By Rileigh Holman
Edmison Acres isn’t just a farm; it’s an adventure for the Edmison family of four. On Monday, June 22, the Edmison family welcomed the public to their farm in Johnsonville for Illinois Extension’s Summer Twilight Series, a program that highlights agricultural operations in southern Illinois.
Owned by Chad and Lindsey Edmison, Edmison Acres is both a row crop and highland cattle farm. Lindsey, who was raised around traditional beef cattle, started their highland cattle venture in 2020. Since, their herd has grown to approximately 25 head, ranging from 100% highland to highland-cross breeds.
“I wanted to start small, that’s kind of another reason we picked a heritage breed—a more docile breed—but if the kids and everybody weren’t on board with this, we definitely wouldn’t have this many,” said Edmison.
During the tour, Edmison discussed regenerative grazing practices for their small-acre pastures and how they manage their herd in the heat. She also delved into the highland cattle breed specifically, noting their temperament, health trends, and the differences in raising a heritage breed versus other cattle breeds.
The market for highland cattle varies, and thus, so does their herd. After six years, her primary focus is on selling breeding stock with a good temperament. Highland cattle can also be raised for beef, while some are sold as pets, and the Edmison family does both occasionally. As far as marketing their cattle, Edmison noted that word of mouth has worked just as well as going to the sale barn.
Source : illinois.edu