The rumen (stomach) of a cow is approximately 1 degree warmer than the cow’s body temperature. In the warmer months, the horns are critical for the health of the cow. The blood flowing through the horns is cooled, much like a radiator in a car, before circulating through the body. In addition, the horns are very vascular. They can move brush aside for foraging, scratch a pesky itch on their back, and protect thier young. These majestic animals are able to use their horns with almost surgeon-like precision. These horns are as much a necessity to the cow as your arm is to you. The long-curled horns of a Highland cow are beautiful and intimidating at the same time. The hair tends to thin during the warm months but will become thick and long during the colder months. It also gives the cows summer protection against flies in their eyes and face. The hair, known as the “dossen”, serves as a shield for wind, rain, sleet, and snow. The most recognized trait of a Scottish Highland cow is the long shaggy fringe of hair covering the face and eyes. The Highland cattle on Cyrus Ridge Farm are selected, bred, and trained to be friendly and docile with their owners. We are able to enjoy the benefits of those years of selective breeding. Of course, it was crucial that their cattle had docile and friendly personalities with these living arrangements. They would bring their cow(s) into the house during the winter to generate heat for the family and to keep the cow safe from predators or thieves. Most of the Highland mountain farmers didn’t have the means or space to build barns and shelters for their cows. These cows continue to meet all the criteria for which they were originally bred.
Through centuries of selective breeding the Scottish Highland cattle breed was developed. They found themselves looking for a cattle breed that would be able to survive the harsh winters, provide calcium & protein rich milk, and offer tasty lean meat. The families were unable to feed or sustain a large herd of cattle. The homesteads in the mountain regions were relatively small, mostly restricted by the geography. Necessity is the mother of invention, and the Scottish Highland cattle breed is the product of a dire necessity. The Scotts, being a resilient and determined clan, found ways to make life in the mountains comfortable. The primary challenge for these settlers was to survive in the harsh climate. This mountainous region was inhabited as early as the 14th century by the Scottish settlers who wanted to move out of the “crowded” lowlands area. Contact us for availability and pricing.The Scottish Highland cattle breed originates from the Gaelic region of Scotland known as the Highlands.
Ultra sound tests on Highland bulls show tremendous ribeye areas, good marbling and little outside back fat.This all leads to beef that is naturally tender with exquisite flavor! It is the perfect choice for those who want to consume pure pasture raised healthy beef. Whether it is gracing the tables of British royalty or winning the Fed Beef Contest at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, the quality of Highland beef shines through. Highland cattle have been long known for the quality beef they produce. Simply known as Highland Cattle, these animals are instantly reconized by their sweeping horns and flowing hair. Over the last 500 years, amongst the mist and rugged hills of the Highlands of Scottland, a breed of cattle developed so hardy and beautiful they symbolize the area from which they came. This is a unique and distintive breed of cattle which is well known for it's lean, richly flavored beef. Less overall fat, more protein, fewer calories, more omega-3 fatty acids, more CLA, more vitamin E and more beta-carotene. This breed is known for its excellent tender beef which we sell by the cut, half or whole.The benefits of Highland beef are many.
They free-range on our high elevation pastures and drink from clear, clean mountain water.
Our beef is raised without antibiotics or added hormones, they are never put in feed lots or exposed to chemicals or pesticides. We are a family owned and operated farm in Lansing NC.We breed and raise Scottish Highland Cattle for meat sales and breeding stock.
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