Thistle Farm

Thistle Farm is a Scottish highland cattle breeder in Waverly, IA, in northeast Iowa near Waterloo. Sarah Scott follows association protocols and conducts regular health screenings including Coggins tests and annual veterinary checks to support herd well-being.

The cattle graze on rotational pastures of native grasses and spend nights in a ventilated barn, helping them develop hardiness and a calm temperament. Calves receive daily interaction from weaning onward, encouraging social and gentle animals. Operating on land cultivated by three generations of Scott family farmers, the farm blends tradition with careful breeding practices. Its focus on temperament and structural soundness has earned a quiet reputation among regional small-scale farms. It is an active member of the American Highland Cattle Association and shares insights at local agricultural fairs. Breeding stock from the farm is often chosen for grass-fed programs and family operations interested in low-maintenance herds.