Wisconsin Grazing Partnership

Some of the best adventures in life begin with friendship—and that’s exactly how this story started.

Anne and Roxie have known each other since 2016, but their friendship truly took off during training for the Marine Corps Marathon. Anne signed up to run the race, and Roxie's husband Daniel decided to join her. Somewhere between the long training runs, race day nerves, and shared encouragement along the miles, Anne and Roxie became inseparable.

Neither of them realized at the time that the race would mark the beginning of a lifelong bond. What started with running shoes and training miles would eventually grow into a shared passion for animals, land stewardship, and bringing sustainable grazing to Wisconsin.

Anne moved to Wisconsin with her Marine, Jason, and not long after, Roxie and her husband Daniel followed to begin their own retired life after Daniel’s career in the United States Marine Corps. The move brought them closer together geographically, but more importantly it allowed their shared passions to grow side by side.

Today, their friendship fuels two unique but connected ventures that are bringing goats and sheep across Wisconsin to help manage land naturally and sustainably.

Anne & Jason

Van Family Fit & Van Acres Homestead

Anne and her husband Jason live on a small slice of paradise in Greenville, Wisconsin, where Van Acres Homestead has become home to a lively herd of goats, sheep, and chickens.

At the heart of everything they do is Van Family Fit, a health and wellness brand built on the belief that fitness should be empowering, sustainable, and most importantly—fun.

Anne is a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition coach with a background in public relations. Originally from Eastern North Carolina, she fully embraced Midwest life (including the winters!) and spends much of her time running races across the state, coaching others toward healthier lives, and leading fitness classes.

Jason, a proud Marine Corps veteran who retired after 25 years of active-duty service, is the backbone of the farm operation. A lifelong Wisconsinite, Packers fan, and lover of fresh cheese curds, he keeps everything running smoothly—from gym equipment to goat fencing. When he’s not maintaining the farm, he travels around the state competing in billiards tournaments.

Farm life has become a central part of their philosophy. Caring for animals every day requires discipline, consistency, and hard work—the same principles Anne brings into her fitness coaching.

The farm also inspired another service: eco-friendly grazing with goats. Their herd helps landowners naturally clear invasive brush and overgrowth without chemicals or heavy machinery. It’s a perfect blend of Anne and Jason’s passion for health, nature, and community.

Roxie & Daniel

Wooly Green Grazers

Roxie and Daniel’s journey into sheep grazing began long before they ever set foot in Wisconsin.

Originally from Oklahoma, Roxie grew up on a small farm raising show sheep, which sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture. Daniel, a Michigan native whose grandparents operated a small dairy farm, also shared a deep love for animals.

For 27 years, Roxie supported Daniel throughout his career in the United States Marine Corps. When retirement began approaching in 2016, the two started exploring what their next chapter might look like.

In 2018, they began researching sustainable and profitable ways to raise sheep. That research led them to the growing field of solar grazing, where sheep are used to maintain vegetation around solar arrays and other properties.

In 2019, they joined the American Solar Grazing Association and selected Old English Southdown sheep—better known as Babydolls—as their primary breed.

By 2020, they purchased their first pair of sheep. Roxie refreshed her livestock knowledge while helping Daniel learn the ropes. Even while Daniel was still serving in the Marine Corps, they worked closely with neighbors to learn rotational grazing techniques and fencing strategies.

In February of 2022, Roxie and Daniel relocated to Wisconsin—bringing their growing flock with them. By 2023, they secured their first grazing contract with Appleton International Airport, helping manage invasive Phragmites at the Casaloma Conservancy. Their sheep have returned every year since to help naturally maintain the area.

Alongside grazing services, Roxie and Daniel also raise and sell Babydoll sheep and market lambs locally. In 2024, both of them joined the Town of Center Fire Department as volunteer firefighters, continuing their commitment to serving the community that welcomed them.

Today, Wooly Green Grazers works with counties, municipalities, and private landowners to manage invasive species and difficult terrain through targeted sheep grazing.

Their path may not have been traditional—but it has been deeply rewarding.

Tackling Wisconsin With Sheep & Goats

While Van Acres and Wooly Green Grazers began as separate ventures, Anne and Roxie quickly realized something special. Together, their goats and sheep create a powerful, natural solution for land management.

Some areas are better suited for goats. Others are perfect for sheep. By working together, they can tackle a wider variety of landscapes—from invasive plants and brush to steep terrain and conservation areas.

More importantly, they share the same philosophy:

Healthy land matters.
Healthy animals matter.
And strong communities matter.

Through friendship, hard work, and a shared passion for agriculture, Anne and Roxie are bringing sustainable grazing across Wisconsin—one pasture at a time.