Get a taste of farm life at ‘Moo to Milestone’ March 29

Heslep’s Coastal Cattle will present the family event, “From Moo to Milestone: The Journey of a Calf,” at Hopkins Farm Creamery Saturday, March 29, when Stephanie and Robert Heslep will offer a presentation about the life of a dairy farm cow. 

The couple, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to southern Delaware in 2018 to work with the cattle at Hopkins Farm Creamery. Then, in 2023, the Hesleps decided to make a change and founded Heslep’s Coastal Cattle. 

Heslep’s Coastal Cattle is located just off Route 9 on Sweetbriar Road.

“It is great living here because we are 10 minutes from the beach on our farm,” Stephanie said. 

When the two came up with the idea for the events, they reached out to Hopkins to host.

“We want to continue to educate people on how the cattle live. Most people don’t fully understand,” Robert said. 

At the “Moo to Milestone” event, the Hesleps plan to offer an interactive presentation. They’ll give away prizes to families, offer a hands-on activity with their new calves, and hand out free ice cream vouchers for Hopkins Farm Creamery. Some of the cows featured are Pita, a retired dairy cow from Hopkins Farm; PJ (Pita Jr.), the daughter of Pita, a Holstein cow with horns; Zebby, a young steer working on his halter training; and two new cattle who are ready to meet new friends. 

Helsep’s Coastal Cattle has plans to host schools for field trips and informational sessions about farm life.

“I love seeing [students'] interest in what we do. Our hope is to inspire some future farmers,” said Stephanie, who had experience teaching as an artificial insemination trainer and enjoys teaching people things about cattle they might otherwise not know.

To purchase tickets to the event, go to the events tab on heslepscoastalcattle.com. Children under 4 do not require a ticket. The Hesleps are looking forward to everyone having a “moo-tastic” time during the event.