Conservation Stories: Dan Okey

After catching the “homestead bug” Dan Okey, bought the perfect property in Deming with forest and pastureland. What he didn’t realize was he also found an amazing community.

“One thing I am especially grateful for at this property, are my neighbors. I have made some great connections with some great people. That’s something you can’t plan on or investigate when buying a property.” – Dan Okey, Deming Homesteader

Since moving onto his property two years ago, Dan has installed a garden with irrigation, built a greenhouse, planted an orchard, and built all the infrastructure needed to raise his ducks, chickens, sheep, bees, and pigs with the help of his neighbors.

Dan Okey caught the “homestead bug” when he bought a piece of vacation property in 2020. “I wanted to do everything I could to work towards more self-sufficiency. I also just simply enjoy projects and staying busy. The whole endeavor really became more than just a vacation property I wanted to visit a couple times a year. It felt like a lifestyle I wanted to pursue more seriously.” After looking at properties across Washington, he found the perfect spot in Deming. He loved being near the water and mountains, being close to a larger city, having pasture and forest land, and he felt a connection with the neighbors. “The surrounding neighbors made me feel really good. Without even meeting or knowing anyone, it was very clear I had a lot in common with them. Everyone was doing exactly what I wanted to do - raise animals, grow food, build infrastructure, etc.”

As soon as Dan moved in, he got to work on his homestead, but there were some challenges. “The biggest obstacle for me is probably just being new to all this. It feels like every other day I’m doing something for the first time. Whether that’s building a structure, or growing a particular vegetable, or fixing my riding lawnmower that wouldn't operate correctly for two months! Luckily, I have amazing neighbors that I can reach out to.”

It takes years to build up the equipment and expertise needed to build a house on acreage into a homestead. Dan’s neighbors have offered tractors, expertise, resources, animals, a helping hand, and connected Dan with Whatcom CD. We have partnered with Dan on equipment rental for re-seeding his pasture and processing his chickens, as well as farm planning assistance.

“The kind of connection and knowledge [I received from Whatcom Conservation District] is invaluable. You can’t get that kind of education from a YouTube video. It was important to walk my particular property and talk with professionals who know more than me.”

After a neighbor suggested reaching out to the Whatcom CD, Dan was connected with our farm planner Elizabeth who gave him advice on re-seeding his pasture, pros and cons of different fencing configurations, invasive species removal, and more.

At Whatcom CD we support local agriculture and food access, including our homesteading and agricultural communities. Our farm stewardship specialists are farmers themselves who want to help other farmers. If you have questions, need equipment, or want another farmer to talk through your ideas and goals with, reach out today: farmteam@whatcomcd.org or bit.ly/WCD-SiteVisitForm.

Dan continues to work on improving his homestead, including using Whatcom CD’s no-till seed drill.

“It was very clear I was talking to like-minded people, who were simply there to help and be a resource in whatever way was helpful to me… They are there to work for you and do what you want and simply be a resource to help you

obtain your goals. I look forward to a long working relationship with them as I navigate all my projects.”

Dan loves working through challenges, living off his land, and working towards self-sufficiency for himself, his family, and his animals. Having a community of support and resources has been an invaluable part of making his lifestyle and goals a reality. We are happy to be part of the larger community supporting Dan and his neighbors as they grow their food and build their homesteads.

“This property and life allows me to feel connected and grounded in many ways. I hope I can continue to live this life and bring purpose to myself and others… All this help and connection really makes this all much more worthwhile and enjoyable.” – Dan Okey

Having a community of support and resources has been an invaluable part of making his lifestyle and goals a reality. We are happy to be part of the larger community supporting Dan and his neighbors as they grow their food and build their homesteads.