Apple Tree Livestock Company is the dream we started shaping back in college—long before fences were stretched and pastures were filled. We always knew we wanted cattle. Both of us grew up around them: Nikki with a Black Angus herd, Brad with Charolais. We understood the grind of the commercial cattle world, but it was the sparkle of the show ring that lit our fire. Between county fairs, fitting contests, and the occasional jackpot show, we were hooked.

Our first official show project together? A dead-broke Maine heifer gentle enough for our daughter Laekyn to show at just three years old. That heifer became the matriarch of our program—our starting point and sentimental favorite. But by 2019, after dabbling in the clubby world with a couple of jackpot heifers, we realized our passion didn’t lie in chasing banners alone. We wanted to build something sustainable. Something that produced cattle with power and purpose—and still turned heads in the ring.

That brought us to the Limousin breed. With genetics anchored by Thomas & Sons Farm and a focus on strong, functional cattle, we’ve grown a herd of about 40 breeding females. The modern Limousin heifer gives us everything we were looking for—bone, muscle, structure, style, and presence. We’re chasing the ideal cow with every generation, balancing real-world performance with the fun of the show ring.

And then... goats happened.

In 2020, Brad had the bright idea to bring home a couple of percentage Boer goats for the kids to play with—smaller, safer, and maybe just a bit easier than cattle. Nikki was firmly in the "absolutely not" camp. (Spoiler alert: she lost.) Thanks to pandemic boredom, some strategic online auctions, and a heavy dose of goat math, our herd doubled in just two months. Nikki fell hard—for their size, their smarts, their sass—and yes, for the fun of showing them, too.

Today, the Boer herd is Nikki’s pride and joy. We run around 110 head of meat goats—each one managed with the same care and intention as our cattle. For Nikki, they’re not just livestock—they’re therapy, passion, and purpose wrapped in hooves and attitude.

As our operation grew, so did our family. We now have two children who are just as passionate about agriculture as we are. Our daughter Laekyn is the goat whisperer—always cuddling babies, leading show strings, and running the barn like a tiny CEO. Our son Bransen was born to farm. Whether he’s riding in the tractor with Brad, climbing the equipment like it's a jungle gym, or out mingling with cows and goats, he’s happiest when he's got a job to do and dirt on his boots.

In 2020, we officially planted our roots and named the farm. With Brad working in an apple orchard and Nikki operating Apple Tree Animal Clinic, it felt only right to bring the name full circle. Apples are woven into the fabric of our daily lives, so Apple Tree Livestock Company felt predestined from the start.