Four Otago Highland Cattle Breeders will open their farms to the public this Sunday, April 18, as part of a nationwide breed promotion open day, a first for the New Zealand Highland Cattle Society.
These distinctive cattle originated in the Scottish Highlands and have a distinguished ancestry dating back as early as 1263.
A group of Highland cattle is called a fold. Highland cattle have a long thick flowing coat of rich hair and majestic sweeping horns.
As well as aesthetically pleasing these beautiful animals are generally gentle natured and respond well to human contact. They are remarkable for their longevity, many cows continue to breed to ages in excess of eighteen years having borne 15 calves.
Highland Bulls have been used as dairy sires since they produce low birth weight calves.
Highland Beef is fine textured marbled meat with good flavour, low fat and high in protein and iron.
They are sure footed on hill country and pug less that other breeds in wet conditions.
The "folds" open to the public from 10 am to 4pm on Sunday the 18th are Lynda Anderson and Darren Liddicoat, 21 Hedges Rd, Oamaru (03 4372992), Grant and Cathy Watts, Otokia Kuru Bush Rd East, Brighton (03 4811775), Murray and Eleanor McLellan, Francis St, Taieri Mouth, Brighton (03 4811777) and Gavin and Judy Reid 173 Camphill Rd, Hawea Flat, Wanaka (03 4434636).
