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Happy Hens & Highlands Farm Mission

I believe God has entrusted us with the responsibility to be faithful stewards of the Earth, and with that comes the duty to love, respect, and care for His creation. My mission is to raise my animals with compassion and integrity while preserving this farm, protecting the land, and ensuring that both can be enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come.

Meet Emily

My name is Emily Grace, and my roots run deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. My family has called these mountains home for generations, with a history rooted in both farming and the region's mining heritage. In addition to farming, I continue to work as a jeweler at my family's jewelry store, Rings N Things, in Burnsville, North Carolina.

What began in 2014 as a small poultry operation quickly grew into something much bigger. While I originally planned to raise grass fed beef cattle, I quickly fell in love with Scottish Highland cattle and shifted my focus to breeding quality AHCA registered Scottish Highland cattle.

I recently married my husband, JB, who now helps with the day to day work on the farm. Having grown up around horses, he is enjoying learning about Scottish Highland cattle and working alongside me as we continue to grow Happy Hens & Highlands together.

What We Do

Today, Happy Hens & Highlands is one of the nation's premier Scottish Highland cattle farms, specializing in registered breeding stock, elite genetics, frozen semen and embryos available nationwide, show prospects, and quality cattle for hobby farms and conservation grazing.


Every animal is bred with an emphasis on structural correctness, sound genetics, calm dispositions, and long-term herd health. Whether you're purchasing your first Highland or expanding an established breeding program, our goal is to preserve and promote the integrity of the Scottish Highland breed for generations to come.

More Than a Farm Visit

In 2017, Happy Hens & Highlands became the first farm in the United States to offer dedicated Scottish Highland cattle tours and professional photo experiences. Today, guests travel from across the country to meet the Highlands, learn about agriculture, and experience life on a working farm.

Set against breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Roan Mountain, Celo Knob, and Mount Mitchell, the farm provides a spectacular backdrop for photography, weddings, elopements, painting classes, educational experiences, private events, and unforgettable moments with Scottish Highland cattle.

Become Part of Our Story

Whether you're looking to purchase registered Scottish Highland cattle, add elite genetics to your breeding program, schedule a farm tour, book a photography session, plan a wedding or elopement, or simply follow along on our journey, we'd love to welcome you to Happy Hens & Highlands.

When you support this farm, you're doing more than purchasing cattle or booking an experience. You're helping preserve a working family farm, protect the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, promote responsible agriculture, and ensure these remarkable animals continue to thrive for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of our story. We hope to welcome you to the farm soon.

Preserving More Than a Farm

As a native of Western North Carolina, I am passionate about preserving the mountains I have always called home. I believe working farms are essential to protecting open spaces, conserving wildlife habitat, supporting local agriculture, and preserving the agricultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Every purchase, whether it's cattle, genetics, merchandise, or a farm experience, directly supports the care of the animals, stewardship of the land, and continued improvements to the farm.

There are other ways you can support Happy Hens & Highlands as well. Shopping our farm merchandise, purchasing jewelry from our family business, Rings & Things, or browse My Favorite Carhartt Gear.

Every purchase, no matter how big or small, helps us continue caring for our animals, improving the farm, and preserving this special place for future generations.

Thank you for supporting small businesses, local agriculture, and the future of family farming.

Committed to Animal Welfare

While responsibly breeding Scottish Highland cattle is my primary focus, helping animals in need has always been part of my journey. Over the years, Happy Hens & Highlands has rescued and rehabilitated numerous neglected, abandoned, injured, and special needs animals.

Many people first discovered the farm through the story of Baby James, a rescue calf whose recovery inspired millions of people around the world. His story reflects the compassion and dedication that guide everything we do.