Tradition & Innovation: History of Hickory Hill Farm
By Ryan Biddix
Located in the heart of historic Edgefield County, South Carolina, Hickory Hill Farm stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of family and farming. Established by the Dorn family in 1764, this fourth-generation dairy farm has thrived through a deep-rooted commitment to quality and care.
“In the 1950s, my grandparents, Maysie and James Marvin Dorn, laid the foundation for what would become Hickory Hill,” reflected Watson Dorn, current owner of the farm alongside his wife, Lisa. Now, their children, Daniel and Courtney, march ahead in this journey that not only puts them in practice for their passion—sustainable farming practices—but also fulfills a family tradition.
This herd is not simply livestock; they are family at Hickory Hill. “We at the Hickory Hill Farm offer the highest level of care to all our livestock from birth to maturity. They are pasture-raised and dine on high-quality forage year-round.” The farm abstains from growth hormones and antibiotics, promoting a natural approach to dairy farming.
In 2008, Hickory Hill took a bold step forward by introducing their own line of milk products. “[we envisioned a return to] non-homogenized milk reminiscent of yesteryear … it’s the kind you have to shake because the cream rises to the top. We feel it tastes better and better for you, one swig and you’ll agree,” Watson explained.
The latest in this long history of innovation came in 2020: South Carolina’s first privately-owned, fully robotic milking facility. Familiarly known as the “Taj Moohall,” this state-of-the-art barn ensures optimal comfort for their herd. ” Our herd can eat when they want, get their backs scratched when they want, milk themselves when they want, drink fresh water when they want, lay down and chew their cud when they want (in a super sanitary cool, sandy bed), all while fans are blowing to keep flies at bay and the temps just right.”
Looking ahead, Hickory Hill eagerly anticipates welcoming visitors this fall, inviting them to experience not only the scenic beauty of Edgefield County but also the rich flavor of their chocolate milk. ” We are looking forward to this Fall when the bicycling crowd visits again. And for those who didn’t come last time: if the beautiful scenic ride doesn’t bring you back, our chocolate milk will,” Watson exclaimed.
For generations to come, Hickory Hill Farm will continue blending heritage with modernity; join their journey and witness the values of family, stewardship, and excellence in agriculture. Taste the difference that passion and dedication can make—one sip at a time
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From Hickory Hill:
This is us
Hickory Hill is a fourth-generation family dairy farm nestled in historic Edgefield County, South Carolina. Our family, the Dorn’s, established at our current location in 1764. Little did our ancestors know that would be the start of a rich tradition of family and farming.
In the 1950s, long before anyone had heard of mega-farms or agri-corporations, Maysie and James Marvin Dorn (my grandparents) started the dairy farm. It was then passed down to Jim and Marie Dorn (my parents) who continued raising Holstein cows and producing milk. Today myself, Watson, and my wife, Lisa, work those same pastures. Our son, Daniel (Darsey) is a fifth-generation dairyman and following the path to one day taking over the farm. Our daughter, Courtney (Cole), is still very much involved as well. We have been blessed to raise our family on our farm and have children who have grown up with the same passion in farming as us.
Our Herd
Our extended family of Holsteins have a constant, calm, easygoing demeanor. We at the Hickory Hill Farm offer the highest level of care to all our livestock from birth to maturity. They are pasture-raised and dine on high-quality forage year-round. Because they are lactating cows, they are also fed a balanced diet based on the silage we grow with input from our on-staff ruminant nutritionist. We do not give our cows injections of growth hormones or feed antibiotics.
We are also always considering new improvements to promote the health of our cows. When our cows are healthy, it’s reflected in the milk they produce. We believe in the humane treatment of each and every cow under our care, no matter their age or sex. And for those reasons our cows wear a SCR device collar (it’s like a FitBit for a cow) that help us maintain a healthy herd.
Growing our farm
It was a dream of mine to one day bottle our own milk. And when so many dairy farms were closing their doors, we took a leap of faith and dove headfirst into that dream. In February 2008 we processed and bottled our very first batch of Hickory Hill Milk. We pride ourselves on bottling an all-natural, low-temp vat pasteurized non-homogenized milk reminiscent of yesteryear … it’s the kind you have to shake because the cream rises to the top. We feel it tastes better and better for you, one swig and you’ll agree. We bottle whole milk, chocolate milk and buttermilk.
In 2019 we made another big leap of faith and broke ground on a new barn. In May 2020 our ladies moo-ved into South Carolina’s first privately-owned robotic milking facility complete with all the latest advancements. The transition has been very successful and extremely beneficial for our happy herd. It’s a 30,000 square foot hybrid-flow barn designed for extreme cow comfort equipped with 200-free stalls, two DeLaval robotic milking machines, and all the comfort and convenience they deserve. Our herd can eat when they want, get their backs’ scratched when they want, milk themselves when they want, drink fresh water when they want, lay down and chew their cud when they want (in a super sanitary cool, sandy bed), all while fans are blowing to keep flies at bay and the temps just right. We call it the “Taj Moohall;” the only thing they’re missing is music playing in the background … you guessed it, that’s on our To-Do List.
We are looking forward to this Fall when the bicycling crowd visits again. And for those who didn’t come last time: if the beautiful scenic ride doesn’t bring you back, our chocolate milk will! See you soon.
