OUR STORY

Walter and Doris Johnson established the property about 1960 on Bruner Hollow Road in Fries, VA, just below Mount Hope. Together, they raised cows, chickens, goats, horses, dogs, cats, and 5 children. The family tree also includes 16 grandchildren and 21 great grand-children. In 2008, Walter Johnson passed away, and Doris was left to run the farm and her family. As a strong, independent, and faithful servant of God, she did just that. From putting out hay early in the morning to hosting family lunches every Sunday after church until dark, Doris did it all. She continued to milk cows and raise chickens, selling milk, butter, and eggs locally even at the age of 83. In 2021, she went to be with Jesus and Walter, and the farm was left to the stewardship of the 5 children.

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 Two of Walter and Doris' great grandchildren, Kyrie and Norah, loved visiting "Gran-Gran's" farm. They loved playing with all the other children, collecting eggs, milking cows, and playing in the creek and the woods. The family took notice of Kyrie and Norah's love for animals and the outdoors, and in 2021, asked their parents, Joyelle (Walter and Doris' grand-daughter) and her husband if they would be interested in becoming the stewards of the land. Shortly after, the property was on track to be purchased by Joyelle and her husband, and Kyrie and Norah were tasked with what to use the farm for. Kyrie, six years old, rides bulls, and his favorite one has a little highland in it. His infatuation grew with this breed, and he asked his parents to raise highlands. Kyrie's parents purchased 10 highland and highland cross cows from Illinois, South Dakota, Virginia, and North Carolina, and Hope Hollow Highlands was born.