ABOUT HIGHLANDS*
Highlands (sometimes called "Scotch or Scottish Highlands") are an ancient breed known to have grazed the rugged Scottish landscape since the sixth century, making them one of the oldest known breeds of cattle. Believed to be the blending of two ancient Asiatic breeds, the "Bos Longifrons" and the "Bos Primigenius," these highly desirable animals are noted for their ease of calving, high quality beef and superb hides.

Highlands require a minimum of management and care, do not require barn housing and they forage readily where feed is sparse. Noted as browsers and brush clearers, they eat much of what other cattle pass by. Their double coat of hair and natural hardiness allows them to adapt to many climates, shedding much of their hair in warming temperatures. Despite their long horns, they are gentle and easily handled, are distinguished for their quiet dispositions, superior intelligence and calm nature.

The extremely harsh conditions created a process of natural selection, where only the fittest and most adaptable animals survived to carry on the breed. Originally there were two distinct classes: The slightly smaller and usually black Kyloe, whose primary domain was the islands off the west coast of northern Scotland; the other, a larger animal generally reddish in color, whose territory was the remote Highlands of Scotland. Today both of these strains are regarded as one breed—the Highland. In addition to the red and black of the original strains, yellow, dun and silver-white are also considered traditional colors.

The Highland is the oldest registered breed of cattle with the first herd book being established in 1884. Around that time, American cattlemen from the western U.S. recognized the natural qualities of the Highland animal and imported them to improve the bloodlines of their herds. As a result, the Highland contributed in a great way to the success of the American cattle industry. Today Highlands are found throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Australia, and South America.