By: Paige Edmund
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – The Siloam Springs website boasts that the city has about 700 small businesses within its city limits, and this is in part due to the roughly 4% growth in population yearly and job opportunity increase of 5.5%. Small businesses are said to be vital to this growth.
As Northwest Arkansas expands, more people open small businesses and find different ways to profit from doing what they love.
Danielle and Justin Bacon are Siloam Springs locals and Justin has been working with livestock his entire life. Danielle said she had bought her first two Scottish Highland cows from Hug-A-Highland because she thought they were cute, but the pair instantly fell in love with the lovable nature the cows displayed.
Eventually, they were able to buy Hug-A-Highland and set up shop right in their backyard.
“We had bought cows from [Hug-A-Highland] many times and every time we bought a cow or she would have a new calf ready she would want us to buy it,” said Danielle Bacon. “I never would have thought she would let us [buy the business].”
They jumped at the opportunity when they were told the owners were retiring. They were excited to move the business from Claremore, OK to Siloam Springs, AR.
The Bacons currently have 11 cows and 5 on the way, as they have started breeding the highlanders to expand their business. This breed doesn’t require as much space or feed as other cows, and they’re not only friendly with each other but with the guests who come to visit.
“Probably the most docile breed you’re ever going to find, anywhere from a baby to a 90-year-old man could probably pet one of these, they’re so gentle and laid-back,” said Justin Bacon.
As I got to talk with them, I saw firsthand the calming effects of interacting with this specific livestock as the Bacons talked about how this can be a therapeutic experience for many patrons.
“To just brush them and hug them—there is something therapeutic that people just love,” said Danielle.
The Bacons noted that the Scottish Highland cow is so docile and full of personality that they have become known as the “puppy” of the cow world.
“I think they’re branded so well that people see their heads on all these t-shirts and apparel and artwork across the country,” said Justin Bacon
The unique curls and horns on the Scottish highlanders make them stand apart from normal beef or dairy cows, as they become more known how their companionship and likability. Even though the business started in Claremore, OK, customers are driving to Arkansas to get a glimpse at what makes these cows so special.
“A lot of people don’t have the opportunity to see one or pet one, so when we posted the sessions, people went crazy. They got so excited, and they said, “I just want to pet a fuzzy cow,” said Danielle Bacon.
