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We saw our first
Scottish Highland cattle on our annual visit to the Minnesota State Fair in
1992. We continued to stop by the Highland booth at the fair for the next 12
years and were always amazed at their docile nature and majestic beauty. In the
fall of 2006, as a reward for spending 4 grueling days on the roof of the
garage shingling, we decided to attend the Gopher State Classic Highland show
in Farmington, MN. We wandered through the barns and met the owners of Circle
ME Ranch in Loretto, MN. We talked to them about their cattle, watched them
show, and they answered a million questions for us. We found out they had 2
heifer calves for sale, and arranged to go and see them the following month.
After the visit, Jamie was scared! We had walked in 2 different pastures full of
cows with a bull, and Jamie wasn't used to cattle, much less ones with horns,
and a bull to boot! Once it was determined her fear was cattle in general and not because of the breed, we contacted Circle ME Ranch and
told them we would purchase the pair of heifer calves. We got to choose their
names, and being they were Scottish cattle, we dutifully went on-line and found
some good Scottish names for them, Aila and Netta. That was our start in the
cattle world. To meet our fold of cattle flick on "Our Fold" under the Scottish Highland Cattle tab above.
Why Scottish Highland??
We had decided long ago that we wanted to choose a heritage breed when we got cattle. There are lots to choose from, with horns and without, large and small. We decided on the Scottish Highlands because they are hardy, disease resistant, do well on grass based systems, and are known to be intelligent and docile. They also produce lean meat that is naturally marbled. They have a thick double coat, so they don't need layers of fat to keep them warm in the winter months and are, therefore, very lean. Hardiness is a factor to not be taken lightly! In the winter we get very severe winds which blow across what was once thousands of acres of prairie. The cattle will take shelter in the shed, but they look equally at home outside covered in ice and snow. We were also interested in the Highlands because they are listed as a "recovering" breed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, and we like to do our part to keep rare breeds alive.
Our Experience
We really have fallen in love with these animals. They are intelligent, and fun to watch! When they were young we used the lack of grass in their dry lot to allow us to handle them every day. We led them out to pasture at night and brought them back in during the day so they had shade. We combed and combed them to let them know we could be trusted. Of course, once in a while they would get a little wild - they couldn't help it, they were young! Aila got in the habit of running from Mark when he went to get them, which turned out to be a great game for her. It was fun to watch if you weren't the one chasing them around. Jamie could generally walk right up to them.
Jamie has always wanted to show cattle, and so
our show careers began! We show to have fun, learn more about the animals we
have and how to improve the next generation. We also enjoy talking with other
breeders and spectators about our animals. We never pretend to know much - just
share what we know and what we have experienced. We are up to 13 animals in our
herd, or fold as is used for Scottish Highland cattle, 1 of which is a steer
owned by City Slicker Farm in Austin, MN (a 13 year old girl who lives in town
but has been showing with us now for 5 years). The Scottish Highlands are
mostly shown against other Highlands, however we have begun to go to some
junior beef shows with City Slicker Farm - now increasing by 1 member, since a
sister is now showing the cattle! It has been interesting to see them in
classes with other commercial breeds. The Highland shows are mostly in the fall
- the cooler weather is better for the animals. We also take ours to the Mower
County Fair each year to allow people to see them and show them in the open
beef show.
Through events such as the National Western Stock show, the American Highland
Cattle Association National Convention, and the North Central Highland Cattle
Association annual meeting we have learned more about the breed and have
developed relationships with other Highland owners. Because the association is
small, we have wonderful relationships and people refer interested buyers to
other owners who may be in their geographic area of the country. It is a great
group to be a part of.
Like most cattle, our Highlands are curious, playful, and sometimes can be
naughty, just like any kid. As promised by other breeders we talked to, the
breed is very rugged and smart and has been easy for us to manage. Their
temperament has been one of the things we love most about them. They are easy
to be around and will walk up to you looking for some scratches. We often have
visitors out in the pasture with us and the biggest thing to watch for is that
they don't scare the visitors with their desire for attention!