Are These Horns Lethal?

[@bswins9648]

As I'm sure you found out during editing, the microphone worked great! Kudos to the subscriber who helped make it happen. 👍🏻 Also, for the non-metric among us, Google told me that 15 m/s = 33.554 mph. 😊

[@decolonizeEverywhere]

When our neighbor's highland cows escaped from the fence to come down to our kitchen yard, when the apples were ripe, my kids would chase them back home with nothing but a stick. Never any agression or accidental problems with horns at all. They are very calm, even the bulls.

[@decolonizeEverywhere]

our neighbor raised Highland cows on a small commercial meat operation and i've always loved looking at them. beautiful animals and the best tasting meat you can get. they had one calf that got out of the pasture all the time. we would find him on our lawn grazing and eating ground apples in the morning all the time. got to the point that the kids named him Marco Polo for his wandering. he was so docile that the boys would get him home with just a stick to guide him. we were never afraid that he would hurt them. you could just tell that he was so tame.

[@sagrammyfour]

Even though I'm from Texas, I'm a city girl. But when I look at these highland cattle, I feel happy. We have an awesome stock show every year, and I spend all my time in the barns looking at the animals. Love the longhorns best.

[@bethbear100]

"herbivores shouldn't eat grain" - good man! Better for them, and better for us when it comes to taste. Here in Scotland they're called Heilan Coos. Along with the belties (Belted Galloway) they make the best beef.

[@USNERDOC]

Great sound, especially with the gusting winds. Many thanks to a very supportive viewer!

[@MrBucidart]

The viewer that made a donation is a good person.

[@bobputman5947]

like many have said, the wind did not interfere with your voice, thanks Simeon, your a good man, and i love your outlook, God bless you and your family

[@simeonandalex]

+Robert Putman thanks Robert!

[@wiserguyer]

I have learned a lot from your family . big hugs

[@gaiustesla9324]

They're such beautiful animals! The horns are so iconic I could never cut them personally. Great video as always, sound was brilliant in that wind. Thumbs up!

[@billread664]

I admire what you are doing, I know how hard it is, when I was younger I also had pigs,goats and chickens also horses, but due to poor health had to give this lifestyle up. Keep on farming

[@rsoubiea]

The first time I saw this breed was at a fair, they were very docile and friendly. I could just stare at them for hours they are so beautiful.

[@Wendybil1]

We raised Scottish Highlanders for many years, and their horns are very sensitive to the touch. If you take a small stick and tap a horn, watch their eyes, they'll almost cringe. They will use their horns for protection or to "get you" but not very often. I really miss having them, I forgot how adorable the calves are

[@fredthorne9692]

May The Lord bless those special folks who helped out. Your channel is a blessing.

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks!

[@shirleya7198]

Even with the wind gusts, you were still _crystal clear,_ and we could hear you perfectly! Thanks for all the interesting information on your cows! You really know your farm, animals, and land, in _every detail._ *~Great job!* 😊

[@oliverknevitt3313]

Highland cattle are used loads for wildlife management in the UK a lot, which are the only places they are seen outside of the scottish highlands. This is because firstly, as you mentioned, they eat a lot of undesirable stuff that most cows don't touch, like sedge and rush and even reeds; bracken is supposedly the only stuff they don't eat, but I've even seen them nibbling on that too. Secondly, when they graze, they pull up a lot more of the plant, meaning other plants are able to invade into the gaps left after grazing, opening out and freshening up the sward. And of course they can be grazed outside all year, if you've got the room (I'm not aware of any farms here that give cows grain). In the book "sheepwrecked", George Monbiot states that the countryside of the UK has been turned into a "green desert", as the close cropping by sheep leads to pastures that are extremely limited in biodiversity; if only there were more highland cattle around! My experience with them is that they're incredible slow and docile, I've never seen them started by anything.

[@simeonandalex]

Cool. Thanks for sharing. Yes. They are calm and gentle cows.

[@crofter3903]

Instant N00dle they're also very light and don't mess up the ground like other cows

[@chrisis9030]

+Instant N00dle “which are the only places they are seen outside of the scottish highlands” -> Now where did you get that idea??? There are plenty of them to be found in the Netherlands too, also for wildlife management. They’re everywhere…

[@crofter3903]

Chris Is he meant that ground management was the only thing you'll see them doing outside of uk

[@cygnusatratus]

also popular in Germany :)

[@craigschofield64]

Awesome new sound quality! love your channel and you have a beautiful family thank you for sharing.

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks!

[@hamstraroofing]

Agreed on the fly larvae on summer calves. Wish i had heard about it before seeing it on mine. I actually thought at first it was a multitude of parasites coming out of his body. Gotta have a strong stomach for this work sometimes. Keep up the great work Simeon.

[@ciaobella8963]

The sound is excellent and even with gale force winds, the wind sound remained in the background and your voice was clear and audible. Thanks to the kind viewer who helped you get the mic and mic-muff. Best to use it all the time no matter what the weather. And I love those cows. Their color especially. It will be fascinating to see the results of cross breeding. Blessings to you Simeon and to your family.

[@simeonandalex]

Thank you!

[@mytube0969]

Hats off to the subscriber who made the new mic possible. The generous gesture warmed my heart! The audio sounded great for such a windy day. Thank you Simeon from another great video!.:-)

[@edadpops1709]

Yes even indoors its not as hollow sounding on my setup. Outside ,awesome.

[@suemcfarlane4199]

The horns were traditionally used for pushing snow off the grass

[@truthseeker2898]

What a big difference on the sound, even inside, outside was the real test, just amazing. I have been wanting to go with highland or Dexter, but in the northwest united States they have been $500-1000 more than a Hereford or Angus. Just not enough supply in our area, but I was going to go with these guys for all the same reasons you stated. Good day to you

[@simeonandalex]

Wow. That's crazy that they would be so expensive. It is the other way around here.

[@traceyosterlind14]

Big difference in audio quality. Many thanks to whomever was able to gift you with equipment!

[@1striperon]

There are quite a few Scottish Highland cattle farms in the northeastern U.S. You covered their advantages well.

[@ruudvantiel725]

Sound is superb Simeon, great addition to have a deadcat on your mic to get the windy shots with decent audio. And more than welcome looking forward to hear what Tim thinks on his new gear addition ^^

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks!

[@patbootie9552]

thumbs up!!!

[@ksingleton101]

Even the Texas Long Horns know where their horns are and will turn their heads to enter through a doorway or move between objects too narrow for them to walk through with their heads straight. Unlike a dog that will struggle with a stick that is too long to bring in through a small opening such as a doggy door.

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

Those are some gorgeous cows. I hope that you will have a happy and profitable experience with them.

[@354133]

Although I thought the cows looked lime giant Viking Teddy bears.. :) Great video sound was pretty good for as windy as it looked like it was.

[@TheOregonOutlaw]

The mic is great - much less echo in the house also. As to the wind blocker - it's better to leave it ON all the time. It will last long and you'll also never miss having it. As to the selection on the mic, for what you typically are presenting, the OMNI directional setting is correct. 10 for 10 on sound now - and PLEASE keep the volume up - it's a blessing!

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks.

[@debbiegallett1125]

I have a longhorn and some part longhorn and bramah crosses. They all mostly have horns and it is never a problem. They love to be able to scratch themselves.

[@simeonandalex]

Yes... they love to scratch with the horns.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

I'd love to see pictures of you animals. I bet they're beautiful.

[@BarnGeek]

Nice! I have Highlands as well and Love them! We just had a calf born yesterday and the weather report last night was for freezing rain so I put him in the barn. I took him back to his mother this morning, because he has to eat. It's still freezing rain right now and they are in open pasture... I am keeping a close eye on him. Also, I discovered something about highlands with horns by accident. I gave them a metal hay feeder and they don't swing their heads around as much while using it. I think they don't like banging their heads against the sides of the feeder. I don't think they like how it feels. I did a video on that hay feeder on my channel if you want to see it.

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks. Will look that up!

[@johndantice2577]

Good sound and insightful information about horns. Horns do not conduct electricity, consequently, your electric fencing can be compromised by a clever cow and her horns.

[@tdwebste]

Horns are NOT practical in milking parlors. And that is why we went to de-horn burning. One of the biggest problems we actually had with horns, was smart cows figuring out that they could lift electric fence wires with their horns without getting badly shocked. The easy solution was more powerful Australian style electric fencers. Cattle with horns did require more fencing.

[@tyvole2387]

Personally, I think the Highlands look really appropriate for your geographical setting. Even if your cross-breeding attempts are successful in a more commercial scenario, I would like to see you keep a few purebred Highlands anyway. I just like how they look in their surroundings, and they seem so happy!

[@adrian81487]

When my grandparents started keeping cattle in the '70s they used holsteins as the initial breeding stock and initially they didn't remove the horns. My understanding is that they started removing the horns for two reasons, one was that as the herd became more mixed, some of the cows who had horns would bully the ones who didn't, and the second was that though they never used their horns as 'weapons' my dad did get hooked a couple times when the cows would try to walk past him in the narrow barn. That all being said, I'm excited to follow you as you build up your herd and to learn some lessons that I can apply when I'm in the position to get some cattle of my own.

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks for sharing! Gad you find the vids helpful.

[@DeniseSkidmore]

That could be an issue if breeding calves for not having horns. May have to split the herd into two during the transition.

[@adrian81487]

+Denise Skidmore yea that was exactly the issue. They could (and would) breed to a bull with dominant polled genetics, but if any of the cows had a copy of the recessive horned allele then any time a bull with an allele for horns was used, there would be a chance for the cow have a horned calf.

[@hellinabucket3]

I have raised a couple Holsteins and luckily I dehorned the bulls. At least twice I was "butted" through the air, and expected to get trampled afterwards. They were just playing, and had no malicious intent, but if they had horns I could have suffered more than just a charlie horse. My x has a large scar from a similar episode with a cow that had her horns. Cows with horns are more of a problem for the handler than other cows in the heard.

[@Quadflash]

It's good to understand your perspective on bovine agriculture. You've obviously developed strong, deep knowledge of your environment and the best breed for your situation. BTW, the audio quality is now excellent.

[@vmcougarintn5035]

I've only been around the very gentle milk cows, but I love these giant teddy bears! It will be fun to watch the herd grow. Mic with dead kitten is great! Sound quality is wonderful you don't seem to be shouting as much.

[@frankiewells-pullins8255]

Just a brief onte. I love watching your cows, I would love to homestead, love animals of any kind, have had to settle for dgs and cats, birds, a goat, (temporarily.. have to have at least two) and peacock. Think we are too old , at 73, my husband 78. A lot of work. Wish you the very best, GOd Bless.

[@LifeGoesNorth]

Awesome. Hey the mic did pretty well considering how strong that wind was. You have me really considering raising this breed. Here in Alaska the meat is expensive. I just found organic ground beef for $4.99 lb on close out and bought as many as I could. Normally organic ground beef is $8 lb here. That fur would be great for winter here. Such a pretty breed.

[@simeonandalex]

It seems like it would be a good breed for Alaska.

[@gregorycappelletti3819]

Thank you so much for sharing your ideas, thoughts, experiences and your knowledge and making it available for other people and future generations! I truly appreciate it!!! Thank you!

[@ChickaWoofRanch]

We have some highlands at our local zoo and have have been considering adding this beautiful creature to our homestead. Thank you for all the info and looks like the mic is working out great! Cheers!

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks. Hope you'll be able to get the breed.

[@wpduke]

Horns tend to scare people new to raising cattle. Have to be careful around the horns but a cow can step on your foot and break it too so learn to be careful all around large animals. Personally I never dehorn and don't want a polled animal. My Jersey milk cow has her horns too. Horns make good handles. :-)

[@グリロ82]

wow, that audio quality is a huge improvement. only the worst of the gusts got picked up. about the cattle, do you folks have many parasites up in Sweden? we usually mix chicory greens with their hay to take care of ours. cheers from the US.

[@itex136]

Was hard focusing on you when the cute spider on the right door post was dancing around just beside the drawing on the wall xD

[@sandiblohm6733]

These cattle are beautiful! I would love to have some!!!

[@Theorimlig]

If you do get a calf in the summer, you can always shear it. I bet you have some mechanical shears lying around somewhere since you used to keep sheep, right?

[@idahagglund524]

Damn, that's really a difference in sound quality. The echo from the room disappeared instantly!

[@suemcfarlane4199]

My aunt kept one here in Australia and it did ok in the heat too

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

The more information you provide about the Highland breed, the more they appear to resemble our (American) Longhorns. Some of the local ranchers, sadly, consider them to be worthless, but there are also many people who promote them as a symbol of our Wild West heritage. Good luck with your breeding experiment! Looking forward to more of your wonderful videos. Btw, the audio was great.

[@pommel47]

I love this breed of cattle. They do remind me of bison in some ways. There is an extinct bison that had much longer horns like theirs. I am sure there is a niche market for their hair-on hides and long horns when they are going to be slaughtered for their excellent beef. Keep up the good work, and Hallo from North America. May Freya watch over your homestead.

[@candicechristensen1753]

the sound was great! we love your cows❤️

[@ac9356]

I love seeing cows with horn still on but like us aid if milkers or just not enough room it's fine but cows look better with there horn. Keep up the vlogs I love them ad find then educational every time

[@CWsooner]

I have one permaculture friend who has Highland cattle. Very gentle. Not a lot of maintenance. My other permaculture friend had Guernsey´s which have high A2 milk but switched to Fleckviehs for the highest A2 milk and quality meat. He´s more health conscience though as raw milk is very nutritious but especially A2 milk. Easy to digest. Don´t know the what the management of them are though.

[@rochrich1223]

Nice mic the wind was quite reasonable Anyway, you don't really need a hay rack as much as Joal Salitin does. It's much more important when you have a hay loft or some such structure that allows for loading from the top. The labor savings are probably more important than avoiding feed waste.

[@alexisbookey9997]

the sound is very good for the amount of wind. also wanted to say we really enjoy your videos and your English is very good

[@simeonandalex]

Thank you.

[@alexisbookey9997]

Swedish Homestead no thank you for being you

[@christinemartyn8180]

Swedish Homestead and

[@brianjonker510]

Should strongly consider winter grazing. They can easily manage 20 cm of snow and much more if not crusted or wind blown dense.

[@gateway8833]

Belted Belted Galloways, excellent choice. The more I think about your needs they really are the perfect cross for your Highlands. Enough about cows, when we going to get to thoes sheep?

[@1ljs]

New mic setup is working pretty good. Only a few times could I hear any amount of wind to even notice, and it was probably because you addressed the wind gusts while speaking. Good video. Thanks. LaVern

[@HoosierHmstrdr94]

Philosophically inline with my own views. Love this channel!

[@SansaStarkofWinterfell]

No echo inside that spot Simeon, that's for sure. I'm certain the deadcat on the mic is going to make a *huge* difference. Minimal wind on the video after you went outside Simeon. Great info on the Scottish Highland Cattle, love all the info you provided. 🌾Be Blessed All ღ 🌿

[@Friedsteel]

I really enjoy this informative and pleasant channel. Thank you for sharing a most interesting lifestyle from Florida, USA.

[@edadpops1709]

Love hearing the chickens in the back

[@simeonandalex]

I know. You hear them almost on every video.

[@barreracandres]

Nice microphone, better quality recording, thanks for your videos

[@Flexaret]

The new microphone does an amazing job, I don't think you could have recorded outside at all without it. Regarding the horns, I'm sure they're used to them as they grew up with them, it's not like you just stuck them on last week for the benefit of tourists :-)

[@craigmooring2091]

Sound: As soon as you switched, the reverb disappeared. There was still some wind noise, but much reduced in volume, frequency of noticeability, AND in audio frequency. With the sound shifted toward the bass register, even when it got louder, it did not interfere with distinguishing your voice. HORNS: I have always loved the look of the highland breed. In Scotland, you often see them grazing unattended as you pass through the countryside. I would guess that they have much less genetic drift from the undomesticated genotype. I note that the breed of choice in the American Wild West was the Longhorns in the days of free ranging over land that was not necessarily well watered. Have you looked into harvesting their shed coat?

[@FarmFreshIB]

Everyone sees a danger with the horns, but they need to realize that EVERY cow is large enough to severely hurt or even kill a person... horns or no horns. We have had large animals most of my life and it is important to respect what they are capable of and never lull yourself into a sense of false safety and security. Even the tamest cow or horse can get scared or even stumble and injure a person, so constant awareness is vital. All that said, I love the Highland Cattle breed. I have never owned any myself but I have done a lot of research over the years and know a few people that have owned them. They are a very efficient grass fed animal and deserve more people's interest. And the horns are lovely as well.

[@Tryagain563]

I agree, you need to be watchful with ALL cows, because of their size, especially if they are all following you, the ones up the back push the others until the ones at the front are pushed forward and knock the person down and one hoof (with close to a ton weight behind it,) and the person is either dead or severely injured. I never walk in front of a herd.

[@danfraser7479]

Your sound is great. God bless those that made it happen for you.

[@simeonandalex]

Yes!

[@suemcfarlane4199]

If you had a aggressive animal in the herd with horns you will love thecbelted Galloway crosses because of the lack of horns they fit up chutes and can go in and out of crushes more easily

[@onedazinn998]

oh how exciting it will be to see a galloway mix - then you really will have furry pandas! :) I love the mini galloways. Here in Ohio/US the cost of acquiring a mini galloway calf is about 3500-5,000 dollars >.

[@crofter3903]

you should try Shetland cows next they are good conservation grazers have smaller horns quite hardy smaller horns good for cross breeding as far as i know the problems with highland cows is their big horns especially when handling I am a new subscriber and am enjoying seeing what you do

[@joycejudd5109]

fantastic sound!!! great job! And I love your cows. They eat hay and make me think of children eating cotton candy! But they are wonderful, and from what I've read, they are very good at helping keep pastures cropped. I'm excited to see what mixing them with the Galloways are going to look like. Shaggy, I hope! ☺

[@ic1984ishere]

Love all your vids. Always very informative. New equipment sounds great.

[@CraneofBoulogne]

I grew up on a cattle ranch with many other cattle ranches in the area. I never saw one or our cows that had horns gore another of our cows; they feel a kinship if they are in the same herd. I have seen cows with horns gore cows that were not of their herd that had wandered into their grazing area/pasture in winter time seeking their herd's hay. They are defensive.

[@kirtusstruthers3175]

As always thank you for sharing the whys to what you are doing. It will help us make informed decisions when we do cows.

[@randyc5650]

When you used the new mic inside, all the echo went away. Outside, you can sometimes hear a low rumble of the wind but even when the wind gusted hard it was not that loud and you could easily be heard above it. With the normal mic, you couldnot be understood at all. Great cows and great video.

[@jlgoch55]

The mic works great, no wind sound. Curious if the long fur was ever used for weaving historically. Beautiful "teddy bear" cows.

[@davidepool5884]

The audio quality is really good for it to be windy. I can’t hear any wind noise at all.

[@JCLawn51]

Your sound is good but I would use an equalizer to bring out more lower frequencies and less higher ones. When you switched microphones you could tell your voice went up in frequency and does not sound quite like a natural voice. Given the placement of mic it will have a harder time picking up the full range of your voice, that is fine, but you need to just compensate with the equalizer.

[@hermitld]

Shure MV88 doing a fine job, big improvement inside and of course, very effective in the wind outside. You should receive gratuities from manufacturer. Great talk and video as usual.

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks!

[@davidgaylord2035]

yes we I can hear the wind noise ,in the shed it was not as loud it took out the echo

[@TheKristenGibson]

This was one of the breeds I've been looking into. Great video!

[@oldypokaia2501]

wonderful audio and scratch proof keep up the good work from New ZEALAND Waikato South Tokoroa

[@atamanatlas3098]

I am led to believe that even the horns are valuable from Highland Cattle. People make all sorts of things out of them and apparently there is a market for them. From what I have heard, I want to buy some in due course and put them on a small acreage 50 or 100 acres, in due course when I retire from work. I love farm life dealing with animals and trees etc etc. You should check out some of the Highland Cattle links sites here in Australia. I know you would have done so for Europe, but there might be something different, who knows.

[@simeonandalex]

I have checked out some Australian sides about Belted Galloway. Great info!

[@maryannanderson7517]

I thought the sound from the part you recorded outside was terrific. The wind could certainly be heard but I still had no difficulty hearing what you were saying.

[@mdh6977]

I love how you are still talking over the wind to make sure we can hear you... it must have been cool to see the results when you went in... now I gotta rewind cause I was typing... love your vids... I have been meaning to ask what temps high and low (°c) and for how long are their tolerances

[@sandracoble7065]

the cows seem to be gentle and not very excitable. The horns are scary but useful in protecting the herd. And children raised on a farm know how to behave around animals. Question, are the hides processed with the hair left on? Are there uses for the hair like wool from sheep?

[@simeonandalex]

I don't think you use the hair. I seem to have seen hides with hair on though.

[@mick3805]

The sound is great 👍🏼

[@johnsommerfeld6889]

The new microphone sounds really good to me!

[@tdwebste]

Small breads like Lowline are efficient docile and very hardy.

[@OldesouthFarm]

Awesome! The Highland Cattle would not be able to live in the heat and humidity of Alabama! They are wonderful cattle but no way could do well in the swamps of Alabama. By the way your sound is great. I raise goats and horns are something we can not deal with. When I had cattle, they were polled and did fantastic on the pasture. Angus, who knows what mix.... My herd was a mixed herd. Then when cattle prices went crazy in the US, I was offered a CRAZY amount and Sold the herd. No cows now...

[@raymondhodge3979]

Your new 🎤 seems to be doing great. I love the look of the highland breed as well,but I don't think they would have the same appeal without their horns. I never knew they were that low maintenance which definitely seems to work best for your situation. Can't wait for your pigs to come, will they be the same breed as you have now? They are a cool looking breed as well, they look like wild European boars. Do many ppl in Sweden keep draft horses on homesteads, for logging or field work instead of tractors.

[@bistritzaro]

A great microphone. It's not wind noise.

[@srendamgaardpedersen8123]

Hi Simeon. The new microphone made a very nice improvement on the sound quality. Have you heard about the Danish TV personality "Bonderøven"? I know that his show was once shown on SVT1. If you do not know him, you should see if you can find some of his programs. I think that you might find him very inspiring. He works with traditional breeds and crops and he is quite a skilled craftsman. Med venlig hilsen Søren

[@simeonandalex]

Thanks for sharing. I'll try to find him online.

[@charcar78]

Søren, that is such a great show. I always watch every new episode on dr online. I've mentioned Bonderøven before to Simeon but I think he get's lots of suggestions from everyone and probably has limited time for tv. There is just something about both of them being so happy about sharing information and experiences that makes it natural to link or compare Frank and Simeon. I find it quite amusing the way both of them use a rooster in their intros.

[@Leffe192]

Søren Damgaard Pedersen I think the show is called 100% bonde when aired in Sweden.

[@deanmacka4975]

I think your cow's are cool looking I love the look of them 😍😀🍻

[@simeonandalex]

Me too!

[@robertsterling9819]

for sure

[@Relaxationdefined8609]

Glad I watched this. I want these type as well. Thanks for the info. Sub'ed to you.

[@pup734]

Wow thanks for the info on the cows very interesting

[@mikealmere70]

wow what a huge diffrence! Just try it with earphones on!

[@yellowdeer7163]

We can hear you fine Simeon, you don't have to yell. Just kidding. Hear you very well. I think now you will have to get use to it.

[@jesperdahl1486]

Hi Simion I have a friend that lived in northern England for 2 years, they have them there as well, but they only use them as a field ornaments, and for grazing areas that need to be kept open for a while, supposedly the meat is of low quality and poor tasting, is that true, or is that just a story. The dead cat worked very well. Keep up the great work

[@pup734]

Sally acts like the bad red headed child LOL