In the rugged terrain and the demanding brutal conditions of rural Scotland a particular breed of cattle has been able to thrive for centuries, the Scottish Highlander.
Highlanders began being imported into the United States during the mid to late 1800’s when a “herd book” or national registry was established in 1884 making them the oldest registered breed of cattle in the country.
Fast forward to the 21st century and a farm near West Plains, Mo. where purebred Scottish Highlanders can be found grazing in the pastures owned by Ken and Mary Beth Bristow. Ken, a native of Scotland and retired engineer was on a trip with his wife back to his homeland when Mary Beth spotted a farmer prodding a mature Highlander down the road. Being raised around Angus cattle she was amazed at how docile the cattle were. Wanting to start a small cowherd themselves, they were convinced Highlanders were going to be their choice.
“There are many positive traits that some beef producers aren’t aware of that are associated with Highlanders,” Ken said. He went on to state that the low maintenance and efficiency along with a very mild temperament sets them apart from more conventional breeds.
This breed has a trait for foraging that can clean up property that other more conventional cattle would leave behind. Ken added with a chuckle, “These things will even eat Multi-flora Rose bushes.”
Nutrition supplement requirements are very little. “Grain or range pellets are only a treat unless we are under severe weather. Other than that fescue and orchard grass hay will suffice throughout the winter,” Ken explained.
Another trait that the Highlander is known for is the quality of their meat. Low cholesterol, low fat and great flavor makes for a preferred cuisine in the United Kingdom. They are even the herd that the British Royal Family maintains. Other premiums that these bovine contribute are the value of their high quality hide and the market for their horns. Dehorning Highlanders is something that is seldom practiced among purebreds simply because of the fact the horns only increase in marketability and they retain the Highlander look.
With a birth weight of 30 to 40 pounds, difficulty in birthing is minimal but rapid growth and a mature weight of up to 1,200 pounds for cows and 1,500 pounds for bulls makes spring calving too much stress on the young ones by the time summer hits.
The Bristow’s are planning a trip back to Scotland this fall and plan to visit some farms to search for the best genetics and bloodlines to add to their breeding stock.
Future plans? “We would like to expand our herd while maintaining quality,” Kenneth said.
