In the scenic area of Brandy Station, Mystic Hill Farms continues its tradition of producing outstanding Angus beef while expanding into exciting new ventures. Originally known as Bleak Hill Farm and farmed by the Payne family since 1794, this historic land has been transformed under the stewardship of the Caldwell family since 1988. Renamed Mystic Hill Farms, the Caldwell’s have not only preserved the legacy but also expanded the horizons of this venerable estate, with David Chevalier, the grandson of the farm’s owners, currently managing the operations with dedication and expertise.
Upon taking over, the Caldwell family continued the existing Arabian horse breeding operation while growing a high-quality Angus commercial cattle herd. Today, however, they are primarily known for their premier Angus cattle. With over 800 acres of rolling pastures, the farm now boasts a herd of 250 high-performance Angus pure-bred cattle. Their dedication to quality and sustainability has earned them numerous accolades, including the Virginia Seedstock Producer of the Year, the Beef Improvement Federation’s Seedstock Producers Roll of Excellence in 2003, and the Bay Friendly Farm Award from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The primary revenue stream at Mystic Hill Farms comes from the Annual Bull Sale held on the first Saturday of November each year. Focusing on breeding registered Black Angus cattle, their bull calves are put on a feed test and weighed each month leading up to the fall sale until they reach breeding age. The bulls are culled based on performance, foot structure, docility, and semen quality, while female heifer calves are selected as replacement females to remain in the herd. The farm’s cattle are raised with the commercial herd in mind, employing a maternal-focused approach to breed and raise cattle with exceptional hoof structure and udder quality. This ensures they can efficiently raise calves that command top prices at weaning. To achieve these standards, Mystic Hill Farms utilizes embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and strict culling practices.
For the local community, Mystic Hill Farms offers more than just award-winning cattle. Residents of Culpeper and beyond can enjoy fresh, tender meat directly from the farm, available in quarter, half, and whole cow portions, as well as a variety of convenient cuts. To stay updated on the latest offerings and packages, meat enthusiasts can follow Mystic Hill Farms on Facebook. Additionally, those interested in Angus heritage and cattle availability can explore further on the farm’s website, by attending their annual cattle sale, coming up November 2nd at 1pm (lunch provided).
In a delightful expansion, Mystic Hill Farms has recently ventured into the world of celebrations and events with “Celebrations at Mystic Hill.” The farm’s breathtaking scenery, with its mountain views, sprawling fields, and charming old barn spaces, provides an idyllic backdrop for weddings and special occasions. Celebrations at Mystic Hill promises to craft unforgettable events that harmonize with the natural beauty of the farm.
Whether you’re seeking the finest Angus beef or a picturesque venue for your next big event, Mystic Hill Farms continues to uphold a tradition of excellence while embracing new ventures. Visit Mystic Hill Farms to experience the perfect blend of heritage, quality, and scenic splendor.