Raising Scottish Highland cattle on my 100-acre farm has been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done. These beautiful animals thrive in the environment I’ve created and represent my personal pledge to sustainability and my fondness for nature.
The Scottish Highland breed features long, shaggy coats and defining horns, but what’s truly incredible is their adaptivity. Despite the ruggedness of their appearance, they are very well suited to the cold, dreary winters of the Ancaster region, which perfectly complements my farm’s climate and terrain. This hardiness is one reason I selected these cattle for my farm.
These cows are more than cattle. They help maintain the delicate balance of my farm’s ecosystem. Their presence helps manage vegetation and encourages the growth of native plants that sustain other species. I’ve always felt that farming and nature should go hand in hand, and the Scottish Highland cattle are a key part of that ethos. They help keep my land clean and healthy, and they give me beef that is a byproduct of sustainable practices.
It’s a hands-on process to raise them. Although cattle are inherently independent creatures, often seen wandering calmly over a rolling pastureland, they still need attention and care. Throughout the day, a good part of my time is spent making sure they have what they need, whether it’s fresh water on tap, quality feed available, or shelter from inclement weather. One of the things I like most about it is the relationship I’ve developed with the animals. They all have their own personalities, and over time, you come to know them more personally. The cattle trust me, and I’m proud that I know I’m giving them all the best care I can.
Another thing I love about raising Scottish Highland cattle is that they can do well on natural forage. By incorporating native grasses, I’ve built a diverse and healthy ecosystem, ensuring it’s free from harsh chemicals and industrial farming. In addition to grazing, the cattle also contribute to keeping my old Carolinian forests happy. Such natural behaviours promote biodiversity, which is key to the health of my farm’s ecosystem.
The more I pay attention to the welfare of the animals and the land, the more integrated everything becomes. The cattle thrive in a healthier environment, which in turn further nourishes the land to grow crops that feed my orchard. It creates a sustainable 2cycle that invigorates my passion for preserving the land.
Raising cattle is hard work, but it’s also rewarding. To know that the beef being raised on my farm is high-quality and ethically sourced is very satisfying. It is the product of respect for both the animals and the environments that they inhabit. Being out in the pasture with the cattle and spending time in the orchard reminds me that sustainable practices are important in agriculture.
Raising Scottish Highland cattle is about fostering a system in which nature, farming and animals coexist in balance. They’re a work in progress, and all you can do is take life day by day and learn to be the best parent you can be through the trial and error that is raising them. Looking forward, I’m thrilled with my farm’s future and the part these cattle will serve as the legacy of my farm.