Sheppard Farm Celebrates 50 years of Scottish Highland Cattle—Join the Celebration!
Hanover, PA—Join Sheppard Farms during our yearlong celebration of 50 years of raising Scottish Highland Cattle! We will be open monthly to invite visitors to enjoy the animals and the preserved agricultural space from February to December. You can follow us on our website, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on Farm activites and events!
Started in 1976 by Peter H Sheppard as a hobby with 5 cows, a calf and a bull, our operation has blossomed into one of the oldest standing herds in the Nation with about 180 registered Highland cows. Now in the second and third generation of Highland producers, Sheppard Farm offers registered brood stock, Beef and Agritourism events to both entertain and educate the public on the breed, agriculture and the importance of preserving our landscape.
Support our Herd & Farm and check out our ONLINE shop.
Pick up Farm Hats, Once Upon a Pasture and Highland housewares and clothing!
See below for this year’s special events:
2026 Pop Up Shop Dates:
All Pop Up Shop Times are 9-2 unless there is a cow emergency!
WE WILL NOT BE OPEN IN JULY 2026.
February 14
March 21
April 25
May 30
June 27
August 16
Meet the Highlands:
These events are booked PER PERSON and scheduled in advance. AGES 5 and up. Meet the Highlands gets you up-close and personal with the Highlands of Sheppard Farm. You'll visit in small groups and you will be able to brush the Highlands while they are tied. Safe interactions are our number one priority, but they are animals! This is why for each event we will have an age limit for the safety of every guest. Guests are encouraged to wear appropriate farm attire: closed toe shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
YOU WILL BE EXPOSED TO THE FOLLOWING: Hay, straw, manure, cats, mud and other farm-related allergens.
$20 per ticket, ages 5+, each ticket booked separately
MARCH 21, 2026
BOOK TICKETS individually here!
Read, White and Blue:
Celebrate America with VFW Post 5265
Sheppard Farm is proud to partner with the VFW and celebrate our veterans with Storytime, Crafts and Thank a Veteran Cards!
Join us for “Read, White and Blue a special Patriotic Storytime with the VFW, where literacy, creativity, and community pride come together! This family-friendly event will feature engaging read-aloud stories that celebrate American values and the importance of service, helping children build a love of reading while learning about patriotism in an age-appropriate way.
After story time, kids will enjoy hands-on patriotic make & take crafts and have the opportunity to write thank-you letters to local veterans, giving them a meaningful way to express gratitude and connect with those who have served. VFW members will be on hand to share in the fun and highlight their ongoing commitment to community outreach and supporting future generations through various scholarships and programs.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to promote literacy, foster respect for veterans, and strengthen community connections—all while creating a warm, welcoming space for families to learn and celebrate together.
Proceeds will benefit the VFW Post 5265
MARCH 21, 2026
$15 per person, children under 5 free with ticket holding adult
Book Tickets here!
Spring Celebration with Tri-M Music Society
April 25, 2026
$15 per person, children under 5 free with ticket holding adult
May Hayride, Craft & Yoga Event:
Welcome SUMMER with a family-friendly hayride into one of our two Highland herds. You'll be driven into our brood cow herds to see all the new calves & their mamas in their natural environment. The cattle will have the opportunity to interact with you from the safety of the Hay wagon. You'll have the chance to feed some hungry moms and enjoy the beautiful pastoral views in this 30-45 min ride.
YOU WILL BE EXPOSED TO THE FOLLOWING: Hay, straw, manure, cats, mud and other farm related allergens.
For ages 5-95. Participants will have to ascend stairs to get into the hay wagons.
Bathrooms will only be available at the Main Farm, not in the field.
You will have the opportunity to purchase our all-natural beef & our merchandise after your pasture tour!
Fees are $30 per person, waivers and payments made prior to arrival.
Ivy Press Crafting Event
For ages 6+, make a craft outside with Pamala Adams of Ivy Press! Spend time on the farm creating a custom Highland craft (to be announced in March)
Highland Yoga:
After a day of feasting and family, take a moment to pause and reflect on the gifts of the year! Vanessa Davis will lead our guests through a 45 min Yoga session outside in our event space in the sounds of nature. Bring your own mat and dress in layers as you warm your body from within the workout.
$25 per ticket, Ages 7+, each ticket booked separately
Next opportunity, May 2026
Carroll County Celtic Festival
Sheppard Farms is bringing their Highland Cows to the Carroll County Celtic Festival!
You can visit anytime all day or choose to get in the pen to pet/brush the cows.
To enter the pen to pet/brush the cows, a separate $10 donation to the farm is required, you must wear closed toe shoes and sign a waiver.
At 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 13th and 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 14th, join Ms. Heather for story time inside the Alesia building. Learn about Winter the Scottish Highland Cow featured in the book “Once Upon A Pasture.”
Click here for more information.
Private Weekend Tours:
Join Farm Manager Kaleb or Owner Heather on a Saturday Morning Adventure, rain or shine! You and up to 3 other guest ages 9 and up will visit various herds around the farm from weanlings to our Brood herds. Ride along in the Farm Truck or once in the pasture, in the back of the pickup. Learn herd stewardship and husbandry while meeting our Highlands. Interactions with the animals are free-choice, but the cows are always looking for treats!. Visit is about 45-60 minutes.
Start times will be at 8:30 am or 9:30am sharp to maximize animal activity. $160 includes all fees for 4 people.
Held rain or shine and we encourage our guests to wear closed toe shoes and farm appropriate attire.
There is a 72 hour cancellation policy for THIS experience. If you cancel within 72 hours of the event you will not be refunded your payment.
YOU WILL BE EXPOSED TO THE FOLLOWING: Hay, straw, manure, cats, mud and other farm related allergens.
Waivers and payments done prior to arrival.
Spring Dates will start in April.
On Farm Private Events for School, Work, etc.
Whether your group would like their own Meet the Highlands or a personal Hayride, we offer PRIVATE HAYRIDES & TOURS for groups!
We welcome homeschool groups, retirement homes 4-H and FFA Clubs, as well as Team Building or Nature Retreat events for your staff.
Contact us directly with your inquiries to schedule: sheppardmansionfarms@gmail.com
Sheppard Farm on Apple Hill
-
Heather Sheppard-Lunn President
- February 25, 2026
- (717) 634-8101
- Send Email
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