When Jim and Darla Clifton began looking into places to retire in 2018, the couple could not have foreseen where things would end up. Their hearts guided them to the town of Jonesborough, Tennessee where the pair soon found themselves wondering how to make the most of the 31 acres of land they now had at their disposal.

Their love for animals lead them to explore the possibility of breeds that wouldn’t need to be sold for the purpose of consumption. This led to the couple’s initial purchase of highland cows later that year.

The unique nature of these animals, as well as the couple’s status as beginning farmers led them to seek help in their community.

In 2021, the two began working with the Washington County Field Office staff to bolster their operation. Following an initial site visit Kinsley Graves, Soil Conservationist surveyed the couple’s property and offered to help with fencing for the cattle, as well as some streambank stabilization to prevent the erosion that was damaging the property’s water supply and putting the cattle at risk.

The couple applied for both Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts to complete a host of projects related to fencing, streambank and heavy use area protection, livestock pipeline, and more. The Cliftons currently own 22 highlands of various colors and expect to have 33 by the end of the 2025 calving season. Their cows are known for their calm disposition and friendly temperament inherited from the lead bull known as “Kraken”, named after the Seattle hockey team, that Jim and his wife support.

The novelty of owning highland cows, a breed endemic to Scotland makes the Clifton’s farm a unique attraction in Washington County. The pair regularly host farm tours and have showcased their farm as part of Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development field days with cars lining down the block for a chance to view the animals.

The couple sell their cows throughout the United States, though they refrain from selling anywhere South of Tennessee on account of the heat stress that southern climates place on the animals during the summer months. 

Common homes for their animals range from Farmsteads to Airbnb’s as the agrotourism industry continues to grow in its demand for unique and beautiful attractions.

Jim and Darla wished to emphasize their gratitude towards the field office staff in Jonesborough.

 “Our NRCS Reps have always looked out for our best interest” the couple said. “They have been so supportive and instrumental in helping us provide clean water to our livestock and establish a regenerative grazing practice on our farm.”

Though their path in retirement has been anything but ordinary, the two have found a wonderful community in Washington County and have developed relationships with many farmers in the area like themselves.  It is without a doubt that the Cliftons, and their furry friends enhance the town of Jonesborough and the lives of the people who live there.