A Family Tradition

Hickory Hill is a fourth-generation family dairy farm nestled in historic Edgefield County, South Carolina. The Dorn family was established at its current location in 1764. Little did their ancestors know that would be the start of a rich tradition of family and farming.

In the 1950s, long before anyone had heard of mega-farms or agri-corporations, Maysie (Dorn) and James Marvin started the dairy farm. It was then passed down to Jim and Marie Dorn who continued raising Holstein cows and producing milk. Jim was heavily involved in the dairy industry, serving on the South Carolina Dairy Commission and the National Dairy Board. Today, their son, Watson, and his wife, Lisa, along with their children, Daniel (Darsey) and Courtney (Cole), work those same pastures.

For years, it was a dream of Watson’s to one day bottle their own milk. In 2008, Watson and Lisa took the leap, and together they bring you Hickory Hill Milk, an exciting new beginning for their family farm. They pride themselves on bottling all-natural, low-temp vat pasteurized non-homogenized milk like the good ole days.

In 2019, the Dorn's made another big leap of faith and broke ground on a new barn. In May 2020 Hickory Hill moo-ved into South Carolina's first privately-owned robotic milking facility complete with 200 free-stalls and all the latest advancements for maximum cow comfort. The transition has been very successful and extremely beneficial for the happy herd.

(Pictured from left to right: Daniel, Darsey, Boone, Watson, Lisa, Cole, Courtney, and Major.)

Watson Dorn

Watson is a third generation dairy farmer and the driving force behind Hickory Hill Milk. He graduated from Clemson University in 1984 with a degree in Ag Education. Watson’s dairy farming passion, knowledge and determination resulted in growing a successful family business.

Lisa Dorn

Watson Dorn

Not "just the farmer's wife," Lisa is a 1985 graduate from Clemson University with a degree in Accounting. As one would imagine, she wears many hats at the farm and is an expert in her field. Lisa handles the bookkeeping and accounting for the dairy and their “udder” projects. Her meticulous attention to detail plays a critical role in the financial accountability and success of Hickory Hill Milk.

Daniel Dorn

Courtney Dorn White

Daniel is a fourth generation dairy farmer and next in-line to take over the family business. He is a 2017 graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Ag Mech and Ag Business. While Daniel's job title is Barn Manager, he is heavily involved with every aspect of the operation from feedings and milking, to maintenance and bookkeeping. With farming running through his veins, he aims to use his knowledge to further progress Hickory Hill and its heritage.

Courtney Dorn White

Courtney is and always will be the "farmer’s daughter." She is a 2017 graduate from the Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology, a certified nurse assistant, and owner/stylist of Southern Belle Styles and Boutique at Hickory Hill. While her career goals seem to steer her away from the farm, think again. Courtney has her fair share of farm chores and continues to assist with marketing the family business. Courtney is blessed with the ability to educate everyone about Hickory Hill Milk that extends across all generations.

Matriarch and Patriarch

Jim and Marie Dorn

Jim and Marie Dorn are the patriarch and matriarch of Hickory Hill Farm. The two were married in 1959 and raised three sons: Jim Dorn III, Watson, and Frank. To many, they are known as Grandaddy and Mimi.

Jim served on the National Dairy Board, the Southeastern United Dairy Industry Association Inc., the Aiken Electric Cooperative Board, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Board, the S.C. Electric Cooperative, the Southeastern Division Dairymen Inc. and First Citizens Bank, among others. He also was a member of the founding board of Edgefield Hospital. He was inducted to the S.C. Dairy Hall of Fame in 2015.