When we left the city in 1999 and moved to Wayne County, we knew next to nothing about cows.  We knew they lived in fields and ate grass, but that was the extent of it.  One of our goals when we got here, was to raise our own beef, so cows would have to be involved.
       
        After reading and searching for several months, we settled on Highlands.  Everything we read told us that here was a hardy animal that gave birth to small calves and performed well on low-quality forage.  Since we had moved to a farm with pastures that really hadn't been touched for nearly ten years and had no desire to become cow-pulling experts, Highlands it was.

        Currently, having raised them for over eight years, Highlands have proved themselves. Despite their fierce appearance and protective mothering instincts, they are surprisingly gentle.  This fits in perfectly with our rotational grazing system, which requires us to move and handle them frequently.  And, yes, Highlands have tiny calves the size of a large Labrador Retriever.  Very swift and alert at a young age, these calves can still be tamed down to pets when given sufficient attention.

        Highlands actually have the oldest breed book in America, but they are certainly not a mainstream cow.  Their small size, horns, long hair and slow growth rate have saved them from the fate of the industrial beef feedlots.  Surprisingly, though, they handle heat very well.  Just like any other cow, when it gets hot, they head for the shade.

        We primarily sell and raise our Highlands for breeding stock, but we also sell our steers for beef.  We normally have a couple for sale, and keep two herd bulls so that you can purchase a breeding pair from us if you'd like to start a herd of your own.