Highland Cattle: Breed Profile

Highland cattle come from the Scottish Highlands and the western islands, where they were developed to live on poor pasture and survive harsh weather. They have long, sweeping horns and a long, shaggy double coat in red, black, dun, yellow or white. A breed society was formed in the nineteenth century.

Purpose

Highlands are raised for lean, well-flavored beef and as ornamental animals. They are efficient foragers, good mothers and hardy, often thriving where other breeds struggle.

Where the breed stands today

The breed is popular with small farms and hobby herds in North America and has an active association. Numbers are modest compared with major beef breeds.

What to look for in a Highland project animal

Look for a balanced body, correct legs and feet, a healthy coat and a calm temperament. Horns should be symmetrical and not growing into the face. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Highland at 4-H and FFA

Cattle are judged as breeding animals, as market animals and in showmanship. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.

Pros

• Spectacular looks that draw crowds and teach outreach
• Hardy animals that do well on forage
• Calm, intelligent temperament in most animals
• Beef cattle shows usually offer breed classes, showmanship and market classes, so there are several ways to compete.
• Cattle teach feeding, grooming, handling and record keeping, which carry over to every other project.

Cons

• Horns require careful handling and some shows restrict horned animals
• Thick coats need grooming and can be hard to manage in heat
• Few dedicated classes at county shows
• Cattle projects are expensive once feed, vet care, entry fees and travel are added up.
• A steer or heifer needs a sturdy pen, a wash rack, a trailer and a place to work every day.

Caring for your project

Plan on daily feeding, brushing and halter work for months before the show. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.

Getting started

A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Highland. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.

Planning your budget

Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.

Show-day tips

Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.

Learning from the ring

Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.

Questions to ask a breeder

• Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
• How old is she, and what has she been fed?
• How has she been handled, and what is her temperament?
• What vaccinations, health care and treatments has she had?
• Will she be eligible for the classes and sale at my show?

Bottom line

Highlands are great for outreach and direct sales but check horn rules before you buy.

To see how the contests work, read How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Cows Don’t Want No Hugs!, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.