Look ma! No horns!

If you are raising Highland beef, you owe it to yourself to consider enhancing your production and bottom line with crossbreeding.

We have been using a pure, naturally polled Beef Shorthorn bull on Highland mommas for our beef market for over two dozen years. In Scotland this cross is so critical to the sustainabilty and preservation of their quality Highland genetics that it ii recognized as Luing, a breed in itself.

Why do we cross Highlands with Beef Shorthorn for our beef market? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. NO HORNS. Many slaughterhouses will not accept horned cattle over 30”. By the time Highland steers are mature enough to process their horns are too long for the slaughterhouse. Less potential for beef bruising from horns. Greater ease and safety for handling and loading.

2. RAPID GROWTH. Highland/ShorthornX steers and heifers grow almost twice as fast as pure Highlands. 100% Grass Fed and Finished Crosses can be processed at 18 months with hanging weights equal to pure Highlands at 26-30 months. In our climate that means an entire winter less of feeding hay which directly translates into $$$. Smaller carbon footprint by needing to produce less stored forage. Less pasture land for more beef. If you are keeping female crosses for breeding stock, they can be bred at 16 months, getting a calf on the ground a year earlier than a purebred Highland,

3. SUPERB BEEF. Scientific assesmenr by Dr. Bryan Weigand of the University of Missouri as well our several hundred discerning beef customers confirm that Highland/ShorthornX beef is comparable to pure Highlands beef in taste, tenderness, marbling, and lipid profile. Crossing Highlands with another Heritage breed from Scotland or the British Isles is critical to maintain the quality of the pure Highlands beef.

The rapid growth of Beef Shorthorns combined with the phenomenal, highly heritable beef quality of Highland cattle makes tjis cross a win-win for anyone hoping to have an economically successful Highland beef business. And the bonus? Highland/Shorthorn cross calves are like Chrismas presents! It is always a surprise what colors you will get!

The yearling pictured is a roan, naturally polled, pure Shorthorn bull. He will be ready to breed this Spring.