How To Handle A Highland Bull

It is time for our Scottish Highland Cattle bull to be processed. Working with cattle, especially bulls, can be tricky. In this video I show you a method to handle cattle that will cause minimum stress on you and the animal.
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[@Cheshyre.]

You're a very fine example of a true farmer. You remind me of my Grandfather; he was gentle with his animals, too.

[@suraim_shelby]

Are you sure?

[@fuqutube]

@@suraim_shelby I love to butcher, the best part. Same thing I like to do to the commie liberals!

[@debramurray5132]

No stress for your bull, perfect. Great video, ty.

[@patriciakavanaugh5300]

I love your farming philosophy, rotating cattle to chickens to garden. Natural ways with both animals and plants gives the best healthy results for each life.

[@Tryagain563]

I like the way you took your time with him and let him feel he had space so he wouldn't panic and hurt you. Less stress for the animal also guarantees less damage to the inside of the truck too. Where I am on the run-off in NZ, when the truck comes for the bulls, the driver jumps out (the farmers brother,) and with an electric cattle prod, shouts at them and bullies them into the truck. I have not seen him use the prod more than once or twice though. with each round up. But I don't believe the prod is needed if they would be patient. But then the driver lies on top of the truck and through an opening with his prod he makes them go into the part he wants them in, inside the truck. The man (a few kilometers away) who repairs trucks etc., always has huge cattle trucks where all the metal bars inside the truck are kicked out and bent and the metal walls of the truck bent, all because of rough handling in getting the bulls onboard. With the cows the driver is just as rough. I first thought it was because he was in a big hurry, but then after the animals are onboard, he will chat for 20 minutes or so with the farmer. One time when his truck rolled up to move three bulls and two steers, they all reacted with fear. They knew I was a friend and ran toward me - as if I could do anything! I felt like such a traitor to not be able to help them. So in desperation, the two steers one after the other, took a running leap for a fairly high metal gate and just made it over the top, then ran flat out down the hill and got away! Then the bulls ran toward the gate too, but wisely did not try it, they sensed they just did not have what it took to make it over the gate without severe injury! It was horrible to see their fear, I think they somehow knew they were going to the slaughterhouse. The farmer had to jump onto his quad-bike and chase down the steers and eventually got them and they were put in the truck. When he came back with them, I felt they deserved a heroes welcome! it took a lot of courage to leap such a high metal fence.

[@gerrymarmee3054]

Your patience and wisdom paid off!

[@LearningAllICan]

Whenever I see Highland cattle, I think of that old cartoon where a bull is getting ready to charge and he takes out a pencil sharpener and sharpens the tips of his horns. Yes ... I am giving way too much away about my age. Love your vids!

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

I remember that cartoon too. Please pass me the Geritol!

[@FadedSpartan27]

Well i'm only 23 an i remember that lol so you cant be but so old.

[@gelwood99]

Sadly you saw the reruns but us old peeps saw the original!

[@C172Pilotdude]

I am 33 and I remember those cartoons.

[@MooyakAttack]

Wasn't that in an old looney tunes with bugs bunny?

[@cathysteenson9591]

Nice job. I like your methods of handling them.

[@lifeinthebackgarden3715]

Lovely Scottish beef mmmm.Great video again.Did you know the queen of England has pure thorough breads highland cows at her balmoral estate.She wins competitions all the time.And the beef is lovely of what I have heard

[@lifeinthebackgarden3715]

SW627 ok you got me.The paupers who work for her win for her

[@woodneukfarm5810]

@SW627 Many people have won against the Queen! We are proud winners once beating her!

[@stevenford3600]

And there handling leaves a lot to be desired. If she only gave the same respect to her coo’s as she does her horses

[@dlschnell9326]

We just went threw the same thing yesterday but unfortunately it did not go as smooth as the loading of your bull did. We lured ours into the catch pen to let him calm down and to adjust to the trailer being there...then he got a better idea and put his horns under the cattle panels lifted them and took off dragging them threw the pasture. They were connected together with straps and one of them tied to a tree..he broke them loose ..drug them and finally got free from them. So we set them up again this time with chains..I lured him into the catch pen with feed as my husband did what you just did and walked towards him then stop etc. (We raise Longhorn / Angus mix) He went right in. Most of our cattle just walk right in following a feed bucket..but our trailer has an escape door for the person holding the feed. Thank goodness.We will keep this video in mind when loading the next..thank you!

[@dlschnell9326]

haha ..thank you for sharing that information Jan, In ways it makes us feel better that we are not the only ones that have challenges lol

[@SunfireWoods]

Jan Söderman watch it again from 1:20. The video is not edited. It took Simeon about a minute from the time he walked away from the camera to the time he closed the trailer gate with the bull inside. Give the man his due credit, he's very good working with his animals.

[@jlinnz8255]

very well done! I have bulls that have charged me in the fields when I tend to weeds. thier big grass fed Angus cattle. I hope to get them out soon.

[@annebell7274]

Awwww bless Bella staying close and wondering what's going on. 💖💕💖

[@jamesgow3593]

Great video, nice , slow and gentle. Good job Simeon. Looking forward to another great season tyvm, Red

[@mulie55]

Well done . Can't wait to see what the Beltie adds to your cows. We have Belted Galloway on farm next door and nice animals .

[@Afraithe]

Highlands are so easy to work with. I remember releasing the cows in the spring at our neighbors place before they had Highland, it was scary, grown men running for their lives through the mud was fun to watch though.

[@sarahaugustine4185]

Well done. Sure hope the processing goes as well.

[@saddleridge4364]

Nicely done Simeon!

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

I love the cow dig garden method.

[@sisken12]

Very nice. Was wondering, why don’t you use dogs. Too few cows?

[@rockett725]

Nicely done

[@lifeatufsvasskjerra3462]

Calm and nice! Better than to risk getting stabbed by those horns, better for the bull, better for the meat quality. By the way, do you utilise the horns as well? If not I know a lot of crafts people who whould...

[@robthompsonfarm3902]

That was awesome!! Are they a very good beef cow?? I was thinking of raising a few...

[@bryancostin9700]

I dont know if you see this but im looking for help wherever i can get it our highland bull is 7-8 years old and has always been a docile animal and yet these past few months hasd been acting strange crying out repeatedly and being abnormally aggressive to the other cows and we cant tell why. google doesnt help and no vets in the area has ever treated a scottish highland bull before. please if you know whats wrong can you tell me

[@Eon69nc]

How about update on Sally, when you butchered did they see any visible signs why she could not conceive?

[@vickyshambo4961]

The big guy is like - what's up?

[@airportnurse12]

Simeon-- You may have mentioned this on a previous video, but don't remember the answer: Do you use the milk of your cows? Does it taste different from a more traditional dairy cow?

[@simeonandalex]

We don’t milk these cows.

[@marniespeaks]

how is the bull processed?

[@dirtyshirtinfo]

Marniespeaks they hand their paperwork to the inspector. If they stay calm, as shown, no questions asked. If they look nervous, they’re pulled into a room and their luggage is inspected.

[@MrKen-longrangegrdhogeliminato]

Well done my friend, ain't your first rodeo. ;-)

[@tsfcancerman]

Cows loves whole raw potatos, carrots and apples

[@nkyhomesteading6500]

I'm curious to know why you don't process the cattle yourself?

[@clarkdouglas6517]

Kind of like killing a member of the family depending on how long he's been around.

[@simeonandalex]

We process cattle ourselves for our own need. In this case we are selling most of it and it has to be processed in a certified place!

[@totaltwit]

"..to be processed.." aka killed and chopped up, always makes me feel sad, but I know that's the business. I've some cattle experience myself, being easy gets better results than being pushy, I can clearly see those boys are relaxed and "happy".

[@michaelknauer5873]

How come you don't process them if you raise them you should do the deed

[@2ladyhomesteadershodge898]

I noticed you said "bull" and not "steer ". Was he still intact or was he banded (neutered ). If he was left intact, does it affect the taste of the meat? My bull calf is 7 weeks old and that is why I am asking? What do you recommend? Vivian Ann on the side of the mountain in northeast Tennessee

[@jwhitley101whitleyfarms9]

Make him a steer it doesn't affect growth and makes the meat better

[@wiserguyer]

Was there any problems with Maggie's meat or organs ?

[@simeonandalex]

Who is Maggie?

[@SunfireWoods]

Swedish Homestead I think gerald smith meant Sally.

[@michellerushing4311]

I hear you always say that same thing to your cattle. What is that word that you say? Can it be translated?

[@michellerushing4311]

NancyOvergaard Thank you!

[@datboiloke113]

Steading My Home he is saying ”Kom” which is come/come here in swedish.

[@Johnrider1234]

Processed means killed.

[@simeonandalex]

Everything dies and gets killed by something. Processed means sacrificed for a high purpose of providing life and food in a local and sustainable food production.

[@pattysherwood7091]

I throw a can of grain on the floor and the animals run for it immediately.

[@rafsanaakterjannat8066]

এইও

[@annahomicka755]

I dont even have cows, WHY A I WATCHING THS AND OBBSESSSINNNN

[@moblack5883]

talks safety yet has his back towards a cow with horns....

[@cypheri1339]

The cow is not threatening him and he's still perfectly capable of hearing her even if his eyes are not on her 100% of the time. When you work with a group of animals long enough, you learn which ones can and cannot be trusted.

[@fucksalad1922]

Why would you ever want to slaughter them? Do you not feel bad after raising them and building a relationship with them? I would hate myself

[@donaldmiller8629]

Hi Simion , I've watched other people loading animals , trying to use some force to get the animal into a truck or trailer. Always a lot of action and stress not only on the animal but on the men as well . Watching the animal dodge left , right and even reversing direction , the loading seems to go fast because of all the action , when in fact , it often takes longer. Resulting in a stressed animal and a stressed man ! I like your calm , gentle persuasion.

[@maryclendenin8565]

Great observation Donald Miller...

[@johnmarquardt1991]

Stress can also cause some very bad meat.

[@michaelowen1750]

Little touch of sweet feed goes a long way too!

[@gelwood99]

Our processor always kept the animals penned for a few days to calm them down then gave them a gentle shot to the head. Our meat was always great. Stress tenses the muscle and makes tough meat.

[@donaldmiller8629]

Gail Elwood , That is not the only reason for a lower quality of meat . Tension and stress also causes the meat to be flooded with adrenaline ! Which will change the flavor of the meat . As with most things connected with animals of any kind , calm and gentle is the better way .

[@eileentombaker7852]

I’ve loaded many Highlanders in my life. Your approach is perfect. Most don’t understand how powerful/dangerous these bulls are. One of our bulls picked up a 1200 lb cow that had fallen on the ice with his horns. Calm, cool, steady.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Very thoughtful and effective cattle handling skills.thanks for sharing this.

[@chelemichele1524]

Between Sally and your bull you will have alot of good beef... 🌻have a beautiful day🌻

[@tonytanti8138]

I know it's part of the farm life but I could never send an animal to slaughter that I raised for so long

[@TealHouseFarm]

You made that look so easy! I like the gentle handling of animals, I think it's better for everyone involved. Thanks for sharing Simeon and keep up the great work!!

[@CatherineScott1]

Wow, how sad. Earlier today, I watched your video about what KZbin is doing to people and paused it to reference again later. When I went back to it again it said the video had been removed by user. I guess the KZbin Police got to you again. Good luck to you guys in the KZbin Union, I hope you get some good lawyers or even better they come to a fair agreement. Yes we love the KZbin platform but they have to understand they wouldn't exist either without people uploading content. Keep up the good work and don't worry about the trolls.

[@CatherineScott1]

P.S. I also think Vimeo is a great idea, I will look further into it.

[@ciaobella8963]

Done like a pro! :-) Buon appetito!

[@Betty823]

From 4:08 to 4:50 min. You can see the cow (Bella)thinking, where did he go? She keeps on looking at Simeon, then at the place the bull went (back and forth). She's really thinking, cows are not stupid.

[@NoseyNana]

I'm really looking forward to the Belted Galloway & then waiting for the little calves. I'm not a cow whisperer, but I just recently retired from over 50 years rescuing dachshunds, mostly tweenie & standard elders who'd lost their owners to divorce or death. So if you ever need help whispering to weiner dogs, let me know! This isn't me, but it gives you an idea how I felt at times :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp2lfa2gep2rZ8U

[@cherylinoklahoma9624]

+Nana Ann, thank you for sharing. That clip is really funny. "STAMPEDE!!!"

[@suzyhomesteader2454]

Pressure and release. You stayed calm even though you were putting pressure on the bull. His release was going into the trailer. Most prey animals feel better if they have some kind of light when going onto the trailer. They can see there isn't a predator in that dark cave you want them to go into. That's why our stock trailers have slats and have lots of sunlight so they can tell there isn't a predator in the trailer.

[@neesiedavis4062]

Less stress makes better beef...healthier beef! Wonderful to see the animals being treated right!

[@Beastmaster8698]

@@neesiedavis4062 until they reach the slaughter house 🤣

[@AgsiSD]

Simeon the 'Bull Whisperer'.

[@aemanuel4481]

Hi Simeon new subscriber here💪 nice watching your vlogs 👌

[@simeonandalex]

Nice! Welcome to the channel!

[@zaimahbegum-diamond1660]

I couldn't part with my babies. They are so beautiful. My dream is to have a small herd.

[@badarkayani6741]

It's good to see your videos. Always very informative. Thanks

[@Rottinrock]

we had both milk stock and beef stock. all were used to being handled. all got a little grain, extra with mineral supplement for those being milked. loading was easy, a little grain on the floor and they went right in

[@violagentsch]

Nicely done. Anybody watched the b....beating her 🐎 for about 30 plus minutes to get it into a trailer? It was horrific. Btw she said she was a horse trainer. Please watch and give her bad comments.

[@jimverbaere6097]

You were really good with that Bull. And He was good as well. I grew up in Chicago, but spent just about every summer in KY. All mom's family was here. Been here since 79' pigs was the biggest animals, some cows. Milking. Chickens/eggs, 2-3 horses. Wife and I been watching alot of the Highland cow videos.

[@dauntiekay2768]

You are one brave soul to be able to handle a bull!!! The bull is one animal I would not want to tackle or try to deal with! They have a lot of weight behind them and they are not to be reckoned with especially if they are mean. I love your videos--they bring back memories of living on the farm and farming.

[@xoxo68232]

And why don't they have a barn, you leave them on the rain??? That's mean, we even have shelters for drug addicts homeless people. :(

[@johnsmith-mm1vt]

I am sure a lot of people have bull stories . Being tossed in the air and landing in a heap best scenario , friend of mine had months off work broke fema length ways . Ouch !!!

[@Trapezius8oblique]

john smith yes I’ve been tossed in the air not good fun

[@robertshufflebotham5192]

inpresive i could not do that without yelling

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good handling of the cattle. Good videos too. I always enjoy your farming and get a lot out of your logging/firewood cutting videos. Keep up the good work.

[@Gamerule290]

Gostei do seu trabalho.

[@cathleencaratan3373]

Simeon, are you adding Belted Galloways to your farmstead or moving away from the Highlands entirely?

[@Frossiart]

When you have your cows/bulls processed, you should request to save the horns, you can sell them, and the hooves, DOGS LOVE THEM AS DOG TREATS! :)

[@ShoutItFromTheHousetops]

I love how each time you’re around these creatures they are enthralled at your activities. You appear to be a great source of entertainment for them!

[@charleswalters5284]

They're keeping an eye out for treat food

[@allyhellkiller5535]

I would suck at this.If I raised it I could not eat it.I think that is why I hunt.I am not attatched to my food when I hunt.

[@colleenrodamer6230]

Way to go u so could teach that in the USA

[@shishkebab5306]

If the slaughter houses over there are anything like here in the UK, the traveling is the least of its stress.

[@onassignment1]

These cattle are beautiful and the way you speak to them must be comforting as well.

[@john172867]

At 3:50 the bull is very interested in to whom you're talking.

[@topsskug9329]

Tjenare, vad skulle ni sälja en highland cattle skalle för? med horn o allt :D

[@davidepool5884]

I sure do miss seeing your new videos. I hope you will be back soon.

[@otto4255]

How is this lad a farmer when he doesn’t know what a highland cow is

[@MegF142857]

R.I.P Mr. Bull

[@rsoubiea]

i see some ribs, ground beef and brisket in your future. 👍👍

[@FrontierlessCraftsman]

Hey do you still sell hatching eggs? If so how would I get in touch with you about them?

[@komerwest9520]

From this side of the pond my family says good morning to your family

[@xoxo68232]

Why don't you have fruit trees and vegetables planted for them to self eat?????

[@bff8700]

Wut?

[@cherepaha3]

Is Sweden 20% Muslim yet?

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Bull, Bull . . . never trust a human . . . cheers.

[@JamesCouch777]

When I was growing up my dad and uncle were always in a hurry and consequently we had lots of problems handling cattle. Since I've had cattle of m own I've been handling them patiently and have had excellent results. The key is getting them addicted to range cubes...you can make them do anything. I was in our local restaurant recently and a guy came in with a broken arm and scrapes and bruises head to toe. When I asked him what happened he replied "a cow ran over me"...lol.

[@lindamazur4208]

I've always just loved the highland coos , I'm afraid to get them .I think it would be really hard (although not impossible) ,to send them to get processed .they are so stinkin adorable ! I have had meat from them a few times in Scotland ,aged at least 35 days .Soooo tender ! Yeah ok I could do it as long as I had some just to cuddle , LOL

[@daphnerodriguez9980]

POWERFUL 🌟 VERY GOOD SWEDISH HOMESTEAD AMAZING 🐂♉❤️🖤💚🤎 FAMILY DAPHNE COTTON ALWAYS 💜✨

[@pittschapelfarm2844]

Nicely done! Sometimes I feel like I don't really have time for a lot of coaxing and especially when there's more beef to load and a larger holding pen. However, your subtle moves and quiet focus works well. Once the door's shut tho..... :)

[@g.singleton350]

What a revelation.....certainly dont want the bull to get stressed before they get slaughtered, should of played some music for at least 30 mins before loading.... I've heard the meat taste better if they listen to techno before they "meat" their maker.

[@lisagrafton2529]

Is there a reason your get doesn't check each cow to see if they are pregnant after breeding the way we do in the US? They put that long plastic give on and reach in and can feel it terse a calf and by the size, can estimate a due date. I heard you talk about ultrasound. Isn't that more costly?

[@ethansexotics616]

Happy animals, good meat.

[@Angela-qg8yg]

Don’t k ow how u could kill such a cute animal. I watch Hamish and Kylie, guess that has made me think of them as pets. But I understand.

[@bernarrcoletta7419]

I like your hat. Who makes it?

[@megmcginnis239]

Hi Simeon, I really liked how you loaded the bull. In your conversation you mentioned doing the same with sheep. I was wondering if you can recommend any resources that give information on how to work sheep as you mentioned. We have a small flock with a ram we raised. Corridale- romney is our breed. thanks so much, Meg

[@kmaassociates7999]

One of the neighbors built fake "trailers" that we all used periodically to park in a corral or small pasture to get the animals used to it. Baited with water, treats, hay, or feed it helped a lot to have them all calm before loading for transport !

[@Snagabott]

Hieland coos are soo cute :)

[@jchny00]

I always break out the cracked corn when I load. Just a good handful or two, and my girls or the bull goes right in. My bull visits other farms so its been a big help keeping him calm.

[@brianr8581]

Lmfao! The Spanish bull wranglers are definitely crying laughing at this video

[@praschta]

so you scare it in the trailer with german language?

[@simeonandalex]

I was talking Swedish and not scaring it.

[@MsGoodHands]

Swedish Homestead Would it take to much time to simply practus once a month teaching your cows to load up into a trailer on Q in exchange for food rewards inside? So that then when the day comes it's a familiar game to them? Without you having to use negative reinforcement to get them to load up? I'm not criticizing, I'm just curious.

[@belfast479]

I just love the way you treat your animals. I have never seen you do anything to or with all you animals that doesn't show respect and caring even when getting ready for slaughter. Thank you.

[@steveeleigh3731]

This guy has balls of steel