Children cuddled shaggy Highland cattle, families lingered over coffee and homemade treats, and visitors embraced a slower pace of life as Holy Cow Café welcomed guests to Lock 25 Land & Livestock.
The community response has been immediate for the Slote family, whose farm sits just south of Smiths Falls along the Rideau Canal. A soft launch in May, followed by a grand opening, welcomed about 40 guests to each event, prompting owners Robyn and Paul Slote to add three more dates in June and July. Those events sold out in less than 48 hours.
For Robyn and Paul Slote, who were married last September at her family’s farm, Holy Cow Café is about creating connections between people, animals and agriculture.
“We are very passionate about our farm and, of course, our animals,” Robyn said. “Since COVID, there seems to be a demand to support local as well as to support local farms and agritourism. We thought that maybe this would be an incredible opportunity for us to meet the folks from our small town as well as to show off all of our incredible and snuggle-seeking farm friends.”
Robyn said one of the couple’s goals is to show the community a new chapter for the farm, where the animals are living their best lives.
Located across from historic Lock 25 — Edmond Lock — on the Rideau Canal, the property has a history dating back nearly two centuries. According to the farm’s website, the original stone house dates to 1832. Local lore suggests it was built by Colonel By for his daughter using the same stone used in the construction of nearby Lock 25.
Today, visitors come to meet the shaggy Highland cattle, along with many other critters, and spend time getting to know them.
“There were so many picture-perfect and magical moments,” Robyn said. “Seeing the children up close and personal, snuggling all of the Highland cows, piglets, goats and sheep was really something special. Not only are the children having the best time, the animals are too! Our hearts sure feel very full these days.”
A fifth-generation farmer, Robyn said carrying on her family’s farming tradition is especially meaningful. Her family has raised and shown Highland cattle for approximately 35 years and is known for producing high-quality animals with sought-after genetics.
“Highlands are kind, quiet and cuddly,” she said. “They’re a great breed of cattle to raise your family around. Highlands are special to us in so many ways.”
In fact, Highland cattle have shaped much of the couple’s story. Robyn was showing cattle for her family at the New York State Fair in Syracuse when Paul, whose son had taken an interest in showing cattle, first met her through her mother. Years later, he returned to the same fair to propose.
Paul’s parents have also recently started farming, Robyn said, and the couple has enjoyed watching them begin that journey.
“We hope that visitors feel that they get some up close and personal time with these incredible critters,” she said. “They can do their hair, cuddle and feed them – a really magical and personal experience. Our goal? We want to expand, improve and provide the most memorable experiences for our guests.”
Encouraged by the response, the Slotes are already planning additional Holy Cow Café dates and exploring new experiences, from paint nights and hat-burning workshops to weddings and overnight farm stays.
“We are so excited for what’s to come,” Robyn said. “We look forward to meeting our guests and to making this somewhere families can make some core memories and traditions.”
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