OUR FARM

Highland cattle first took over our life in 1996. When we decided to start breeding, it was a simple choice as to the breed of cattle. With our Scottish heritage, and the breed being well known for low maintenance and meat quality, there was really no choice.

Over the years, through careful selection, we aim to put together the finest fullblood fold of Highland cattle in Australia (what are fullbloods?). This all started with building up numbers slowly by purchasing fullblood, foundation females from selected folds around the country. Our initial criteria of structural soundness and breed character gave us an excellent stepping stone into the breed. Since then we have used a lot of AI (see 'Use of AI' article) and more recently ET (see 'Use of ET' article). We believe that this has allowed us to use some of the best genetics throughout the world and still maintain genetic diversity. (Our goals in breeding.) 

We moved onto our current 51 hectare property in 2012. (Where are we?) With a modest average annual rainfall of 550mm (22 inches) and rich soils, our capacity is around 20-25 breeding females with a total of 50-60 animals. This certainly means we are well understocked through spring but allows us to cope better through the tough times without as much reliance on fodder. 

 

DNA Parentage Verification

Since 2007 we have had all of our animals DNA profiled for the purpose of parentage verification. This means that we can guarantee that we know the sire and dam of every calf born on this property. We feel this should be mandatory for any property where there are more than one stud bull present, or where AI or ET is performed.  (What is AI?     What is ET?)