Meet Local Vendor: A Wee Bit Farm

Dan Hughes, owner of A Wee Bit Farm, rounded the office corner and immediately finished the Irish melody, “Oh Danny Boy” that the Uncle Dean’s owner had been singing upon hearing Dan’s voice on the stairs. Such is the usual high-spirited encounter with the 84 year old Irishman who started raising Highland cattle for fun over 18 years ago. His hobby, though, quickly turned into a prolific wholesale business as the lean, grass-fed only beef gained popularity in the 90’s. Even now, Dan’s business is booming with two delivery routes that take him all over Maine and into New Hampshire.

Every two weeks, Dan and his refrigerated truck arrive with all manner of fresh beef, lamb, and pork cuts. He says on average he delivers over 1700 lbs of fresh meat per route. Retailers and restaurants alike are always coming back for more. Highlands have always been renowned for their flavor and lean fat content (those long, heavy coats of hair keep them warm enough!). Interestingly, Highlands do in fact, have lower fat and cholesterol content and higher protein and iron levels than other types of beef. This makes them a popular choice for the more health conscious beef lovers, as well. They also have not been inbred like other cattle breeds, a practice which tends to break down the structure of the meat and reduce cattle’s general health.

Ultimately, though, Dan says he chose Highlands because he has “always been fascinated by this Scottish breed” and though his wife jokingly called the cow herds a little bit of heaven and a little bit of hell (hence “A Wee Bit Farm”!), his herds have steadily grown and provided delicious, grass-fed protein to Mainers across the state for years.