Originating from the Scottish Highlands, this breed was developed through natural selection, meaning
only the strongest survived. Divided into two distinct classes, the larger generally reddish animal originated
in the remote Hihglands of Scotland, and the smaller usually black Kyloe lived on the islands off the west coast
of Northern Scotland. However, today both are now considered one breed, the Highland, and yellow, dun,
white, brindle and silver are all now considered traditional colors.

Western United States American cattlemen discovered the natural qualities of these majestic animals around
1884, and imported them to improve upon the blood lines of their herds. Resulting in the Highland
contributing largely to the success of the American cattle industry In 1884 the first Highland herd book
was established. Highlands can now be found throughout North America, Europe, Australia and South America.

The heartiest of breeds, they require minimal shelter, very little feed supplements or expensive grains,
can thrive on less than ideal pasture range, and cold weather and snow has little effect on them.
Considered browsers and thrifty foragers, they also have been used to clear brush lots with speed and
efficiency. Some of their favorite foods are burdock, poison ivy, dandelion, and fallen fruit. With garden
leftovers being a decidedly notable treat! They thrive as far north as Alaska and Scandinavian countries,
and have adapted to southern climates successfully being raised as far south as Texas and Georgia.

With a prehistoric appearance, Highlands are even-tempered (cows and bulls as well), long horned, shaggy
beasts whose records go back to the twelfth century. Archaeological evidence has actually places them as
early as the sixth century, and their characteristics have remained uniform since that time. These wonderful
animals are hardy, quiet, docile, and long living animals that have fearsome horns and are reminiscent of a
mastodon herd. They possess a double coat of hair, a soft downy undercoat that supplies superior insulation,
and a long outer coat of well oiled hair that grows to a length of thirteen inches and sheds rain and snow.
The breed seems to have no eye problems prevalent in other breeds. The long forelocks hang down over the
eyes and provide protection from all flies that bother livestock in the Northeast. And they seem impervious
to the mosquito and no-see-um. Excellent mothers, calving problems are rare in this breed. Mothers will stay
with their young until they are ready to travel around the pasture. These cows are famous for their homing
instinct, and stay close to their own territory before returning themselves home. Most of the herds live
outdoors year round, and are fed hay in the winter when snow prevents grazing. They almost seem to
prefer cold temperatures (even those that are subzero), often choosing to abandon any shelter to forge in
their pasture. During a storm they will face into the wind and snow so that is coat is blown flat rather
than ruffled up.

As a beef animal it produces lean premium quality meat important in today's demanding cattle market. It's
beef is lean, fine grained, flavorful, well marbled meat with very little outside fat since their hair serves as
their insulation rather than developing protective fat common to other breeds. In the National Western
Stock Show in Denver, CO. they have finished top in their respective classes. Fetching premium prices in
the British Isles, it is recognized as the finest beef available. Near Braemar, Scotland at Balmoral Castle the
British Royal Family keeps a large herd of Highlands which they consider the beef animal of choice. The
Highlands popularity is increasing, but only as the "younger-new generation" farmer realizes the benefits to
this beef breed verses the only obvious draw back of their massive horns. Accidents from horns are rare, but
do happen when you are standing in the way and they go to scratch which can result in injury.

Pitcher Mountain Farm in Stoddard, NH is the oldest and biggest breeding farm in the Northeast, and are
the mainstay of the industry. If you are looking for more information about Highlands you can contact the
Northeast Highland Cattle Association (NEHCA)
You can contact:
Stan Maynard:
(207) 498-8541
or
E-mail: Maynard@AroostookHighlands.com