Ballerina Farm Patriarch’s Diet and Fitness Secrets

Daniel Neeleman, the patriarch of the Ballerina Farm operation in Kamas, Utah, maintains a lifestyle centered on rigorous fitness and a strict approach to nutrition. According to a profile by GQ, Neeleman adheres to ambitious daily protein goals and a commitment to clean eating, paired with a disciplined pull-up regimen.

This current focus on health and wellness stands in stark contrast to Neeleman’s upbringing in Connecticut. He describes his childhood diet as ultra-nineties and processed-food-heavy, recalling a time when his family consumed Gushers and Tang. Neeleman noted that during that period, he and his siblings were simply trusting the system to provide healthy options while grabbing items off the shelf.

The Ballerina Farm Philosophy

The transition to a homesteader lifestyle in Utah has allowed the Neelemans to implement a farm-to-table diet. Daniel’s wife, Hannah Neeleman, who has gained significant social media visibility as a trad-wife influencer, manages the daily meals for Daniel and their children. The family prioritizes a balance of carbohydrates, lean proteins, and vegetables.

Lunch typically consists of steak or roast, sourced from their own cattle farm, alongside vegetables from their garden and homemade bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, or quinoa. This dietary structure was a custom the couple adopted while living in Brazil for four years following their college education.

The business side of their lifestyle has expanded into a commercial brand. Ballerina Farm now offers a variety of products, including Farmer Protein Powder, bone broth, and high-protein farm flour, reflecting the family’s emphasis on protein and minimally processed foods.

Family and Background

The scale of the Neeleman household is substantial; the couple recently welcomed their ninth child. This mirrors Daniel’s own upbringing, as he was one of nine children raised in a Mormon family. His wife, Hannah, was also one of nine children.

Daniel’s background includes a connection to the aviation industry; his father, David Neeleman, is the founder of five commercial airlines, including JetBlue Airways.

Operational Challenges

While the brand promotes a picturesque, rustic image, it has faced regulatory scrutiny. In August 2025, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food reportedly cited two health violations in a sample of Ballerina Farm’s milk. Following these citations, the farm stopped selling the milk raw.

The Neelemans addressed these events in a YouTube video, clarifying that unsafe raw milk was never sold through their two brick-and-mortar retail locations.

The public perception of Daniel Neeleman remains varied. While some portrayals describe him as an attentive father and eager farmer, other mainstream news profiles have depicted him as a controlling husband.