Friday, November 16, 2012

Anglophile Friday - Highland Cattle


A face only a mother could love...

In my mind's eye, I see these Highland Cattle on a farm owned by Fred Flintstone - with pileated woodpeckers hammering away in the nearby trees.

Highland Cattle. Yes, I'm straying a bit from my typically England post, but there is something so fascinating about Highland Cattle!  This past summer when my cousin was visiting, we were on our way to Colfax (in a big hurry, I might add, to get her to a dental appointment on time) and on Hwy M, north of Colfax, we drove past a herd of Highland Cattle. I SO wanted to get a photo of them. Since I didn't have time to stop and take the photo at that time, and even if I had tried on the way back, the sun would have been on the wrong side...I went at a later time to get the photos.

Aren't they gorgeous creatures! (in a strange sort of way).

Here's lookin' at you, kid!

From Wikipedia.org:

'Highlands are known as a hardy breed due to the rugged nature of their native Scottish Highlands, with high rainfall and strong winds. Highland cattle have been successfully established in many temperate countries and indeed in countries where winters are substantially colder than Scotland's such as central Europe and Canada.

Their hair provides protection during the cold winters and their skill in browsing for food enables them to survive in steep mountain areas. They both graze and browse and eat plants which many other cattle avoid. The meat tends to be leaner than most beef because Highlands get most of their insulation from their thick shaggy hair rather than subcutaneous fat. The coat makes them a good breed for cold northern climates and they are able to thrive in outdoor conditions that would defeat most other breeds of domestic beef cattle. As such, Highland cattle are able to produce beef at a reasonable gross margin from inhospitable land that would otherwise normally be incapable of rendering a profit agriculturally.




Whilst the UK domestic and worldwide popularity of Highland cattle has made trade in pedigree beasts occasionally the most lucrative - mainly on account of their handsome appearance - they are at their best agriculturally when used to produce beef in a cold climate from poor pasture and forage.'  Read More...



Posing for his senior portrait
Doesn't he look just CUDDLY???


and even more info. because enquiring minds want to know, right?  :-)


Wouldn't you like to find one of those under the Christmas tree? But I want to get mine when it's a cute little calf.

***

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***

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28 comments:

Unknown said...

Did YOU take these photos Judy?
You absolutely amaze me and yes they are quite beautiful ( not even in a strange way - just beautiful period )
Have a wonderful wknd!

Denise said...

Wow, amazingly beautiful.

Terri D said...

They really are remarkable looking beasts!! I'm afraid I would try to make one a pet....

Great photos! Wishing you a good weekend!

Anonymous said...

Highland Cattle are stunning! Such beautiful and cuddly looking creatures! Amazing photos! Hugs, xoxo

Cranberry Morning said...

I've always been fascinated with Highland Cattle. We saw some in Dorstone, UK, but the photo I got then was from a long distance and the day was an English foggy, so I was thrilled to come upon this herd and have the opportunity to take their photo. So nice of them to pose for me! :-)

Paulette said...

I don't believe I have heard about or seen about highland cattle before. I love learning new things, thanks for this post and the awesome photos.

MadSnapper said...

i would soooo love to see one of these guys or a whole herd of them. fantastic shots of these amazing and beautiful and very kissable cattle. and the way they look is why i rarely eat meat. sign me cow lover.

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Oh my gosh, I love this post and photo's! I'm a mother and I adore their faces! Great job, Judy!

Yenta Mary said...

I need a coat like that! Not from them, just like theirs! I'm always cold - from weather, from a/c, either or. My first thought was, boy he looks warm and cozy!

Chatty Crone said...

They do look kind of cuddly. Very interesting. And the first one has my daughters hair color - so of. Very fascinating but I bet they are not cuddly. lol sandie

Robin said...

Fantastic photos. Highland Cattle is cute...you just want to have a cuddle with them. Have a great weekend.

Ruth Kelly said...

They look a little shaggy. Horses also get that shaggy look through the winter.

RURAL said...

Oh I am in love, Gar says he will get me one for the backyard, [I think he's kidding].

Oh they are lovely, and the way you photographed them, so much more adorable.

Jen

vintage grey said...

These cows are so beautiful!! Definitely cuddly! Happy weekend to you! xo Heather

Sunny Sue said...

Such great pics! Yes, I think they are beautiful creatures. Something about cattle in general feels comforting... and then you add all that hair. Instead of the Flintstones, I picture one lying down and a little boy lying there with his head on the furry belly reading a book. Don't know where that came from. ???

Heide at ApronHistory said...

They do look cuddly! I wonder if anyone has tried knitting their fur.....

Olive said...

I think that first shot would make a lovely painting. They are furry and cuddly.

Mary Bergfeld said...

Judy, I knew nothing about this breed prior to your post. I love to learn new things and your photos are terrific. I enjoyed this read. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Maggie Ann said...

Those horns look a little scary to me. I'm a town girl for sure. A few horses to see as we drive by is about my limit. Well, sheep are ok...grin

Unknown said...

I love these highland cattle's, some even have them in Sweden. Enjoy your weekend!

tlcukjourney said...

I think they are beautiful... I can't say I have ever seen them in person, but like the Longhorns in Texas, these cows are just cool!

Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

I loved your post and beautiful photos!! I didn't know about highland cattle and I love to learn new things thanks!!

SImple and Serene Living said...

I just love those faces. They are full of shaggy goodness. Hugs, Laura

Anonymous said...

I have to say, I came across your post in my reader and the cow stopped me. I have had an obsession with them since I first saw one a couple years ago.

I mean, who couldn't love that adorable thing? Right? I have a pinterest board full of them and one day, I will own a herd. :-)

Mary Smith said...

They're beautiful! I'd love to see them up close!

J_on_tour said...

Impressive photos and incidentally more than I have in my collection.

It is great to spot one in the wilds of Scotland but so often it seems out of place to see one being reared for example in North Yorkshire. I thought it was my lucky day in September last year but it was too far away for a decent photo & my walking companions didn't share my enthusiasm by waiting & coaxing it nearer the fence.

Another lesser known breed of cattle popular elsewhere is the black and white Belted Galloway, I saw one of these recently as a passenger in a moving car somewhere around South Yorkshire / North Derbyshire.

Henandchix said...

These cattle have tremendously gentle dispositions so they are easy to work with and keep in their fields.

Our Neck of the Woods said...

I am in loooove with highland cattle! I want a highland calf so bad. Maybe one will be under my Christmas tree one day :)

Visiting from the clever chicks blog hop!

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