Paradise Found

At Dalkena Highlands near the Pend Oreille River in northeastern Washington, Honey Smith and her family are building something intentional—one paddock, one move at a time. Through regenerative practices and rotational grazing, the Smiths are healing the soil and producing 100% grass-fed, nutrient-dense proteins for their family and community.

One tool supporting that effort is a Shade Haven SH1200 mobile shade system, added last year.

“The Shade Haven reduces heat stress and prevents manure from building up in one spot,” notes Smith. “It’s not just shade to us; it is a practical tool for our pasture health and the fold’s welfare.”

The term “fold”—used to describe a group of Highland cattle—traces back to the breed’s roots in Scotland, where they were kept in stone shelters called folds. While this long-horned, shaggy-coated breed has surged in popularity in recent years, the Smiths started their fold ahead of the craze.

Finding Paradise

First-generation farmers, Honey, a nurse, and her husband Derek, a firefighter, left the Seattle area in search of a slower, more connected way of life for their family. They found what Honey calls “paradise” just outside Newport, Washington.

The 115-acre property is a mix of 10% cedar woodland and 90% open pasture. “The former owners ran sheep and didn’t rotate like we do,” Smith explains. “We wanted to give back to the land and heal it, so we dove headfirst into regenerative practices with cows, chickens, horses, goats and pigs.”

They purchased their first Highland cattle in 2019, drawn to the breed’s temperament and ability to handle harsh winters.  “All our moms are extremely friendly and have great maternal instinct.” adds Smith.

Movement and Shade

Movement is central to the Smith’s rotational grazing system, and the addition of mobile shade strengthens that approach.

After only a few months, the benefits were clear. “We saw less panting, more resting under the Shade Haven, chewing cud – typical comfortable cow behavior,” Smith says. “I’m excited to use the Shade Haven again this grazing season. It’s going to be a real game changer.”

The Smiths secured their Shade Haven with help from the NRCS EQIP program. Smith describes the application process as “fairly easy” with one caveat: “Give yourself ample time. It takes about a year from start to finish. Stay on top of deadlines and communicate regularly with your NRCS agent.”

Beef, Breeding, and a Book

Dalkena Highlands sells its protiens direct to customers through its website and at local markets. They also sell Highland breeding stock and host events and field trips throughout the year.

Connecting with customers is Honey Smith’s favorite part of running the farm. Through social media, she shows daily life on the farm, kids helping with chores, and animals on pasture.

“We want to build trust with customers by telling our story,” says Smith.

Last year, she shared her farm’s story even further by publishing a children’s book, Cedar’s Amazing Journey. The book tells the story of Cedar, a Highland calf born on the coldest day of winter, who overcomes obstacles to eventually become the star of the Spokane County Fair.

The real-life Cedar recently had her own calf named Clover. Could there be another book in the future? There certainly will be more tales to tell at this happy Highland farm.

Discover more about Dalkena Highlands at their website and social media pages. Smith’s book is available for purchase on the website and on Amazon.