The allure of Scottish Highland cattle is rapidly growing among farmers and enthusiasts, driven by their distinctive characteristics and numerous advantages. Many farmers are initially captivated by the breed's striking appearance but soon discovered the exceptional qualities of their meat.
Highland beef boasts remarkable flavor, leanness, and an impressive protein-to-cholesterol ratio, resembling the qualities of venison. This recognition has contributed to the breed's increasing popularity, with an expanding number of Highland cattle raisers across Pennsylvania.
According to Judy Ligo, a seasoned breeder at LiTerra farm in Grove City, the appeal of Highlands extends beyond their unique aesthetics. The breed's long, thick coats and majestic horns make them an attractive novelty, resulting in surging prices for registered cows that can reach up to $10,000.
However, it is the breed's simplicity, efficiency, and adaptability that have endeared them to farmers. Highland cattle exhibit excellent grazing abilities, self-sufficiency, and resilience, making them highly suitable for diverse agricultural landscapes. Known for their intelligence and docile nature, Highlands thrive in grass-fed operations and display exceptional maternal instincts during calving.
Highland cattle's efficiency is further exemplified by their ability to grow a second coat of hair during winter, eliminating the need for excessive fat accumulation to maintain warmth. This energy-saving adaptation allows them to channel calories into growth and weight gain, even when fed solely on hay. The copious amount of hair also attracts cattle show enthusiasts, as Highlands' impressive mane provides ample material for grooming and presentation.
Additionally, the hybrid vigor resulting from crossing Highlands with commercial Angus cattle has yielded impressive results. The Angus-Highland crosses exhibit desirable characteristics such as polled genetics, reduced horn growth, and a persistent marbling quality inherited from the Highland lineage. These advantageous attributes make the crosses popular at auctions, where purebred Highlands may face challenges due to processors' aversion to handling horns.
As demand for Highland breeding stock continues to surge, breeders like Ligo find it challenging to expand their herds. Nonetheless, Highland cattle have found their niche on diverse farms, both for meat production and property maintenance. Their efficient grazing habits make them valuable for clearing brush and vegetation, attracting farmers who appreciate their friendly demeanor, space-consciousness, and goat-like effectiveness.
With their combination of distinctive traits, flavorful meat, and versatility in various agricultural operations, Highland cattle are carving a prominent place for themselves in the farming landscape. As more farmers recognize their value, the breed's popularity is poised to continue flourishing, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking exceptional beef production and efficient land management solutions.
Photo Credit: istock-jakescreates
Categories: Pennsylvania, Energy, Livestock, Beef Cattle