Berriedale Farms

Located among the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, Berriedale Farms is arguably the first in the United States to be protected by both a Land and Rare Breeds Conservation easement. Overseen by The Nature Conservancy, the farm collaborates closely with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy to protect the Red Poll cattle, a threatened heritage breed. Nelson Hoy and Lizzie Biggs, lifelong conservationists, have committed to preserving the unique genetics of these cattle and breeding critically rare Suffolk draft horses. The farm serves health-conscious families and maintains an extended 'family' relationship with about 200 households, most within 200 miles.

Berriedale Farms employs progressive conservation practices, managing forests, grasslands, rivers, and drafts under a conservation easement. The Red Poll cattle are raised on native grasses, legumes, and forbs, with free access to cool, clear water, essential minerals, and salt. The farm avoids growth hormones, prophylactic antibiotics, and insecticide implants, and does not use herd dogs, electric cattle prods, or separate individuals from their herd mates. Veterinary care includes vaccinations, antibiotics, surgeries, and fly control measures. The cattle are allowed to mature fully, ensuring high-quality beef, and are processed at a certified humane meat processing plant.

Berriedale Farms offers direct-to-consumer sales of grass-fed and -finished Red Poll beef, praised for its marbling, flavor, and tenderness. The farm also features a log cabin for rent, ideal for family vacations and getaways, located in the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountain and overlooking the Cowpasture River. The cabin provides a secluded retreat, accessible via a private gravel road, and is surrounded by the George Washington National Forest and the Highland Wildlife Management Area.