Our Sheep
freedom run farm lamb
Freedom Run Farm Lamb was born in Kentucky in 2011, when our founders set out to create the kind of American lamb chefs would be excited to cook and serve. Working side-by-side with chefs, we developed a specification focused on flavor, marbling, and generous portion size—using Katahdin sheep raised on our founding Kentucky farm.
As demand for that eating experience grew, so did the vision. Today, Freedom Run Farm Lamb is a USDA-certified program supporting independent American shepherds nationwide, providing a transparent path to market for those raising lambs that meet our specifications.
Born in Kentucky, Enjoyed Nationwide
While our roots remain in Kentucky, Freedom Run Farm Lamb is no longer a single-farm operation. Our lamb is raised by a trusted network of shepherds—from the Appalachian foothills to the Rocky Mountains—who share our commitment to animal welfare, land stewardship, and exceptional meat quality.
But while we could speak about the breeds and agricultural practices all day, the proof is in the flavor. Once you try Freedom Run Farm Lamb, you’ll taste the difference with the first bite.
What Sets Our Lamb Apart
When most Americans think of lamb, they think of the tiny “lollipop” chops imported from Australia and New Zealand. But most imported lamb is actually a byproduct of wool production, which means it’s not raised for the qualities we find important in delicious lamb.
Freedom Run Farm lamb is part of a Certified USDA program, featuring large-frame, meaty lambs that stand apart from imported varieties. Our lamb is highly marbled with a milder, sweeter flavor. After over a decade of developing and refining our unique brand specifications, we've created a taste that’s truly distinct from the average rack of lamb. We look for distinct qualities in our breedstock and, through careful and controlled breeding operations, we continue to hone in on specific breeds and breed hybrids that help us bring consistently delicious lamb to market year-round.
One of the most critical factors that leads to our highly sought-after flavor profile is how our sheep are raised. Much of the flavor and fat marbling is a result of the regenerative grazing and farming practices that have taken years to develop. Our pastures are carefully managed and maintained to ensure there is a diverse variety of plant foods available to our sheep. This is both art and science, utilizing modern regenerative grazing and traditional farming techniques and methods to produce the highest-quality feed for our flocks. Years of planning and cultivation go into this process, and a careful consideration for the longevity and protection of our pastures is essential.
Born in Kentucky. Raised by American shepherds nationwide. Certified by USDA. Built for the plate.
“Working directly with Valerie at Freedom Run Farm has been a chef’s dream. We have worked together on custom cuts for Vern’s that no one else is using in the city. Her lamb is hands down the most delicious, mild-flavored, and tender lamb I have ever had!”
Our Farm
Valerie Samutin founded Freedom Run Farm in 2011. After attempting to recreate the meal she enjoyed with her husband on their wedding night—roasted lamb, naturally—they were both disappointed with the quality of lamb that was available. Unable to find grass-fed, organic lamb proved to be a challenge, so Valerie set out to learn everything she could about lamb shepherding.
She took a deep dive into not just lamb, but sustainable agriculture as well. When the desire became too much to bear, Valerie took the leap and ditched urban life in Chicago to set up shop in rural Kentucky. She started her farm and slowly grew her flock to about 100 heads. Today, these sheep enjoy a quiet life foraging their own food in open pastures across America.
Learn More About Kentucky’s Culinary Heritage.
“I have had the pleasure of using Freedom Run Lamb for the past six and a half years and have loved every second of cooking with it. Valerie and her team at Freedom Run Farm take great pride in their lamb, and it shows on the plate. The consistent quality and wonderful flavor win over every guest who tries it, even those who claim they don’t like lamb.”
Our Shepherds
After founding Freedom Run Farm, one of the first challenges that Valerie met was marketing her product. This is an issue that any small-scale agricultural producer runs into, and finding a way to overcome this is critical for long term success. The Lamb Association of America has a meager marketing budget, which is about half of what New Zealand spends marketing its product to Americans. With limited resources and support, and competing against the big dollars, Valerie knew she had to do something to create a new way for her to help bring this amazing lamb to market.
After studying how other small-scale agricultural producers (cheese, produce, livestock) overcame these challenges, there was one solution that made the most since—create a consortium.
A consortium is similar to a collective, or co-op of producers, who work together to bring their product to market under one brand.
This approach offers numerous benefits for all involved—the reason is simple: there is power in numbers. Together, we can create effective messaging and marketing that builds a consumer base to support individual family farms—and highlights just how unique and delicious our lamb is.
Freedom Run Farm does not own all of the sheep in our program.
Instead, we operate a USDA-certified brand program that provides independent American shepherds with clear specifications, third-party verification, and access to market.
Each member of the Freedom Run Farm Consortium adheres to the same strict standards, starting with sustainably pasture-raised lamb. Our program includes shared performance genetics, nutritional plans, and management practices. By working together, we’ve perfected our production methods to ensure consistency, product availability, and premium quality. From small family homesteads to multigenerational shepherds with decades of legacy, we are united in showcasing the best lamb from American farming.
Raised with care and dedication, our lamb is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that celebrates the best of American farming. We encourage you to experience the rich, tender flavor of premium American lamb. Let’s bring American lamb to the table every day, for everyone, and for every occasion. Together, we can make it happen!