8 Reasons To Buy Highland Cows For Your Homestead

In this video I give 8 reasons why we like Highland Cows for our Homestead.
We love them here on our homestead and recommend them to others who are thinking about getting cows.
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[@john172867]

I don't think I could ever use a highland cow for meat... Such a beautiful creature! 🐮

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Yes, it is hard for us to harvest them.

[@fabiancanada8876]

I agree. We have pigs&meat birds&chickens. I don't like killing any of them.. but I don't like to eat carrots all the time.. and where we live gras grows really well so having an animal convert the grass into milk (yoghurt, cheese,etc.) and meat makes a lot of sense where we are (Nova Scotia, difficult climate). Its a meat and potato climate. But having said that, we are trying hard to eat as little meat as possible (which has been difficult so far). A greenhouse&root cellar would further cut down on the meat but we haven't been able to come up with the money for the infrastructure yet..

[@TRINITY-ks6nw]

A1 on seared steak No problems

[@alexludavertigo6926]

My Scottish teacher said they're delicious 🤤 need me some🤤

[@theelpydimension]

I'm not a homesteader but I'm a gardener and a curious person! Those are some beautiful animals and it's interesting to learn what makes them good to raise. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Awesome! Always great to learn new things!

[@Kim-J312]

Giving up my city slicker life , going to be w my family , they all have farms. I'm just in love with w the highlands ❤️ and goats ❤️.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

That's so great to hear!!

[@LS-mc2rv]

I couldn't have them killed. They are so mellow and beautiful.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Yes, it's emotional for us.

[@linda6987]

Reason #9 - THEY ARE ADORABLE AND CUTE! ♥️

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Oh exactly!!

[@christinelesch5042]

Thanks for the information about those highlighted cows

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Glad you found it useful!

[@lindatimmons3675]

Awww love your Bassett Hound. Adorable

[@richbattaglia5350]

Useful information for a pretty animal.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thank you!

[@AlongTheRiverHomestead]

Man if I had the land these would be perfect for us! Kind of the same reasons you have them. Love that they are low key. Looks like Odin loved the cows too! I want to come and visit them ,LOL!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

We want to figure out a way people can visit and feed/pet them.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Grew up with Hereford and Herford/Angus crosses but always loved the Highlanders.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thanks!!

[@AldermanFarms]

Reason # 8 is the REAL reason!!! hahaha - THEY LOOK MYTHICAL!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Hahaha Exactly!!

[@duncancallum]

Go to Scotland and see that the Heilan Coos live in a Mythical Country.PS that is what these animals are called in Scotland.

[@fasteddie4107]

Very useful info. You have some majestic-looking, happy cows. Thank you for putting this out.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thanks for watching!

[@fasteddie4107]

@@ThorHavenFarm keep on keeping on, Brother. God Bless.

[@BondedOakAcres]

We love our highland bull

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Hard not to eh!!

[@GoodTimeHollerHomestead]

Cows are so big but remind me of teddy bears

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Beautiful cows, this video makes me wanna get highland cows

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Hard not to fall in love with them!

[@GoodTimeHollerHomestead]

Lol right!!!

[@GoodTimeHollerHomestead]

They look so Majestic! You are making me want cows even more haha

[@ThorHavenFarm]

You won't regret it, or you might!! LOL

[@kswaynes7569]

I never had a problem with my Highlands being aggressive with their horns, my pewter bull was the most docile when he was with the herd. The slaughter houses hated dealing with large horned cattle, there chutes and runways were designed for polled cattle.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Yup, the horns make it hard for commercial places.

[@junodacres]

We also love our Highlands on Junod Acres! They’re easy to maintain and beautiful!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

That's so awesome to hear!!

[@carolinagirl7596]

Beautiful animals.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thank you so much!!

[@TrishCanyon9]

I could have been a rancher. I think it's a great lifestyle and I have much admiration for what you do raising beef animals. I know you have jobs and it's not easy. I think your homestead is beautiful.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@harvestvillage695]

#9 :they look like you😀 JK. Great video!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

LMAO!! True though!! Thanks!!

[@willhoneycutt6315]

Good stuff man !! I wish success for you and your family and cows !!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thank you so much!!

[@bryansloesshillshomestead4523]

Great information. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Welcome!!

[@littleliftera8244]

Thank you for the video!!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thank you for watching!

[@sarmadnajim4839]

Many thanks for the advice , appreciate it

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thanks for watching

[@offwiththefairiesforever2373]

I love them x

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@tiernanwearen8096]

Thanks for the advice you just got another subscriber

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Awesome, thank you!

[@1caramelle1]

c'est vrai les Highlands sont de très belles bêtes💙💖

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Merci beucoup!!!

[@timothysnowden8348]

They loved to be combed Especially on the neck and chin.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

They really do!!

[@nunyabisnass1141]

Ive seen many videos of highlands being cautious with their own horns around ppl, accidents may happen, but generally they dont mean it. I would love to have some if i had a farm.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

So true, they know where their horns are all all times

[@fabiancanada8876]

Very interesting, thanks for the video! We would love to get Scottish Highland Cattle (get our own meat&milk).

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Very welcome!! We recommend them! So great to have!

[@bettinah.7429]

I really like Highland cattle,their horns do freak me out a bit. Not so much because I think they want to hurt you but just more accidental. I have horses,so if I had my own place I would worry about keeping them together. I guess it is a mute point since I don’t have a farm . 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@ThorHavenFarm]

The horns do take some getting use to!

[@GoodTimeHollerHomestead]

The horns scare me a bit too haha!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

@@GoodTimeHollerHomestead Yup, just have to be careful

[@kswaynes7569]

I raised Highlands and they ran with 4 draft horses. The Highlands are very docile, especially my bull BUT my horses bullied the cows and ran them through the fences a couple times.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

If you use weights as the Highlands are growing and bend the horns down so the points don’t stick out, are they still able to use the horns for defense against bears (as a blunt weapon instead of a pointy one)? In Braveheart when they bring back Wallace’s dad’s and brother’s bodies, I believe the oxen pulling the cart are Highlands with the horns going down.

[@NadesikoRose]

Definitely plan on getting a couple once I have my acreage, it was a toss up between the mini-jerseys and highland. The only reason why I choose the mini-jersey is because of the milk, so may just crossbreed the two to increase the milk production of the highland a bit. Thank goodness your place is close by, I live in New Brunswick and was beginning to despair about ever finding a place that has highland cattle that I could visit and ask questions before making that final step once I have my acreage.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Either way you go with cow breed, you'll be happy!

[@beehive5835]

They also make great pets.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Very true!

[@s.coloradosteader8097]

Damn my zone is to warm. I love dual purpose anything.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Dual and multipurpose rock!!

[@yoopermann7942]

that is the main breed i want, the second one is dexter, the third is short horn, the dexter would be the bull for size, the other two breeds would be the cows,, just subscribed

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thanks so much for checking us out!!!

[@NadesikoRose]

I agree, except my two choices were the mini-jersey and the highland. Only reason why I choose the mini-jersey is it’s size and the large amount of milk they produce, I may crossbreed the two and increase the amount of milk the highlands produce that way…. Haven’t fully made up my mind though, still need to ask questions and do research…😊

[@HerEcolife]

Meat cows are nice. I agree easy keepers.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

We'll have to get you a couple!

[@MiscMitz]

You've sold me. They had me at fuzziness. One question though, I'm in zone 8b. Is that too warm? I suppose I could shave them and make yarn... I am definitely in love.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Might be too warm for them. Hard to resist though!

[@MiscMitz]

@@ThorHavenFarm 😥 😔

[@MiscMitz]

@@ThorHavenFarm yay! Apparently they can! Google to the rescue! They shed their coat. 😀 😁 🐮

[@ThorHavenFarm]

@@MiscMitz Awesome!!!

[@CWG-op9td]

😍😍😍😍

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thank you!

[@gypsypath1]

I want a polled miniature highland cow (polled because I’m too ADHD and run into things). My teen has given me permission to have _one_ to hang out with our/my goats because I’d otherwise wind up with way too many (like our goats). 🙃

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Oh that's great!!!

[@hazelumbrella9890]

The cows can't be taken by predators either unless you have a big bear on your hands

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Very true!!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

All the land I own has bears (where I’m building my cabin has a massive male grizzly denning only 120 feet away, also on my property)… there is plenty of other food in the area, do you think there’d be an issue with the other food available? Are they better with large numbers?

[@hazelumbrella9890]

@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ The bear will probably not attack as long as it doesen't get sick or injured or for some reason it can't get enough food. And bears will more often attck single animals rather than when they're in a group. The best protection is a sturdy fence with electric wire on top or a guard dog that can scare it off before if wants to even get close.

[@ikarosflutes]

Hello, thanks for the video! I was looking at a 10 acres property to move onto and was definitely hoping to get 2 or 3 highland cows. My idea was having 2 separate 3 acres pastures to alternate with. The pastures are good quality. Do you think that would be sufficient or would you recommend just having one big 6 acre space for them. I would look to supplement hay in summer months etc. I'm trying to get details before putting an offer in for property to make sure there will be sufficient space as I adore highland cows and really want them on the future property I get.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thanks for watching! Yes, 10acres would be great and making a few different pastures will definitely be helpful when you rotate them. I'd recommend that vs one big one. The downside is then needing more gates, more water troughs etc.

[@ikarosflutes]

@@ThorHavenFarm awesome thank you so much for your reply! I'll probably split 6 acres into two and rotate when the time comes! I'm still a while off but just gathering as much information as I can!

[@gypsypath1]

Obviously not the OP, but thought I’d throw in (we have goats rather than cows). If you can swing making the fields even smaller, you can rotate more frequently. It helps break the parasite cycle if you can keep them off a field long enough for the parasite eggs to die.

[@ikarosflutes]

@@gypsypath1 how long does it take for the parasites eggs to die? Would you recommend 3 2 acres fields?

[@mike196425]

How do they do in warmer weather? I get cold winters but the summers warm up to the 90's, should I consider moving further North in the U.S. so it's not so hot in the summers?

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Sounds like they do alright in warmer climates, they just don't grow as thick a winter coat

[@strartur]

Probably a huge pain in the a.. to transport them.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Not too bad. Thankfully we don't have to

[@HedgehogsHomestead]

How would a highland cow be in Tennessee it’s rainy and damp during the winter and hot hot humid in the summer

[@ThorHavenFarm]

It sounds like it would be ok. There seem to be a lot of them down south

[@raystravel8325]

How much do they compare in price to normal cows? I like these type because it looks like they can handle the cold better.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

They go for around the same from what we have seen, just a little harder for find.

[@raystravel8325]

@@ThorHavenFarm that is good to hear. I suppose everyone is wanting to go off grid. I mainly want some pets that I can eat for the just in case situation. But honestly I will probably just keep them and harvest milk. They don't need to die for that lol. They have some really cute babies. I've never owned any sort of cows. We always stuck with horses. I suppose I might need to learn up on it a bit.

[@NadesikoRose]

I am the same way, I like animals and would find it difficult to slaughter any of them so will have to get someone else to do that for me. My roommate loves animals as well, except he is firmly in the ‘no slaughter, only pets’ camp… I am more pragmatic and practical, I like meat and other things….but it’s not the only thing I eat. I am also not a big ‘red meat’ consumer now, leaning more into seafood and other types of fish but still love my steaks and pork chops…

[@SissibooAcresHomestead]

Do they make good cows if we want to get some milk each day to use for cheese and butter too?

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Yes, actually they can be milked for cheese and butter as well!

[@Mpemusicacademy]

@@ThorHavenFarm I'd be so interested to learn more about how to do this!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

@@Mpemusicacademy Yes! Us too! LOL

[@Mpemusicacademy]

@@ThorHavenFarm 😂

[@paigen5717]

Are they pretty quick land clearers?

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Not real quick. They will clear patches but takes them a bit

[@alexludavertigo6926]

Wouldn't moss/branch fed hairy coo taste different from hay/grass fed?

[@ThorHavenFarm]

I would think slightly but we haven't noticed any huge difference.

[@hailheaven4372]

But what does Highland Cow Milk taste like??.. how does the Cheese and butter and yogurt from these Cows taste like??.. I wish someone would address that!

[@ThorHavenFarm]

It it's too bad, however they don't produce a lot of milk vs a dairy cow. I don't know of anyone who does use Highlands for making cheese, butter or yogurt. I would love to try it though.

[@EndeavorReptiles]

Have you had issues with coyotes? I want to have mine a bit from home but worry about those damn yotes...

[@ThorHavenFarm]

No coyote issues. They don’t want to mess with the horns LOL

[@EndeavorReptiles]

@@ThorHavenFarm that makes sense. thanks for the reply.

[@armincal9834]

You have a farm and you still need a full time job? Does farming suck THAT hard in America?

[@ThorHavenFarm]

We don’t sell our meat or produce at all. It’s just for our own personal consumption. It’s why we have to make money some other way

[@beholden1663]

Do people that have them eventually kill them to eat the meat? How do they do the kill humanely? It seems sad they die

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Yes, we keep ours so we can produce our own meat. We prefer that to buying in a grocery store. We know they have had an amazing life with us. It is hard and emotional to harvest them after spending the time with them.

[@user-ye3vg7wb6i]

hi can you give one highland baby cow female i am in pakistan plzzzzzzz ilove sooo muchh

[@greenthumbprepper8653]

Can you keep the bull in with the cows 24/7?

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Yes, no problem, however most places separate the bulls when the moms are giving birth.

[@greenthumbprepper8653]

@@ThorHavenFarm Excellent. Because. I don’t want to have an ornery bull who has to be alone constantly. I’d prefer a happy herd situation.

[@waterhead001]

How many acres do you have?

[@ThorHavenFarm]

We are on 13 acres

[@themaan05]

Can they survive summer seasons?

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Depends how hot. It looks like there are a few farms in the middle of the US, so they can tolerate some warmer climates

[@kswaynes7569]

@@ThorHavenFarm There are small herds in Kansas and Missouri

[@themaan05]

@@ThorHavenFarm lets say maximum of 35 to 45 degree celsius

[@ThorHavenFarm]

@@themaan05 Sounds like that is too hot for them. I just read a study where the Highland Cows had trouble at 31 degree C. Compared to the Zebu which had no problem

[@ThorHavenFarm]

@@kswaynes7569 Oh neat!

[@neessanmackay9564]

Still it demands alot of space

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Yes, definitely vs chickens, rabbits and pigs

[@wwllmcheng]

I wd think their health, nutrition n vaccine is a challenge.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Their horns make is a challenge some times

[@fuckchocouch]

Gods creatures.

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Oh yes

[@danielforrest3871]

Blahhh... thier hooves need trimming, they trend to lay in thier own feces, so that long fur gets reall rank in the spring and early summer time. They really need more land to roam. Don't do well in warm climates blah blah blah. All calfs are cuddly. Love ya, but ....

[@ThorHavenFarm]

All calves are cuddly aren't they!!

[@zezeandjr4110]

As a person in tech, I found your video educational and entertaining, I'd love to have a homestead with some highlander cows, they're beautiful, mine will only be for petting, for kids and people to come out, pet and enjoy them, not that other stuff (with all due respect to other believes).

[@ThorHavenFarm]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! You will enjoy petting them and watching them quite a bit!! They bring a lot of joy!