Highland Cattle

Over the last five hundred years, amongst the mist and rugged hills of the Highlands of Scotland, a breed of cattle developed so hardy and beautiful they symbolize the area from which they came.  The extremely harsh weather conditions and sparse feed created a process of natural selection where only the fittest and most adaptable animals survived to carry on the breed.  Simply known as Highland cattle, these animals are instantly recognized by their sweeping horns and long flowing hair.  Today they are treasured for their ruggedness and exceptional quality of beef.

The Maternal Specialist

The Highland cow is a truly exceptional animal.  She is extremely rugged.  Her long coat sheds the rain and keeps her warm even in the harshest weather.  She is known for her longevity, with cows often producing a calf a year up to twenty years of age.  Highland cows are known for problem-free calving and are very protective of their young.  These highly adaptable cows will work for you under any conditions!

Browsers, not Grazers

Highland Cattle are able to survive on poor pastures and enjoy browsing woody vegetation.  They are capable of clearing brush and will down small trees in order to get at the leaves.  They also control pine and juniper by polishing their horns on the trunks.  Naturally the better the forage, the better the cows will produce.  The inherent traits of this breed can produce real savings.

Highland Cattle as Breeders

When making the decision to use first calf heifers of any breed, Highland bulls make an excellent choice.  This is due to the fact that Highland calves are small which reduces the amount of stress caused to both the cow and the calf. 

Many desirable Highland traits are passed on to crossbred calves.  When breeding a polled cow to a Highland bull the resulting calf should be hornless because being horned is a recessive trait.  There is also the long hair that protects against the elements and reduces the need for a layer of fat in order to stay warm.  Highland cattle are intelligent and docile making them an easy breed to work with.  They can also be trained for use as oxen and will break to lead.