From dairy to beef: New business moo-ving into Hopkins Farm

Rob and Stephanie Heslep know their way around a cattle farm. They met on one in Pennsylvania. Their cow, Pita, was even in their wedding photos.

Both Hesleps were involved with managing the 400-cow herd at Hopkins Dairy Farm, outside Lewes. The last of those cows were sold off in 2022.

“It broke our hearts when the dairy closed,” Stephanie said.

Since then, Stephanie has been working as a reproductive consultant for dairy farms. Rob now works in ice cream production at Hopkins. But, after they had their second child, Stephanie decided to settle down. The couple founded Heslep’s Coastal Cattle in 2023.

Now, they are planning to open a beef cattle business at Hopkins Farm in the fall. Stephanie said they plan to have 20 head of cattle on 22 acres. The pasture has already been planted. A fence is going up soon.

She said they will be using the existing barn at the bend on Dairy Farm Road. 

Stephanie said the new bovine venture will be focused on the community.

“We are bringing local beef to Lewes. We already have a waitlist. We’re starting out with half-cow operation and would like to move to individual cuts in the future,” she said.

She said a half-cow yields 210 to 260 pounds of take-home meat.

Stephanie said they will be selling direct to consumers and will not have a retail store.

“The customers choose the cuts they want in their portion – steaks, ground beef, roasts. They receive their customized order through pickup or delivery,” she said.

She said there are differences in the way beef cattle are managed.

“Beef cows do not require as much nutritionally like milking cows do, so their feed intake is much simpler and easier to manage. There is more grass, hay and grain supplemented in the winter months. The [beef] cows are also handled a lot less,” she said.

The Hesleps hosted their first farm life event, “Moo to Milestones,” at Hopkins Farm March 29. It was an opportunity for kids and parents to get up close and personal with calfs and cows.

The Hesleps’ cows, Pita and PJ, and two calfs were there for kids to pet and feed. They had a raffle for kids to name the little ones.

“We want to teach people where their food comes from, milk and beef, and just show everyone why cows are so important to the community and how they’ve been important to us,” Stephanie said.