The Renaissance of Ridgemeade Farm
- Pamela Palongue
- Aug 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Blake and Danielle Ragghianti are restoring their farmland and reaping the rewards of wholesome food grown with ancient methods.
Danielle and Blake were building their careers in the arts. Danielle was a dancer in the Corps de Ballet of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for 17 years. Blake received his degree in classical music composition and worked in the yachting industry as a captain.
During that time, he was approached by Glenn Beck to compose original music for his 2009 stage production, “The Christmas Sweater: A Return to Redemption.” The premiere was held at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, and the production included an 11-city tour.
Blake wanted to remain in western Pennsylvania, so a move to Los Angeles or New York was not an option. While searching for his next chapter, he visited Lucca, Italy, where his family originated. After discovering his forebears were known for making limoncello (a lemon liqueur), he returned to Pittsburgh and opened a distillery in the Strip District, which was an immediate success.
Unfortunately, a few years later, the business experienced a serious setback when COVID-19 struck in 2020. After regrouping, Blake and Danielle headed for Danielle’s family home in Erie County. While there, Blake became increasingly enthralled with the beautiful 1849 farm next door.
Almost on a lark, he decided to enroll in an online regenerative farm program in Sweden. He loved the idea of restoring the land and honoring the ancient methods that produced good, healthy food while leaving the land in better condition than before.
The couple soon found themselves living on the 100-acre farm, raising chickens and pigs and growing vegetables. It was their original intention to raise food to feed only their family, but neighbors and members of the community kept requesting products from the farm.
Each year, they have increased the number of animals they raise, and now Danielle grows flowers for fresh-cut bouquets and arrangements. There is also a distillery where Blake produces his popular limoncello, along with other spirits.
One very important development at Ridgemeade Farm has been the addition of sheep, with a herd of 75. Blake enlisted the advice of legendary herdsman John Jamison.
Jamison has been known by chefs around the world for producing the best lamb in the United States. Even famed chef Julia Child was a fan and bought lamb exclusively from him for her dishes. Jamison and his wife, Sukey, have been trailblazers in regenerative farming practices for over 40 years. Now in his 80s, Jamison has retired.
“I went and knocked on his door in Latrobe,” explains Blake. “I asked him to teach me how to raise sheep using his traditional methods, which are the healthiest for the land and for people.”
About two weeks after that request, the master sheepherder traveled to visit Ridgemeade Farm, and loved what Blake and Danielle were doing with it. “We wanted to recreate the legacy that he started,” says Blake, and Jamison has been a great source of encouragement and advice.
At Ridgemeade they produce 100% grass-fed and finished lamb, which is now available to the public in limited quantities through the farm’s online store. There is also forested pork, pastured poultry and eggs, heirloom garlic and bees.
Danielle has started a subscription service for her flowers, which grew from a small 10 x 10 ft. bed to now almost one-eighth of an acre. Subscriptions are booked for the year, but customers can still order individual flowers for pickup and delivery.
Though her ballerina background may seem at odds with her life now, it prepared Danielle for farm work. “I’m not afraid to put in the hard work to produce something beautiful.” She can often be found cutting flowers on the farm in the cool early morning, or at night after she’s put their three children to bed.
In 2026, events will be held at the farm. Reminiscent of the English Cotswolds, it will be the setting for romantic weddings and parties, for which Danielle will be able to offer her fresh floral arrangements. There will also be a fall festival and dining events.
Blake feels that the future of small farms is bright. “As people become more aware of how food is produced, they are supporting local farms more. We have zero background in farming and yet we have a flock that’s doubling every year. Ranchers and farmers are aging. The future lies in small-acreage farms that honor the traditional practices that respect the land.”
For more information, visit ridgemeadefarm.com.
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