About

Climbing Stump Farm is 156 acre farm owned by Mark and Randi Johnson of Harris, Mn. The first 40 acre parcel of the farm was purchased in 1978. Adjacent properties were acquired in the following years. Early on the property acquired tree farm status and its hardwood and pine stands have been actively managed for lumber production.

The name Climbing Stump was affixed to the farm in 2013 when their first Highland cattle were purchased. The name has its origin in the stump(s) that the Johnson children played on as they were growing up.

The first climbing stump

A later climbing stump

In 2010, or thereabouts, the Johnson family began building fences with the tamarack posts and rails they cut from a swamp on the farm. Three years later Climbing Stump Farm purchased its first highland cattle, five heifers and three pregnant cows from Gray Owl Farms in Rush City, Minnesota. Since then, Climbing Stump Farm has been increasing the size of its herd by purchase and breeding. In the warmer months Climbing Stump's cattle are raised on pasture using rotational grazing. In the winter they are fed grass and legume hay. With the exception of the chemicals that may accompany the forage seed and hay Climbing Stump has purchased, their fields have been free of synthetic agricultural chemicals for over thirty years.

Members:
American Highland Cattle Association
North Central Highland Cattle Association
Midwest Highland Cattle Association
South Central Highland Cattle Association