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, 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 and 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 3 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 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Another reason why we love the Highlands, they are patient. |
Below are Dora and Dixie enjoying the afternoon sun. 2007
Daisy knows always what's going on. Late fall 2008
| Daisy with the Alpine kids playing on her back. They sure had a ball. Spring 2008 |
| Here is the first calf,"Little Joe" he was born April 17TH. His mother is Dora. |
| Little Joe our steer, born last April. He is friendly and likes people. |
| Annabelle |
| Dixie and her calf, Annabelle. She way born the 1. May 09 |
| All three of them in May 09 |
| Introducing Jasper our new herd sire August 09 |
| Here is the new kid in town. Her name is Brownie. She is also very sweet and is born last January. |
| She is not camera shy and walks right up to the action. |