Fluffy Cows: Highland

Welcome back to The Bovine Buff! This week, you're exploring one of the most visually striking and rugged cattle breeds out there: the Highland. With their long, shaggy coats and sweeping horns, Highland cattle look like something out of a medieval painting, but these animals are far more than just a pretty face.

Highland cattle originated in the Scottish Highlands and the western islands of Scotland. For centuries, they’ve adapted to one of the harshest climates in the world, thriving in cold, wet, and rocky conditions that would challenge most other breeds. Their signature double coat, a soft, insulating undercoat beneath a long, coarse outer layer, helps them stay warm and dry even in freezing weather. This natural insulation also reduces the need for body fat, which contributes to their lean and flavorful beef.

You’ll often spot Highland cattle with long horns, which they use for foraging through snow and defending themselves. They come in a variety of colors, including red, black, yellow, dun, and white. Red is the most common, but no matter the color, Highland cattle are known for their calm temperament and strong maternal instincts. These traits make them easier to manage and ideal for small farms or pasture-based systems.

One of the biggest reasons Highland cattle have become popular in the U.S. is their beef quality. Even though they don’t put on as much weight as some commercial breeds, Highland beef is naturally lean, well-marbled, and lower in cholesterol. It’s considered premium beef with a rich flavor and tenderness that doesn’t require heavy fat content. Because of their hardiness, Highlands also require less grain and intensive feeding, making them a solid choice for producers focused on sustainable or grass-fed systems.

Another bonus? Highland cattle are long-lived and productive for many years. Cows often calve well into their teens, and the breed is known for its ease of calving thanks to its smaller birth weights. That’s less stress on the animal and on you.

Next time you’re hiking through a rugged pasture or browsing for premium cuts at a local butcher, don’t overlook the Highland. With their unique look, gentle nature, and exceptional beef, these shaggy icons are much more than just livestock, they’re a symbol of strength, heritage, and quality.