the smaller farm economically viable again by directly serving the local economy. They have learned so much and benefited greatly during their experiences, and believe that by sharing their lessons and examples, they can affect a positive change in agriculture and the way we all live.