Meet Penny & Pepper:
Our Mini-Highland Cow Agritourism Story
For as long as we can remember, people have been curious about our farm. When we tell folks we run a beef and cash crop operation, the questions start rolling in — what’s it like, what do you grow, can we come see it? We loved that curiosity, but for years we weren’t sure what sharing our farm with others could actually look like.
A Joke That Became a Journey
Over the past year, Tim and Michelle kept joking about getting a Highland cow. I mean, who doesn’t think they’re adorable? That shaggy hair, those horns — there’s something almost storybook about them. But the more we looked into Highland cows, the more we realized their charm isn’t just skin deep. Unlike a lot of cattle breeds, Highlands are known for a gentle, curious temperament. They genuinely enjoy being brushed, petted, and interacting with people. That was the moment the “joke” started to feel like a real possibility.
March 14, 2026 — A Date That Meant Something
When we heard mini-Highland cows were available from a farm in Illinois, the timing stopped us in our tracks. March 14 wasn’t just any day — it was our 29th dating anniversary, marking the day Tim and Michelle went on their very first date back in 1997. It felt like the universe was nudging us forward, so we made the drive.
That’s where we met Penny and Pepper — two-month-old mini-Highlands who’d been inseparable since the day they were born on January 12, 2026. One look and we were completely smitten. We loaded them up and brought them home.
Getting to Know Our Girls
Highlands are a different animal entirely from our beef cattle — literally and in spirit. Their soft, cuddly coats and calm, easygoing nature bring a kind of peace to the farm that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it. Every morning they greet us with that same gentle curiosity, and it never gets old.
The more time we spent with them, the clearer it became: this wasn’t something we wanted to keep to ourselves. Penny and Pepper had too much joy to give to just our family.
Sharing the Magic
So that’s exactly what we started doing. Today, people of all ages get to meet and interact with our mini-Highlands — both here on the farm and out at events. There’s something special about watching someone’s face light up the first time they run their hands through that shaggy coat or lock eyes with Penny for the first time. That reaction, that little spark of joy — it’s why we do this.
What started as a passing joke between two people who’ve been together since 1997 has grown into a small agritourism business built on something simple: connection. Between people and animals. Between families and farm life. Between guests and a slower, gentler pace most people don’t get to experience anymore.
What’s Next for Penny & Pepper
Our goal is simple — share the joy of farm life, introduce people to these incredible animals, and create memories that families, couples, kids, and guests will carry with them long after they leave.
This isn’t just a business for us. It’s something we love deeply, and we can’t wait to share Penny, Pepper, and our farm with you.
