Brief History about the breed:
Highland Cattle evolved in the harsh climate of Scotland. Written records have been found dating back into the 1300's. Early
Scots would keep the cows on the first floor of their homes to generate warmth for the family, which lived above on the second floor.
The cattle are easy to handle despite their long horns, which they use primarily for knocking down brush( for grazing), predator
protection and scratching themselves. They are excellent foragers and eat many plants other cattle reject. They clean out the
underbrush in a woodlot, roses, buck brush and many different tree leaves and saplings. Highlands never go hungry.
How did we get involved in Highlands:
When I first heard and read about the Scottish Highland Cattle in Germany back in the 70's I felt drawn to them. This very old breed is
easy going, hardy and different looking than any other. These are our very first cattle and we have found that their care is simple, they
are patient and docile. Here they share a pasture will horses, goats and sheep and all are getting along.
Highland cows weigh 900-1200lbs when mature and calve with ease, producing calves weighing 40-60lbs.
Highland Cattle mature slowly, making their meat lean and very flavorful. It is lower in cholesterol and higher in protein and iron than
other beef. The long hair means that the animal does not have to produce a layer of fat to stay warm.
Some people like to spin the long hair and it works quite well. Highlands come in different colors, red, blond, dun ( like a bison) white,
silver, brindle an black. Their horns grow throughout their whole life. Some of them have horns more than 8 feet across. It is the oldest
registered breed of cattle in the world. Highlands are a triple purpose animal. Meat, milk and fiber.
They are grass-fed without hormones or other medications.
Here we have Dora, Daisy and Dixie. They are only 2 years old right now.
We are members of the Heartland Highland Cattle Association( HHCA) and they send out a free educational packet to anyone interested
in learning more. You can visit their website: www.heartlandhighlandcattleassociation.org or email:
highlandcattle@centurytel.net
Dixie likes to be scratched. They were very shy when we bought them
but with some work they are getting tamer. We like to be able to handle
all animals without restraint and stress.
but with some work they are getting tamer. We like to be able to handle
all animals without restraint and stress.
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They love people. Here is Dora with my friend Connie from Michigan.
She enjoys coming out to the farm to get away from all the hassle
in the big city. She is handling Dora, in May 2007.
She enjoys coming out to the farm to get away from all the hassle
in the big city. She is handling Dora, in May 2007.
Jan 08. We has a good snow fall last night. Here are the girls enjoying the snow.
Highland Cattle like the colder weather and they get real frisky and playful.
Highland Cattle like the colder weather and they get real frisky and playful.
Another reason why we love the Highlands, they are patient.
Below Dora, 11 month later. She has grown and so are her horns.
April 2008
April 2008
Daisy, always has to know what is going on around her.
Dora grazing May 2008
Below are Dora and Dixie enjoying the afternoon sun.
This is Joe and he will be with us for a while. This means that we might have
calves in the Spring of 2009. We are excited about this.
He is very calm and let me make photos.
calves in the Spring of 2009. We are excited about this.
He is very calm and let me make photos.
