Within the last year, Shelby McCardell has not only learned the ins and outs of agriculture, farming, and handling livestock, but has also turned what started as a few animals on her land into a successful business, attracting people from near and far eager to visit.
Straight Shot Farm, located at 222 Odessa Ave. in Egg Harbor City, is home to cattle, which are at the heart of everything they do. From mini Highlands to larger breeds like Simmental and Hereford, Straight Shot is a cow and calf operation focused on raising quality cattle and beef production.
But beyond the livestock, what really defines the farm is the experience.
McCardell purchased the land with her husband just last October, and about a year ago, she began slowly building what would become Straight Shot Farm. At first, it wasn’t a grand plan. It was her simply trying something new.
“It started small and honestly, unintentionally. We moved onto land and I began with corn, vegetables, and chickens because I thought that’s what farming was supposed to look like, then I brought home three goats, and something clicked,” McCardell said. “One decision led to another, and slowly it grew into a full cattle operation. I had never driven a tractor. I didn’t know how to move cattle. I didn’t come from agriculture. I just kept learning as I went and trusting my instincts.”
As her livestock grew, so did her audience. McCardell began sharing snippets of her days on TikTok and other social media platforms, and before long, people were falling in love with her animals and lifestyle right along with her.
“I never had the intention of being in the agriculture tourism sphere, I never even really knew it was a thing, but people kept reaching out on social media to come see the animals and would even show up to the farm stand hours, thinking they could come see and pet them,” McCardell said. “After this kept happening, I realized people literally just wanted to come see my animals, so I gave the people what they wanted and started hosting Open Farms.”
Now, McCardell offers Open Farm times, where visitors can come interact with her cows, goats, donkeys and chickens. Guests pay a fee and spend however long they’d like wandering around, petting and feeding the animals.
The Open Farms have grown immensely in popularity. During her two-day Valentine’s Day event, over 1,000 people flocked to hug and feed her furry friends. McCardell plans to host two special themed Open Farms each month to keep this momentum going.
She credits the farm’s success to authenticity.
“I think when you put your whole heart into something, people can feel that without you having to say it. It’s deeply personal and authentic. What you see is what you get here. This isn’t a staged attraction, it’s real life,” McCardell said. “I think people feel that they’re stepping into something genuine, not something manufactured. Everyone who comes here feels like a friend, and that matters to me.”
In addition to creating something unique for the community, McCardell is building a new way of life for her family. Straight Shot Farm is 100% hers, from day-to-day operations to all major decisions, but she credits her husband, Doug, as a constant support system, always there to help.
Their five-year-old son is growing up alongside the animals and alongside his mom’s newfound dream, experiencing things not many kids his age get to.
The trio spends their days among the livestock, learning as they go and sharing the journey with the community and on social media.
McCardell said she learned how to run the farm by doing it. “There was no formal training and no agricultural background. I didn’t know how to do anything, but I fell in love with the process, even on the hard days. I am always learning something new and that’s really rewarding.”
She hopes that as she continues learning, others can learn alongside her. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions, see the care behind the animals, and watch in real time how a farm like this operates during any and all Open Farm times or specialty events hosted there.
Whether it’s agricultural education, photography sessions, shopping the farm stand, Open Farm experiences, or selling livestock, McCardell wants people to feel the intention, growth and learning behind it all.
Anyone planning on cuddling with the cows, feeding the goats or petting the donkeys is welcome at Straight Shot Farm. According to McCardell, she aims to make everyone feel comfortable, connected, and maybe even a little inspired.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
