Nestled along Commerce–Jefferson Road and the North Oconee River, Apple Valley Farm has been a part of the Sims family for more than a century and spans six generations of family stewardship.

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For over a century, the farm has evolved with the changing needs of the community. In its early days, the land produced cotton and peaches, and a dairy operation supplied fresh milk to families throughout Commerce, Georgia.

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From the 1930s until 1968, Henry Sims and his son, Richey Sims, raised sheep for both wool and meat production. In 1968, Richey expanded the farm's agricultural focus by purchasing ten registered Polled Hereford heifers and a bull from the Wind Sweep bloodline. That investment marked the beginning of the Hereford cattle herd that Bill Sims, Richey's son, continued at Apple Valley Farm when he took over in 1980. 

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Today, Bill Sims's family (wife, children, and grandchildren) manages Apple Valley Farm maintaining a herd of approximately 40 head of cattle year-round. Our breeding program is built on three key principles: calving ease, strong maternal traits, and growth performance. By utilizing carefully selected bulls, retaining quality replacement cows, and incorporating artificial insemination when appropriate, we continually improve the genetics of our herd. Through generations of experience and selective breeding, we have developed cattle that reflect the quality, productivity, and values that have defined our farm for decades.

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We are proud to continue the legacy of Bill Sims, whose dedication, values, and love for Apple Valley Farm remain at the heart of everything we do. As six-generation stewards of this land, we are committed to preserving our family's heritage while building a strong future for generations to come.