Scottish Highland Cows

Highland cows are truly amazing animals. Back when we were first deciding on a breed of cattle

to go with, we had a good look at most typical breeds that are seen here in Canada.

The minute we saw the Highlands, we were hooked. But what to do about those horns? We soon found out that they were, simply put, zero deterrent from raising Scottish Highlands.

Basically, unless you are a really aggressive and nasty person, and bring your animals up that way, the Highlands are quite polite with their horns. They use them for all kinds of handy things, but not, for pushing them in your face.

MacGregor our main man

Even if you have poor pastures and rough land, want your brush cleared, your grass mowed, your forest neat and tidy, Highlands are the breed for you. If you want to spend hundreds of dollars on rich grasses, special feed or vet bills, well, go for another breed.

The Highlands ability to produce top quality meat without the extra expense, or bells and whistles, makes this breed the perfect choice. See our Beef Page.

Our Highlands live outside all year round, through our cold Ontario winters quite happily. Highlands don't need to hold onto fat to keep warm because of their very thick, well-oiled  double coat, which can grow up to 13 inches  throughout the winter months. 

They are easy calvers, giving birth to calves that are hardy and grow rapidly to weaning. They are superb mothers that have a deeply ingrained protective streak. This can keep other animals safe when put into the same field. We remember one such morning as we went out to our back field and found all of our Highlands laying in a circle. They were facing outwards with all their calves in the centre of this circle. Our two 'head girls' had blood on their horns. Coyotes had come in during the night thinking they had an easy meal...they soon found out about the Scottish Highlands strength.

Unfortunately, our neighbours were not so lucky, they lost a cow and calf to the wild pack.

Apparently Highlands, are the oldest Breed of cattle on the planet.

There are studies being done on prehistoric cattle breeds and genetics that are using Highland DNA. This tells us many things, one being why they look the way they do, something out of the prehistoric days...

Another being why Highlands are so very smart, curious, healthy, and just downright fun to hang with!

We have many thank you letters from our buyers all over Canada, who are constantly amazed at how quiet and easy to handle their new Highlands are.