american scottish highland cattle association

I soon bought four heifers, three for me and one for Donny, to enrich his growing herd. And as I later concluded, they too were only gentle giants. The breeders’ bull never concerned himself with our presence. As for the bull, Daddy always said, “There is nothing more dangerous on a farm than a pet bull.” The reason: you turn your back on a pet bull. I was no stranger to cattle, and could also see they showed no threat. The breeder reassured me of their docile attitude. I must admit I was apprehensive to walk out into a pasture with all those horns, including a bull. I tracked down the closest breeder for the American Highland Cattle Association (AHCA). I set out to start my own herd of Highland cattle. Coincidentally, my best friend Donny had already acquired a pair of young Highlands. I became fascinated by this regal-looking hairy beast. About this same time in my life I was investigating my own Scottish heritage. Scottish Highland cattle became the most memorable breed for which I had the pleasure of caring. It took getting my own farm in my 40s to focus on the best breed of cattle I could truly enjoy and invest my limited time in. Over the years, I have enjoyed raising Jersey cows, Herford cattle, Simmental cattle, Dexter cattle, Charolais cattle and belted Galloway cattle.

Years passed, but I always kept a little beef herd growing at my father’s farm. There were a lot of chores for a boy in those days.

At home, we kept our own herd of Black Angus. I spent much of my youth at Grandpa’s dairy farm, including milking cows in my later teens. Story & Photos By Tom Fuller – Cattle have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and Highland cattle are by far the most memorable and entertaining breed of my cattle raising experiences.

American scottish highland cattle association