Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney & Les Center.
Hi Courtney & Les , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From One Cow to a Community Treasure: The Story Behind Our Family Farm
When we started searching for a home, one thing was certain—we wanted land. After finding the perfect property, we began imagining what to do with it. Our daughter’s wish for a Highland cow sparked an idea that would soon transform our lives. We planned to get one, but after a bit of research (and some persuasion), I told my husband we needed at least two. That day, we came home with four.
What started as a small family adventure quickly grew into a passion. We fell in love with breeding and raising registered Highland cows, and before long, our herd had grown to 23. My lifelong love for animals took over, and soon our farm became home to more than 80 animals—including fainting goats, miniature horses, donkeys, emus, pigs, and sheep.
The joy our animals brought to us began spreading throughout our community. Visitors loved meeting them, so we opened our gates for farm tours, picnics, photography and field trips. Seeing the smiles and connections people made with our animals has been one of the most rewarding parts of our journey.
As our farm grew, so did our dreams. We expanded to create a beautiful wedding and event venue at our breeding lot—giving our community a special place to celebrate life’s biggest moments surrounded by nature and our beloved animals and events open to the community with food trucks and vendors.
What began with one little girl’s wish for a Highland cow has blossomed into a thriving farm and community hub that continues to grow with love, laughter, and a touch of adventure.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it’s been a smooth and incredibly rewarding journey. Like any new venture, there was a lot to learn in the beginning—and truthfully, we’re still learning every single day. I don’t think anyone ever truly knows everything there is to know about farming, and that’s part of what makes it so special.
Farming constantly challenges you. Each season brings something new—whether it’s learning about animal care, managing land, or adapting to unexpected changes. There are long days, early mornings, and plenty of trial and error, but every challenge has helped us grow stronger and more connected to what we do.
It’s also been an amazing experience for our kids. They’ve learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and compassion through caring for our animals and being part of the daily rhythm of farm life. Watching them grow up surrounded by nature and learning firsthand how to nurture life has been one of the greatest rewards of all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our farm specializes in breeding and selling registered Highland cattle—an iconic and gentle breed that we’ve come to love deeply. One of our biggest priorities is education, especially when it comes to helping people understand the difference between registered Highland cows and unregistered animals often marketed as “mini cows.” There’s a lot of misleading information out there, and we take pride in being honest and transparent so buyers know exactly what they’re getting. Integrity is at the heart of our brand.
Beyond our breeding program, the farm has become a destination for unique and memorable experiences. We offer photo shoots, venue rentals for photographers, farm tours, birthday parties, picnics, field trips, and weddings. Every visit is designed to bring people closer to the land, the animals, and the slower, more meaningful pace of farm life.
What truly sets us apart is the diversity of experiences we create. Alongside the farm, we also own Scenic Helicopter Tours in Sevierville, which allows us to offer one-of-a-kind helicopter picnics that land right here on the farm. It’s a truly unforgettable way to take in the beauty of the area and enjoy the serenity of the countryside from both the sky and the ground.
We’re most proud that our brand represents authenticity, family, and community. Our goal is to give visitors and customers an experience that’s both educational and inspiring—a glimpse into the beauty of farming, the joy of animals, and the magic of a dream brought to life.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson we’ve learned is patience. Farming teaches you that everything happens in its own time—you can’t rush growth, nature, or animals. Whether it’s waiting for a calf to be born, watching crops come up, or building trust with a new animal, it all takes time, consistency, and care.
We’ve also learned to embrace flexibility and resilience. Things don’t always go as planned—weather changes, animals surprise you, and challenges arise when you least expect them. But those moments remind you why you started: for the love of the land, the animals, and the life you’re building.
Above all, farming has taught us gratitude. Every day we’re reminded of how lucky we are to live this life, to watch our kids grow up here, and to share it all with our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildmagnoliafarm.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555345975114
