About Us

The dawn of Starlight Ridge

Adam and I had no idea when we began our life together that we would end up changing careers and starting a farm together, but we have never been happier.

Who we are

Adam and I met while completing our Ph.D. studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. We both pursued academic careers as professors in our disciplines (Adam in German Studies and Lena in Chemistry). We loved working with students and enjoyed innovating in our teaching. While we both had some great colleagues, as well, it became clear to us that the dual academic career path was not sustainable for us and the dreams we had for our life together, so we decided to leave academia for industry positions. It was the right decision for us, and we are very happy and fufilled in our new positions that also made it possible for us to start our farm, Starlight Ridge.

Naming our farm

Names are important, so it took some time for us to decide on the name for our new farm and herd. In the end, Starlight Ridge–suggested by my sister–stood out as the perfect fit because it tied together several elements and experiences that were all part of starting the farm:

Our property is set up against a forested ridge that has, more than once, protected our home and garden from damage in severe midwest weather.

Of the first four chicks we purchased, the first name our daughter insisted on for one of them was Starlight. She turned out to be a “he” and was our first rooster whose crowing helped make our little budding farm seem more a reality.

Our little starter goat herd included one doe in milk whose name is Starlight Express. She took on the role of Herd Matron on a new farm with four kids so well. She taught me how to milk and so our farm name pays tribute to her role in the start of our farm.

Lastly, our little 4 acre plot sits pleasantly in rural Dane county where we have easy access to exciting downtown Madison but enjoy quiet country living with very little light polution. Often, on a summer evening you can find us enjoying a bonfire and watching the stars.

Off Farm Fun

When not at our day jobs or doing farm chores, you can catch us at the rink. We are now in the hockey parent phase of our lives, as well–goalie parents to boot! We have a first year squirt goalie who is talented and a hard worker, so we very much enjoy time spent watching her and her team play!