Farm Life with Scottish Highland Cattle
2 years ago, my family decided we were going to introduce cattle to our 100-acre farm in Ancaster. There were a lot of choices. We researched and researched the best breed for our needs.
Researching many of the 250 recognized cow breeds (Maine Anjou, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Blonde d'Aquitaine, etc.) was no easy task, but it was important that we found animals that would be happy living alongside our family at the farm.
We decided Scottish Highland cattle would be best for the farm. Choosing the World’s first registered breed of cattle wasn’t a difficult choice given their qualities and their ability to thrive in Ontario’s climate –during both cold and hot spells. And since Canada has roughly 10,000 breeders of registered beef cattle of all breeds, there was no shortage of places willing to sell us our first herd of cattle.
We are ranchers, kind of, now that we have 12 Scottish Highland living on the farm.
A group of Highlands is called a “fold” instead of a “herd.” Bringing Highlands into the mix was one of the best farming moves we have made. This breed has been good for us and fun to raise.
Why do we like them so much?
There are so many reasons.
First off, have you seen their lush coats. The breed is known for their flowing locks and their eye-blocking fringe bangs? Their coat really sets the breed apart from other breeds. These large bovines – bulls get up to 800 kg/ cows 500 kg - are beautiful animals. Highlands have style. Watching the fold graze around the farm has been enjoyable and, at times, entertaining.
Secondly, Highland cattle are one of the best tempered breeds of cattle to raise. The docile creatures just go along to get along. While other cows may cause fuss from time to time, Highlands rarely get fussy or fight amongst each other. It alleviates a lot of headaches having well-mannered farm animals. So, we especially appreciate their good nature around the farm.
Another benefit to raising “Hairy Coos,” as they are called in Scotland, is that cows (the females) can birth up to 15 calves over their lifetime. This increases the possibility of adding 5 to 7 more calves than cows from other breeds would birth over their lifetimes. So, our return on investment (ROI) can be much higher (potentially) than it would be if we raised other breeds. It’s a great way to increase your fold, too.
Can they see where they are going through their hair? Whether they can see past their hair is part of their mystique and nobody knows for sure what, if anything, they see. but we like to think they can see exactly where they are going.
Our fold of Highlands has been an amazing addition to our farm. We can’t imagine them not being a part of our lives now that they are present. For anyone looking to add cattle to their farm, we can’t recommend the Scottish Highland breed enough. Get a fold if you can. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
