Date Creek Ranch: Sustainable Ranching Meets Farm-to-Table Excellence
Phillip and Geri Knight bought the Date Creek Ranch in 1966 and moved their children Kimberley, Eric, and Scott onto the ranch from the Pinal Ranch near Miami, Arizona. The ranch is located near Wickenburg, Arizona. It lies in the transmission zone between the Sonoran and Mojave deserts and supports the unusual mixture of Joshua tree and saguaro cactus.
Working the ranch was a way of life for the Knight Family and a means of survival which required the entire family’s participation. They ran cattle and planted an apple and peach orchard. Picking fruit from the orchard became a tradition, bringing the Wickenburg and Phoenix community to the ranch at harvest season.
Date Creek, which runs through the middle of the ranch was not always as abundant as it is now. When the Knight’s arrived at the ranch back in 1966 the 3.5 miles of ephemeral and perennial Date Creek was little more than a broad swath of barren sand and scattered cottonwood and willow trees. Javelina and other large wildlife was rare; the turkeys and beaver were little more than tales of the land’s past, long ago extirpated from the area. Phillip Knight began a rest/rotation grazing management plan on the ranch that gave the creek the opportunity to rest during the growing season.
In 1982 he began applying holistic management to the land, which provided the ranch pastures even better opportunity to rest and for the grass to re-grow. It soon became obvious that the creek was making an amazing recovery and by the late 80’s it was recognized as one of the healthiest riparian areas in the state of Arizona. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission awarded Phillip knight their ‘Environmentalist of the Year’ award in 1993 and in 1994 he received the ‘Environmental Stewardship’ award from the Arizona Cattleman’s Association.
Healing the land and restoring wildlife is still of primary importance on the ranch and informs all of the decisions the family makes in regards to its daily and long-term management.
Today the ranch is owned and operated by Kimberley Knight and her husband Stefan Wolf, Ryan and Savannah Barteau, and Josiah and Amberley Horn. Ryan and Amberley are Kimberley’s and Stefan’s children. They run cattle and raise sheep and pigs on the ranch and they sell their products directly to the public. The ranch is open to the public by appointment only, To inquire about placing an order please visit their website: datecreekranch.com
Date Creek Ranch
Date Creek Ranch, nestled between the Sonoran and Mojave deserts in Yavapai County, Arizona, has been a family-owned beacon of sustainable ranching since 1966. Founded by Phillip Knight and now led by the next generation, the ranch is committed to producing grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and organic fruits—all while preserving the environment and promoting animal welfare. The ranch’s holistic approach to agriculture ensures that every product is not only delicious but also good for you and the planet. Visitors are always welcome to experience the beauty and legacy of this solar-powered, predator-friendly haven, where quality food is grown with care and respect.
Meet Us at the MEAT-up!
At Date Creek Ranch, we make farm-to-table easier than ever with our convenient “MEAT-ups.” Once you’ve placed your order for our premium, pasture-raised meats, simply choose a pickup location and date that works for you. Whether you’re in Phoenix, Camp Verde, Prescott Valley, or Wickenburg, we’ll be there with your order ready to go. Just place your deposit, confirm your spot, and meet us at the designated time. It’s that simple—bringing you the best of our ranch directly to your table! MEAT-up Dates & Availability
Kimberley Knight - Date Creek Ranch
