Thorny Knolls — Highland Herd & Field Notes

Thorny Knolls sits in the foothills of the Shenandoah, just outside Warrenton, Virginia. We're a small operation focused on producing desirable Highland genetics — healthy calves with good temperament, classic coats, and solid conformation.

Low-volume and hands-on. Every animal is handled daily, raised on grass, and bred with intention. If you're looking for quality Highland stock, you're in the right place.

Highland cattle sales Warrenton, Virginia Low-volume, hands-on

Questions about our herd or available cattle? James@thornyknolls.com

Red Highland cow grazing on green pasture — Pumpkin on the front pasture — Thorny Knolls, Warrenton VA

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The name behind the name

The name "Thorny" is a tribute to our late grandfather, Michael "Thorny" Thistle, and our grandmother, Bonnie Thistle. Thorny was a hard-working, blue-collar man who did all kinds of jobs — from owning a bait shop to plumbing, where he retired as a proud member of the plumbers union. We wish he was here to share our beautiful ranch, but we keep his spirit alive through hard work, humor, and a love of animals.

A natural bond

Bonnie was a kind soul who had a special bond with animals. As a child, she made the local paper for taming a squirrel — and that gentle, patient way with animals runs through everything we do at Thorny Knolls. It's in the way we handle our cattle daily, how we raise every calf with care, and why we believe good temperament starts with good people.

What we do

We're a small family ranch focused on producing excellent Highland genetics. Our fold is raised on grass in Warrenton, Virginia, handled daily, and bred with intention. We focus on desirable traits — classic coats, solid conformation, and calm temperament — so that every calf that leaves here is something we're proud of.

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Quality Highland cattle, raised with intention

Highland fold in residence

A family ranch, a family name

The name behind the name

A natural bond

What we do

Journal entries from the pasture