Farm to table with Darr’s local beef market

By: Ag. Reporter Mollie Goode

Small family farms have been pillars in agriculture for centuries and the Darr family has been a contributor to that success in their corner of Muhlenberg County. 

Lilly Darr was immersed in production agriculture at the age of four and not long after, began learning the trade for herself. 

Darr’s parents started to grow their own herd of beef cattle, which sparked young Darr’s curiosity for production life. The opportunity she found on her family’s farm paired with the knowledge she gained in the Ag. the department of her high school, and started to take shape and inspire her to launch Cattle On A Thousand Hills. 

Darr’s business, Cattle On A Thousand Hills, is a freezer beef operation, where they not only provide high quality cuts of beef, but have become a channel for positive agriculture discussion. 

When Darr started FFA she dove head first into the opportunities they provided young individuals and received a $500 grant to buy feed and other tools for her business. She has since been planning to expand her reach and supply beef for local business in her community. 

Audio 1

When Darr went on the Kentucky Beef Council Youth Leadership trip she rooted herself in agriculture even deeper, learning the importance of operations that resemble her own. She realized there is a lot of uncertainty for consumers when they buy beef at a grocery store. She compliments large farms for their ability to supply beef in large quantities, but was able to realize the market she creates in her hometown.

Audio 2

Darr’s business is versatile to consumer needs, they can sell whole, half, and quarter carcass, but also have ground beef, roast, and custom cut as well. If you are interested in learning more about Darr and her freezer beef you can visit her Facebook page at Cattle On A Thousand Hills. 

Audio 3

On Darr’s operation they supply more than freezer beef for people, but an opportunity for others to witness the diligent process of growing cattle.