Highland Cattle

The Highland breed is one of the oldest known to man...

and the first to appear in the herd registry of 1884. Believed to have originated in the Western Isles and Highlands of Scotland where the environment is harsh and severe, Highlands have evolved into an extremely hardy breed, offering today's cattle industry many practical advantages.

Among the most picturesque of all cattle breeds, Highlands are distinguished by long, shaggy coats and elegant horns. Their body lines are straight, both above and underneath, complemented by short legs and deep frames. In color they vary from black, dun, white, and brindle, although red is the predominate color. Highland bulls typically weigh 1700-2000 lbs. At maturity females weigh 1000-1300.

Because they are exceptionally hardy animals, Highland cattle can withstand the extreme weather that Maine offers and do not require housing. They have two layers of hair to shed water and to retain heat.

Advantages:

• Quiet, docile disposition
• Thrift and ease of management
• Longevity
• Adaptable to Maine and northern New England's terrain and climate
• Disease resistant
• Productivity and ease of calving
• Therapeutic value
• Picturesque physical appearance
• Lean, low-cholesterol beef