Raising and Breeding Highland Cattle: A Beginner’s Guide to Fluffy Cows
So, you’ve fallen in love with Highland cattle. Welcome to the club!
Whether it was their majestic horns, shaggy coats, or the fact that they look like walking teddy bears, you’ve decided that you must have them. But before you start picking out cute Highland names, let’s talk about what it actually takes to raise and breed these iconic Scottish cows.
Because while they might look like cuddly pasture pets, Highland cattle are still cattle. They require care, patience, and—let’s be honest—a good sense of humor when things go sideways (which they will). So, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger), and let’s dive into raising Highland cattle for beginners.
Still deciding?
Let’s start with why Highland cows are so awesome:
1. They’re Tough as Nails
These cows were basically designed to survive in the worst weather possible—harsh Scottish winters, freezing temperatures, and probably the apocalypse. Their thick double coat keeps them warm, meaning they require less shelter than other breeds.
Translation? Less barn-building, more time enjoying your fluffy cows.
2. They’re Low Maintenance
Compared to other breeds, Highlands are incredibly self-sufficient. They:
Forage like pros—they eat weeds, brush, and whatever is in front of them.
Calve easily—thanks to their wide hips, most births happen without human intervention.
Live long and stay productive—they can breed well into their late teens.
3. They Taste as Good as They Look
If you’re raising Highlands for meat, you’ll be happy to know that their beef is:
Lean yet marbled (aka, it’s flavorful without being fatty).
High in omega-3s and lower in cholesterol than standard beef.
Delicious enough that once people try it, they never go back.
So, whether you’re in this for breeding, beef, or just the aesthetics of having the prettiest cows in town, Highland cattle are a solid choice.
Setting Up for Highland Cattle: What You’ll Need
Now, let’s talk about what you actually need before bringing home your first Highlands.
1. Fencing (Because Highland Cattle Are Not Small)
These cows are big—mature bulls can weigh 1,800+ lbs, and cows aren’t far behind. You need solid fencing.
High-tensile electric fencing works well.
Woven wire with a top hot wire is even better.
Barbed wire? Maybe. But if you think that’s going to stop a determined Highland, think again.
Remember: If they can push it, lean on it, or crawl under it, they will. Plan accordingly.
2. Shelter: Minimal But Necessary
Highlands are built for the cold, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy standing in an ice storm. A simple three-sided shelter or a windbreak is usually enough to keep them comfortable.
Also, in hot climates, they need shade and a place to cool off. Their thick coat doesn’t magically disappear in summer, so make sure they have trees or a shady structure.
3. Water: More Important Than You Think
If you’re raising Highland cattle, be prepared to provide clean, fresh water at all times.
In winter, heated water troughs save you from breaking ice with a sledgehammer (believe me, this gets old fast).
In summer, they need extra hydration—dehydrated cattle are cranky cattle.
4. Pasture & Feed
Highlands aren’t picky eaters. They will eat:
✅ Grass
✅ Weeds
✅ Brush
✅ Leaves
But they still need quality forage. If you don’t have good pasture, you’ll need to supplement with hay—LOTS of it.
Rule of thumb: Plan for 2-3 round bales per cow for winter. Running out of hay in February is not fun so be prepared as best you can.
Breeding Highland Cattle: Making More Fluffy Babies
If you’re thinking about breeding Highlands, congrats! You're about to experience one of the most adorable and stress-inducing parts of cattle farming.
1. Choose the right Bull: Just like humans, the baby daddy matters (lol)
You can’t just pick any old bull and hope for the best. A good Highland bull should have:
A calm temperament (nobody wants a 1,800-pound attitude problem).
Good genetics (avoid inbreeding—check lineage, here's a resource you can use).
A solid frame and good muscling for healthy calves.
If you’re not ready for a bull, consider artificial insemination (AI - but not the computer kind)—it’s an easier way to introduce top-tier genetics without owning a giant animal.
2. Breeding Age & Timing
Highland heifers can breed around 2 years old.
Gestation is about 9.5 months (so plan for a baby about 280-290 days later).
Most cows give birth without assistance, but first-time mamas may need help.
3. Calving: The Most Stressful, Beautiful Part of Farming
Watching a Highland cow give birth is a magical experience—until you realize that nature doesn’t always go as planned.
Check on your pregnant cows, but don’t hover.
Have a vet’s number handy, just in case.
Be prepared for sleepless nights if it’s a first-time mom.
Thankfully, Highlands are known for easy calving, so odds are you’ll wake up to a fluffy new addition without much drama.
Common Highland Cattle Mistakes
(things to know so you don’t run into the same issues)
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about mistakes that beginners make—so you can avoid them and look like a pro from day one.
1. Underestimating Their Strength
Yes, they’re beautiful, but they are still giant animals. A Highland that wants to go through a weak fence or a gate WILL DO IT.
2. Thinking They’re Pets
I know, they look like giant stuffed animals. But Highland cattle are still livestock. Be respectful, stay safe, and never turn your back on a bull.
3. Ignoring Hoof & Horn Care
Hooves need occasional trimming, especially if they’re on soft ground.
Horns grow for life—so be mindful of spacing in trailers, chutes, and fences.
So, Should You Raise Highland Cattle?
If you want:
Hardy, self-sufficient cattle
Low-maintenance breeding and calving
Beef that tastes amazing
A pasture full of Instagram-worthy cows
Then yes—Highland cattle are for you!
Just be prepared for occasional escape attempts, deep winter hay-feeding marathons (remember what I said about not wanting to run out mid-feb?), and the overwhelming urge to cuddle a cow that may or may not want to be cuddled.
Small-scale farming with Highlands can be a dream come true—if you plan ahead, stay patient, and embrace the chaos.
Do you have highlands on your farm or have another question? Let me know in the comments :)