JOHNSONVILLE, Ill. – Edmison Acres isn’t just a farm; it’s an adventure for the Edmison family of four. On Monday, June 22, the Edmison family welcomed the public to their farm in Johnsonville for Illinois Extension’s Summer Twilight Series, a program that highlights agricultural operations in southern Illinois.
Owned by Chad and Lindsey Edmison, Edmison Acres is both a row crop and highland cattle farm. Lindsey, who was raised around traditional beef cattle, started their highland cattle venture in 2020. Since, their herd has grown to approximately 25 head, ranging from 100% highland to highland-cross breeds.
“I wanted to start small, that’s kind of another reason we picked a heritage breed—a more docile breed—but if the kids and everybody weren’t on board with this, we definitely wouldn’t have this many,” said Edmison.
During the tour, Edmison discussed regenerative grazing practices for their small-acre pastures and how they manage their herd in the heat. She also delved into the highland cattle breed specifically, noting their temperament, health trends, and the differences in raising a heritage breed versus other cattle breeds.
The market for highland cattle varies, and thus, so does their herd. After six years, her primary focus is on selling breeding stock with a good temperament. Highland cattle can also be raised for beef, while some are sold as pets, and the Edmison family does both occasionally. As far as marketing their cattle, Edmison noted that word of mouth has worked just as well as going to the sale barn.
The tour reflected the Summer Twilight Series’ goals in action: to offer community members and farmers the chance to network, gather tried-and-true strategies, and learn from their peers in the agricultural industry. Edmison demonstrated the ability to succeed in a specialty agricultural market and was eager to share their experiences with tourgoers. When asked what one thing she hoped others would gain from their story, she said:
“I think the main thing is that it is possible. If you want to get into some niche cattle breed or niche market, there are resources out there, and you’re able to do it.”
The Summer Twilight Series continues in July with a tour of Pink Tiger Farm, a grower specializing in ginger, turmeric, and other value-added products, and Friendly Farms, a family-owned farm specializing in growing mums and pumpkins in August. To learn more about the series or to register for an upcoming tour, visit go.illinois.edu/2026twilightseries or call 618-695-2441.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.