At Cowie’s Cows, we’re not just about raising livestock—we’re about building a community. We’re passionate about collaborating with local small businesses and neighbors, offering support, sharing resources, and learning from one another. Whether it’s trading farm goods, hosting workshops, or simply lending a helping hand, we believe in growing together. If you’re looking to connect, we’d love to hear from you and explore how we can support each other’s ventures.
Our journey to owning a ranch started in the most unexpected way. I grew up in the rural village of Dollar in Scotland, where farmland stretched just beyond our kitchen window. Never did I imagine that one day, I’d be tending to my own cattle. After studying Business Economics and Finance, I started a career in the corporate world, which took us from England to the United States. But in 2022, when Daryana’s dog boarding business began to grow, we found ourselves drawn to a new adventure—starting a small, family-owned homestead on a beautiful 35-acre ranch in Elbert County, Colorado.
As we settled into our new home, we began the exciting task of transforming our land into a working farm. A pivotal moment for us came at the Elizabeth Celtic Festival, where we met Alan and Samantha Graham of Charnobragan Acres. Their passion for Scottish Highland Cattle resonated deeply with us, and it wasn’t long before we welcomed our own small fold of Highland Cattle and a Holstein heifer to our farm. From there, we added heritage breed chickens, goats, emus, and ducks, each adding to the unique charm and diversity of our ranch.
The road wasn’t always smooth. Our ranch needed significant improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of our animals. With the help of our neighbors and some skilled craftsmen, we fortified the infrastructure, creating secure environments for our growing menagerie. We learned quickly to manage Colorado’s unpredictable weather and invested in the right equipment to keep our farm running smoothly. It’s been a steep learning curve, but we’ve embraced this new lifestyle with determination and joy.
Today, we’re focused on producing high-quality, pasture-raised eggs, with our chickens laying a vibrant array of colors. Our ranch has become known for raising rare chicken breeds, including the Black Copper Marans and the exotic Ayam Cemani. Our emus are quite the local attraction, adding to the farm’s charm. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our livestock, grow our own vegetables, and perhaps even host community events. We’re thrilled to share our journey with others and look forward to what the future holds on our little slice of Colorado.