Scottish Highlands are a very old, heritage breed, hailing originally from the Highlands of Scotland (hence, the name). Natural selection in those rugged conditions honed these cattle to become hardy and efficient. Scottish Highland cattle live approximately 15-22 years and can have calves up to 15-20 years of age. They are excellent foragers and wonderful for improving pastures, woodlots and other land.

Quite diverse from commercial cattle breeds, Scottish Highlands are known for their docile temperaments. These cows have strong maternal instincts and are good at protecting and hiding their young. 

Both females and males in the breed have horns. (We have one cow which was dehorned before we acquired her.) Occasionally there are Scottish Highlands which genetically do not have horns, called polled cattle, which is a dominant trait, but somewhat rare in the Scottish Highland breed.

Rather than being called a 'herd', a group of Scottish Highland cattle is known as a 'fold.' This is because in winter, the cattle were kept in open shelters made of stone called folds to protect them from the weather at night.

Additionally, Scottish Highland beef is known to be higher in protein and lower in cholesterol than other types of beef. It’s very lean, especially from grass-fed cattle. (We rarely have beef available for sale, as we primarily raise the cattle to sell calves.) Like sheep, their hair can sometimes be used for knitted items, and Highland cattle can also be milked (if trained).

We chose to raise Highland Cattle for their hardiness, their ability to calve without assistance, and primarily because we love their looks. (Seriously, who couldn't fall in love with these hairy cows?)