Our Story

We are Josh and Amy. Originally from Michigan, we have called the area just outside Washington, DC home since 2009, where we raised our four boys. In 2021, as we began thinking about what life might look like as empty nesters, a visit to a family farm out West stirred something deeper, a curiosity about farming, land stewardship, and a more rooted way of life.

By 2023, that curiosity had turned into action as we began searching for a large parcel of land. In what we can only describe as a divine appointment, we were introduced to the property that would become Jireh Hills by Derek and Jenna, who share the same missional hearts we do. From the beginning, we all sensed this land was meant to be a place of healing, restoration, and peace for others.

An unexpected and deeply meaningful layer of the story unfolded after the purchase. While sharing the news with Amy’s 92-year-old grandmother, we learned that her husband’s ancestors were from Giles County. We were later able to locate the family home and gravestones, turning what felt like a new beginning into a true homecoming.

Around this same time, Amy was in Kansas City for work when a colleague casually suggested, “You should get yaks.” Like many people, our first reaction was, What’s a yak? That simple comment sparked three years of research, learning, and waiting. Along the way, we both fell in love with these beautiful, resilient, and majestic animals and the way they align with our values of low-impact, regenerative agriculture. We are thrilled to bring heritage yaks to Jireh Hills and make them part of the ranch’s story.

You may be wondering how we named the ranch. The name Jireh Hills Ranch is rooted in Genesis 22, where Abraham’s faith and obedience are met by God’s provision. At the moment of greatest sacrifice, the Lord provides a ram, and Abraham names the place Jehovah Jireh, “The Lord Will Provide.” We have witnessed that same provision throughout our lives and in the journey that led us to this land. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the name Jireh Hills felt both fitting and faithful.

This ranch is the unfolding of that story—one of trust, provision, and purpose. We hope you will join us on our journey!