Happy Hens & Highlands Farm is a woman owned Scottish Highland cattle farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina near Asheville. Founded in 2014 by Emily Grace, a lifelong resident of these mountains, the farm reflects her passion for Scottish Highland cattle, animal welfare, and preserving the agricultural heritage, working farmland, and natural beauty of Appalachia.

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What began in 2014 as a small poultry operation quickly grew into something much bigger. While Emily originally envisioned raising grass fed beef cattle, she discovered a passion for Scottish Highland cattle and soon shifted the farm's focus to breeding quality AHCA registered Scottish Highland cattle.

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Today, Happy Hens & Highlands is one of the nation's best known Scottish Highland cattle farms, offering registered breeding stock, elite genetics, frozen semen and embryos available nationwide, show prospects, farm tours, professional photo experiences, weddings, elopements, special events, and educational experiences centered around Scottish Highland cattle.

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The farm specializes in breeding quality AHCA registered Scottish Highland cattle with an emphasis on exceptional genetics, structural correctness, calm dispositions, and long term herd health. Happy Hens & Highlands offers registered Highland calves, elite breeding stock, show prospects, frozen semen and embryos available nationwide, and carefully selected genetics to breeders throughout the United States. Whether customers are establishing their first Highland herd or advancing an established breeding program, every animal is raised with a commitment to responsible breeding, ethical stewardship, and preserving the integrity of the Scottish Highland breed.

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In 2017, Happy Hens & Highlands became the first farm in the United States to offer dedicated Scottish Highland cattle tours and professional Highland cattle photo experiences, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the country. Today, guests travel from across the United States to experience one of America's original Highland cattle destinations while learning about agriculture, conservation, and responsible livestock management. Set against breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Roan Mountain, Celo Knob, and Mount Mitchell, the farm provides an unforgettable backdrop for photography, weddings, elopements, private events, educational programs, and unforgettable experiences with Scottish Highland cattle.

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Alongside its breeding program, Happy Hens & Highlands has rescued and rehabilitated numerous neglected, abandoned, injured, and special needs animals over the years. While the farm's primary focus today is breeding quality Scottish Highland cattle, providing a second chance to animals in need has long been part of its story and reflects its commitment to animal welfare. The farm has also become known for sharing the stories of its animals, including the calf Baby James, whose journey inspired millions of people to follow his recovery.

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Emily is deeply committed to educating the public about agriculture, encouraging responsible livestock ownership, and inspiring a greater appreciation for farming, conservation, and rural life. As a native of Western North Carolina, she is also passionate about preserving the mountains she has always called home. She believes working farms are essential to protecting open spaces, conserving wildlife habitat, supporting local agriculture, and ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Emily recently married her husband, JB, who now helps with the day to day work on the farm. While he didn't grow up raising cattle, he has embraced learning about Scottish Highland cattle and enjoys working alongside Emily as they continue to grow the farm together.

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Every purchase, whether it's registered Scottish Highland cattle, farm merchandise, frozen semen and embryos, or a farm experience, directly supports the care of the animals, conservation of the land, and continued improvements to the farm.

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Emily's work is guided by her faith and her belief that every animal and every acre entrusted to her care is a gift from God deserving of compassion, integrity, and faithful stewardship.

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