Willow Knoll Farm, Cows in Meadow

Willow Knoll Farm, located in upstate NY, was an active small dairy in the 1960’s when the barn burned down. When Kellie and Bruce Maitland purchased the 131 acres, they began to put in motion a plan to bring the land back to a productive balanced farm.  Abandoned meadows were reclaimed back to good hay land, wetlands were fenced off to keep cattle from contaminating the local watershed, and suitable lands were cleared and fenced for pastures.

After careful research of their landscape, forages, and climate, Kellie and Bruce decided to raise Scotch highland cattle for their superior grazing ability, adaptability to living outdoors in a  northern climate, and gentle disposition. Their bull “Jake” was chosen to enhance the qualities of the herd on pasture, and they are also working to bring in additional Angus traits, such as increased body weight. The cattle spend most of their time in intensively rotated pastures of natural diversity with dry hay supplemented, as needed. The calves are born in the pasture or in the barn if necessary.

Kellie and Bruce became aware of Animal Welfare Approved and joined as soon as possible, because they share the organization’s values towards farm animals and were eager to get advice on how to do a better job. They are hoping to spread the idea of high-welfare farming through the label to other farmers purchasing their breeding stock and to encourage customers to seek out these high standards.