Welcome to Cyrus Ridge Farm, where good things come in small packages. Ben and Melanie, along with their seven children, love calling this slice of earth "home".

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Ben and Melanie met and dated when they were young teens. Detours throughout the years brought them many blessings, and even more lessons learned. Ultimately, by God's grace they were brought back to one another, and married on July 4, 2019. 

 

Ben was born in Virginia and raised on a small farm growing up.  He grew up in the auction business and spent 25 years being auctioneer, 10 years of that he was the owner/operator of his own auction company located in Virginia.  In late 2019 he left the hustle and bustle of a busy corporate life, and now enjoys the life of a full-time farmer.

 

Melanie was born in GA and found her way to VA as a young girl.  She is more of "city girl" but is learning her way around the farm quickly.  She is a home-maker, and is seen taking care of the small animals on the farm, helping Ben with cattle duties, as well as running the websites and social media pages. 

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Their farming journey began in 2019.  They were newly married, had a small farm and looking for a way to be good stewards of the land.  Melanie had seen Miniature Highlands online and quickly became intrigued. Knowing their land wasn't big enough for a large beef operation, Ben and Melanie began doing research on miniature cattle. Once they learned about their positive effects on small homesteads and farms, and began learning from one of the oldest miniature Highland Breeders in the country they knew raising a small herd of miniature Highalnds would be a great fit for their blended family!! And so, they began with a small group of just five adorable Scottish Highland cattle. The love for these charming animals, ​and the lifestyle they envisioned for their family, quickly inspired them to expand their herd. They began diligently seeking out the smallest and most exceptional Highlands from small farms nationwide. As their bulls produced calves, they selectively retained the tiniest ones with excellent conformation and hair, to continue reducing their size while enhancing the breed's natural beauty. Today, they proudly stand as one of the largest breeders of mini Scottish Highlands on the East Coast.​

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Many years later their children continue to join them in daily chores on the farm, farm tours, helping to serve you, and in learning more about the farming life.