Meet Mike McMillan

Mike McMillan has a unique connection to Brookhill Ranch. The summer camp and working cattle ranch have been a part of Mike’s life since he was a camper in 1988. His love for the land deepened when he took the job of a ranch hand at 15 years old. Falling in love with the founders' oldest granddaughter, Lynlee, he married into the family in 2004. That first-time camper from 1988 has now become the Chief Operating Officer of Brookhill Ranch.

Brookhill Ranch is more than a typical summer camp. Founded by Don and Hettie Brooks in the summer of 1964, their dream of what Brookhill could be began with just seven campers. Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, it has grown significantly, having hosted more than 60,000 children. Creating an atmosphere of fun, connection and Jesus and staying true the mission statement of creating memories that matter, Brookhill goes above the standard definition of a recreation camp.

“There’s a place on the ranch called Vespers Point. It is where the campers start and end their days. It’s a stunning vista that we sit on overlooking the Ouachita Mountains. There is a lake and a hay field that are unbelievably picturesque,” Mike said.

Brookhill offers more than 20 different activities that accommodate a wide variety of interests for the campers. Sports, horseback riding, fishing, laser tag, and water activities are just a few of the options for campers to have an unforgettable experience. Strategically combining faith-based teachings, hands-on experiences, and interactive activities, Brookhill creates an enriching environment for young campers.

“The word ‘ranch’ being in our name was not a catchy thing we made up; it’s who we are. It has ebbed and flowed since then. They (Don and Hettie) had 150 Herefords back in the day; now I’ve got 30,” Mike said. “We have always had the livestock component, just the size of it varied. To marry the camp with an actual working ranch and all the other moving parts means constant thought, consideration and effort.”

Mike manages the ranch’s Hereford cattle and direct-to-consumer beef business. It began in 2014 when he purchased a Holstein heifer for the camp. In 2016, he had the idea while mowing grass that “cows are slow lawnmowers.” His father-in-law bought him his first commercial Hereford heifer as a Christmas present, and the rest is history. Now, these colorful cattle open the door to interesting conversations with the campers, their parents, and other guests on the ranch.

“At first contact with our consumers, we give them a pound of hamburger to go home and try. If they like it, we know they will call back. If they don’t like it, we trust they will throw it away and never call us. We want to provide an excellent product,” Mike explained.

Word has spread fast about the quality of Mike’s direct-to-consumer beef business. It is in such high demand that online marketing to promote it has now been limited. Brookhill Beef is raised to grade USDA Prime or upper two-thirds Choice, and even though Brookhill Beef is still in its early stages, it is already proving to follow the camp's standard of excellence.