Our Legacy of Premium Highland Cattle

The Beginning of AAA Quality Highlands

Highland Dale was founded by Emily and Beauford Wilson under the original name AAA Quality Highlands, with a clear purpose: to raise and breed Scottish Highland cattle that reflected thoughtful selection, careful fold management, and long-term breeding goals.

From the beginning, the focus of the program was not volume, but consistency—building a fold rooted in registered genetics, sound structure, and temperament suitable for a pasture-based system.

Emily and Beauford’s approach reflected a long-term view of cattle production, where each breeding decision contributed to the development of a stable and intentional fold.

A Program Built on Registered Highland Genetics

AAA Quality Highlands developed its breeding program through the use of registered Scottish Highland cattle sourced from established breeding regions across the United States, including Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, and Nebraska.

Each animal in the program was selected with attention to:

Registered pedigree verification through the American Highland Cattle Association
Structural correctness and functional conformation
Maternal performance and fold consistency

The goal was to build a fold that contributed positively to the breed while maintaining reliable, documented lineage.

Expansion of the Missouri Fold

A significant chapter in the development of the program came with the acquisition of a Missouri-based fold from Ron and Phyllis Campbell upon their retirement.

The Campbell fold brought established genetics into the program and included animals with documented performance history within the Highland breed community.

Among the most notable ancestral connections within this fold is Finley Falls Duncan, a bull recognized for his success at the National Western Stock Show in 2017 and 2018.

These bloodlines became part of the broader AAA Quality Highlands program and continue to influence the fold today through documented pedigrees.

Highland Dale

A Transition in Stewardship

Following Beauford Wilson’s passing, stewardship of the fold transitioned to his family.

At that time, the fold remained intact, but comprehensive records such as herd books and photographic lineage documentation were incomplete for some animals.

To preserve the integrity of the breeding program, the family worked with their veterinarian and initiated DNA parentage verification through the American Highland Cattle Association, with testing processed by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

This process allowed the fold’s documented parentage to be confirmed and strengthened the accuracy of existing registration records.

It also established a reliable foundation for continuing the breeding program under a new generation of stewardship.

Read Our Stewardship Journey

From AAA Quality Highlands to Highland Dale

As stewardship of the fold continued, the program evolved into what is now known as Highland Dale.

This transition reflects continuity rather than replacement.

The genetics, breeding philosophy, and foundational fold established by Emily and Beauford Wilson remain central to the program.

What changed was not the fold itself, but the scope of its mission:

Continued focus on registered Scottish Highland cattle
Strengthened emphasis on documented pedigree accuracy
Integration of DNA parentage verification into fold records
Expansion into education, stewardship, and breed knowledge

Highland Dale represents the next chapter of the same breeding program.

Looking Ahead

As Highland Dale continues to grow, the focus remains on stewardship rather than expansion for its own sake.

The program is guided by the belief that every calf represents both history and future—connecting documented ancestry with the next generation of Scottish Highland cattle in Missouri.

The legacy of AAA Quality Highlands is not a closed chapter.

It is a continuing one.

Meet our Family

Co-Founder | Former Tennessee FFA President

Beauford Wilson

Raised on a beef cattle farm in East Tennessee, Beauford discovered a deep-rooted passion for agriculture from an early age. His leadership skills were recognized early when he served as the Tennessee FFA State President, an experience that created a distinguished career in the agricultural industry.

With over 40 years of experience, Beauford became a recognized expert in agronomics, specializing in forage and weed management. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in these areas, combined with a focus on grazing management, made him a sought-after authority in the field. Throughout his career, Beauford was dedicated to mentoring the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Beauford passed away in June of 2024, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to the agricultural community, a profound impact on the industry, and a life dedicated to improving the land and livelihoods of farmers.

Co-Founder & Owner | Master Naturalist

Emily Wilson

A third-generation dairy farmer from Middle Tennessee, Emily grew up on Hillendale Farms, where she developed a lifelong passion for agriculture and livestock. From an early age, Emily was deeply involved in farm life, raising cattle, serving as the Tennessee 4-H state officer, and showcasing her animals at the State Fair. Her early experiences on the family dairy farm laid the foundation for her enduring commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Today, Emily is the proud owner and operator of Highland Dale, where she continues to raise cattle while applying her expertise as a certified Master Naturalist. Her dedication to the land and livestock is complemented by her ongoing efforts to promote environmental stewardship and educate others about the importance of conservation and sustainable farming practices.

Member | Owner of Round Barn Lavender

Melissa Wilson Monnig

Melissa is the owner of Round Barn Lavender and a passionate gardener with a deep commitment to sustainability. She brings her enthusiasm for nature and environmental stewardship to the family operation, where she is focused on implementing sustainable and permaforest practices. Melissa is also dedicated to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of Missouri’s native flowers, ensuring they thrive for generations to come. Her vision for Highland Dale combines her love for gardening with a strong focus on ecological responsibility, making her an exciting addition to the family’s mission.

Member | Agronomy Expert

Craig Wilson

With over two decades of experience in the farming industry, Craig has developed a deep expertise in agricultural practices and operations. Craig has worked with a range of farming operations, offering valuable consulting services to both Hillendale Farms and AAA Quality Highlands Cattle. His insights and guidance have helped optimize production and strengthen operations.

A proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho, Craig followed in the footsteps of his father, Beauford, continuing the family’s legacy of leadership and commitment to excellence in agriculture. His extensive experience and dedication to the industry make him a trusted advisor and a key contributor to the success of the farms he works with.