Local family breeds miniature Scottish Highland cows

THOMSON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - In Thomson, a psychotherapist is raising Scottish Highland cows, but you may know them as mini-cows and she’s one of the only in the area to do it.

Before they get sold, she uses them to help with therapy business and also to be nice and cute and cuddly for the kids.

Vanessa Crawford spends a lot of time with her cows.

“It’s every day. It’s seven days a week for us,” said Crawford.

For about two years, she’s been taking care of them with her family.

“During COVID, we discovered miniature Scottish Highland cattle, and I personally fell in love with them,” she said.

So, they made the decision to convert their land into a cow farm.

“These cows can be great milk producers. They provide excellent beef, and in addition, they’re also great when folks have smaller children on their farm,” said Crawford.

She says Scottish Highland cow’s personalities and shaggy coats make them popular with kids.

Crawford is also a psychotherapist, and she uses these cows in her sessions.

“What I discovered is incorporating animals into my practice was something that allows, especially my younger clients, to open up easier to me,” she said.

As they prepare to start selling them to the community, Crawford says this whole experience has been worth it. She thinks they’ve been good for her kids.

“We love it. I think it’s a bonding piece for our family as well,” she said.

Crawford plans to continue raising cows. She says they’ll have up to 15 at a time.

If you’re interested in visiting their farm, you can go to their Facebook page to reach out.

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