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Introduction
Hidden away in the outskirts of Boone, lies the Ellis Cattle Company farms and not much further, Marina Wilson’s own family farm. Wilson helps maintain and care for both farms in the waking hours of the morning and then right after school. These routine chores may seem drudgery to some, but for Marina, these tasks are manifestations of her dedication and admiration for the farms. After the passing of beloved, Cole Ellis, Marina began to look after Cole's cattle and chickens. Throughout the process, she not only grew more knowledgeable about farming, but she also developed a newfound appreciation for Cole's efforts and dedication towards the things he loved.
"I’m learning that cattle is my passion. I love doing it and now that I’ve kept the three heifers that I kept back from his< I’m turning out with a bull in a couple of weeks," said Marina. "To see the work he put in it before he passed away, and I’m keeping it going and the group of cattle that he had- I want to breed them and have calves and keep that going. That makes me so happy, just like a continuance of his life through his work."
Cole Ellis's legacy reflects throughout the High Country and most especially in the beautiful farms that harbor new life and prosperity.
"To know that when I’m farming, he’s looking down on me and proud because I hardly knew any of that before I met him. He’s the whole reason behind my passion," said Marina.
Marina alongside Samson
"The 19-hand horse": hands have commonly been used as a measure to describe a horse's height.
The Rooster
One of the few remaining after suspected coyotes killed the others in the coup.
Jack the Watch Dog
“Well they’re just so much fun, they’re like your partner. Mr. Socks not so much but Jack just follows you around the whole time," said Marina. "He’ll follow me up in the field and when we’re fencing, he goes with us the whole time and it’s just more fun to have him around.”
Ellis Cattle Company
J
The Wilson Potato Patch
Mr. Socks
Mr. Socks, the barn cat, loves to roam around the barn, play in the hay, and most importantly watch out for any potential threats.
Marina's First Cows
"The cattle side, it really gets my mind straight just to work with them. It’s a stress reliever, they cause a lot of stress but it's a stress reliever," said Marina. "I’m starting to see it more now that I’ve sold my first beef, but getting to see you put so much hard work into it and getting to see the outcome, it’s exciting and all the plans you start making in your head about what you want to do it's really exciting."
Fresh, Organic, Non-GMO...
Although these are not milk cows, they provide quality whole milk to feed their calves. They are part of the Ellis Cattle Company and freely graze the lot alongside the horses, a donkey, and a bull.
"My First Truck"
Although Marina has learned to drive in countless 4x4s, this red truck marks the beginning of the road to engine failures, gas mileage scares, and unforeseen curbs.
Gracie: Cole's Horse
Along with cattle, Cole loved trading goats, chickens, and horses. Gracie, as pictured, was Cole's preferred horse to ride around the farm. Despite Gracie's frightened demeanor, Cole enjoyed the challenge of training her and calming her nerves.
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