On the Edge Farm: A Highland Cow Haven in Dallas

Scottish Highland cows have become more well-known and increasingly popular in recent years, famous for their long, fluffy coats and docile temperaments. “They’re like giant dogs,” says Ava Jensen. “Once they trust you, you’re part of the herd.”

Ava and her husband Mat — along with their three daughters — are the owners of On the Edge Farm, a nearly 40-acre Dallas property they’ve transformed into a picturesque oasis with a friendly flock of farm animals that includes the Highland cattle, Texas Longhorns, Wagyu and Black Angus beef cattle, goats, miniature donkeys, alpacas, llamas, chickens, ducks, turkeys, meat pigs and a spirited Kune Kune pig fittingly named The Notorious P.I.G.

The couple, who both grew up as city kids, owned two acres in McMinnville with a gigantic garden when they decided to build something bigger as a legacy for their family and the community. The farm is a dream fulfilled, fueled by a passion for the property they fell in love with at first sight back in October 2021. “It had been abandoned for quite some time and was very overgrown,” says Ava. “Once we got past the weeds and saw the pond, it felt like home, and our vision expanded.”

A massive cleanup and restoration began and continues today, from clearing out dumpsters of garbage to building irrigation and infrastructure. The Highland cow was one of the first animal additions. “We’re animal lovers, and I told myself I was going to have one,” Ava says. “About a year later, Mat was helping a gentleman find his dog, and he happened to be re-homing a Highland cow — it was fate.” The family fell in love with the breed and found that Texas Longhorns have similar personalities. “They’re very playful and friendly — they love to be around their people,” says Mat.

Visitors are welcome to the farm by scheduled tours where people of all ages delight in learning about and getting up close and personal with these gentle giants. “They can brush the Highland cows and pet the donkeys and goats. Some of the kids have never seen a big animal up close like that, and for the adults, the excitement is super nostalgic. It makes them feel young again,” Mat says.

The farm also hosts photoshoots coordinated by Laurel Bice of LB Photography Ink, who’s been a huge supporter since the beginning. Birthday parties and private farm-to-table events are something they’re planning to expand in 2025, along with elopement-style weddings. “We’re creating a couple of spaces where we plan to invite chefs to come and cook exclusively from the farm,” Ava adds.

But animals aren’t the only attraction at On the Edge — Mat and Ava cultivate a seasonal U-Pick garden with a variety of fresh produce customers can harvest themselves or choose from pre-picked assortments at the self-serve on-site farmstand, which also sells farm-fresh eggs. Growing methods are all-natural and yield delicious varieties of tomatoes, various squashes, peppers, beans, beets, strawberries, onions, lemon cucumbers and more.

The garden also grows a beautiful selection of pumpkins they use for their annual pumpkin patch, which they’ll hold for the third time later this year. Amenities will include coffee, food, bounce houses for kids and other attractions. “Every year, we’re growing,” says Ava. “And, being a young family ourselves, we keep it affordable.” It’s a busy time for field trips, too, and they host schools from all over Oregon.

With Mat managing the property full time as a farmer and Ava balancing a full-time job alongside kids in competition sports, it’s unfathomable how the family runs the farm solo — but they do. It’s a big job just to provide food, which is locally sourced, and water for all the different animals each day. Most of them have access to the whole 40 acres with some sectional fencing depending on the season and condition of the pastures.

The animals graze together and watch out for one another, including the chickens, ducks and turkeys that free-range the property. “They’re up in your business all the time,” says Ava with a laugh, “and the kids love feeding them.” Creating such a magical destination for the public is the family’s biggest reward. “The community has been so supportive; we’ve just loved meeting everyone and seeing the excitement on their faces when they connect with the animals.”

On the Edge Farm is located at 2690 E. Ellendale Ave in Dallas. Please give them a call at (971) 241-0052 and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for information and updates.