CHAMPION, Ohio – At Highland Acres Farm, visitors won’t find rows of crops or heavy machinery. Instead, the small operation offers a different kind of farm experience: scheduled sessions to cuddle with cows and miniature donkeys.

Owner Ed Stanton opened the farm in 2025 after discovering the concept online and deciding to try it himself. Guests can book time with animals ranging from micromini Highland cows to full-size breeds, with sessions that include petting, brushing and feeding treats.

The farm attracts visitors from across the region for events such as birthdays, date nights and weddings, with heated spaces allowing year-round visits. Stanton said the animals, known for their docile nature, are accustomed to human interaction and appear to enjoy the attention as much as guests do.

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