Sheppard Farms

06/19/2026

Sometimes new things can be scary. Sometimes they make you want to kick up your heels and run.

This weekend, we’re hosting the National Gathering and welcoming nearly 100 Highland cattle enthusiasts from across North America to Sheppard Farm on Apple Hill. After 50 years of raising Highlands, opening the gates and inviting people to see what you’ve built can feel a little intimidating.

But growth happens outside of our comfort zones.

We’re looking forward to learning from incredible speakers like Joel Salatin, Michelle Miller, and Toni Filipone, and even more importantly, spending time with friends who share a passion for these remarkable cattle and agriculture!

Highland farmers are a unique tribe. We come from different farms, backgrounds, and corners of the continent, but we’re connected by a love of agriculture, stewardship, and a shaggy breed that has brought us all together.

Here’s to a weekend of learning, laughter, community, and maybe a few moments that push us beyond our comfort zones.

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06/13/2026

Nothing like a weekend nap

06/06/2026

We are heartbroken. Bu was such a special Heifer, which is why we recommended her for Maddi. She loved to be with her people. Some of you may have met her at our March Meet the Highlands. I pulled Bu into this world, as her Mama Liv was struggling. Malibu was easy to train; she wanted to work and be with my daughters. We loved her demeanor and her conformation, which is why when I learned Maddi was hunting for both a show prospect AND a foundation Heifer, I immediately thought of Malibu. Bu was a curious calf, and maybe that curiosity was her undoing.

So, what I say next is not meant to be kind: THROW OUT YOUR EFFING TRASH PROPERLY. DO NOT release balloons. PICK UP AFTER YOURSELVES. SOMEONES trash killed this beautiful heifer in Tennessee. Someone's trash made a wonderful Junior desperately struggle to save Bu as she choked to death on a chip bag or large wrapper they carelessly chucked out of the car.
Here in Hanover, I have pulled Starbucks cups out of Hanover Shoe Foals in the field. I have wrestled an Energy drink can out of Mr Tinsel's mouth as a yearling. Your trash will kill an animal, be it livestock or wild animals. Do you KNOW how many glass liquor bottles that are smashed down Narrow Drive in the pastures? Fireball, Johnnie Walker, and other small shooters. Then there is a guy who was just dropping full trash bags down Narrow Drive, which would get run over and spread all over.
I'm furious for Maddi and her family. I'm devastated for them. Malibu was one of the best heifers we have produced in recent years, and I cannot make another one.
Don't be a jackass, stop littering. Rest in Peace Malibu, we never meant this for you.

The post nobody ever wants to make!!
Maddi Minnear had just purchased Apple Hill Malibu, aka Bu this heifer was beautiful not just because of color but everything she needed to be. The day she stepped foot on the farm she stole our hearts.
Bu was normal last light and normal at 7:30 am at 8:30 we saw Bu standing in the shade choking, Woody, Maddi and I ran down trying to help her out, and we are so heartbroken to say we didnt win the battle.
We live on a busy road and we constantly are cleaning our pastures of litter to hopefully prevent this!! So let me say stop littering if you think it isnt a big deal then wait til you are at your home and throw your trash on the ground there.
The amount of livestock and wildlife killed by litter or Ballon releases is tragic. Trust me if you ever have to experience one choke to death and doing all you can to save it, you would think twice about both!!

06/01/2026

In March, Hired Hands Software invited us to do a Podcast. If you have a second and want to learn about our 50th anniversary & hear Dad talk about the “old days” , give it a view!

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Sheppard and his daughter Heather Sheppard-Lunn of Sheppard Farm on Apple Hill in south-central Pennsylvania as they ...