Thomas and Dorothy McDowell

Locust Level Farms, named for what was once the local magisterial district when votes were taken at the local country store, did not just happen onto the scene. In fact, the farm proudly displays a Century Farm sign signifying that the farm has been owned by the same family for more than one hundred years.

Much of the early history of LLF centers around flue-cured tobacco, share croppers and mules. Hard work and farming savvy created and built Locust Level Farms. Their is no outside business or great entrepreneurial story to go along with the farm operation. Locust Level has always been a family operation where the livelihood of the families involved was dependent on the production of the farm.

In the early seventies a few commercial cows called LLF home. Beginning in 1978 Mike McDowell took over the cattle interest and began building what is now a 160 brood cow herd of registered Angus. Comfortable with genetics and data collection, Locust Level has always been a performance herd. Using production records to select and breed cattle was not always popular, but it always made sense in the LLF farm plan.

Producing commercial bulls continues to be the primary focus of our breeding program. Two bull sales are held annually. One is held on the second Saturday of January, while the second is held the final Saturday of February. In addition, spring born bulls are marketed privately for a total of 100 bulls sold annually. All bulls are fed at a central location in whole herd contemporary groups. Complete data is kept and provided to perspective buyers. All bulls have been carcass ultrasound evaluated since three years prior to the formation of AACUP.

Locust Level held its first female sale in 1998. Along with the participation of guest breeders, the sale is held annually the second Saturday of April. Extensive AI and embryo transfer programs are utilized to assist in striving for genetic progress.

Locust Level Farms is a hands-on, family operation where we breed 'em, calve 'em and feed 'em. The cows have to work for us because it is all that we do.

Standing left to right: Wanda, Mike, West and Bridget McDowell. Sitting: Jon and Angela Collins.