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Two new calves were born in the past few days -- a red heifer and a red bull. Both mothers were former grand champion cows at our regional cattle show. We expect good results from their offspring. Pictures will follow at a later date.
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About Marsh Creek Highlands
Our goal has not changed in over 20 years. Since 1988 we have strived to raise the highest quality Highland breeding stock. Participation in Highland shows has enabled us to showcase our award winning cattle and our granddaughters who show them.
We educate the public by our active participation in local, regional, national conventions, seminars, and shows. Harris served as President of the Minnesota Highland Cattle Association before its transition into the North Central Highland Cattle Association. He also served as a Director of the NCHCA. Our animals are a source of great pride and we truly value the friendships with fellow Highland breeders across the United States. We enjoy keeping in touch with our customers and hearing their success stories.
Donna loves spending time with her Grandchildren training our cattle. She works with Harris to coordinate cattle sales and likes to keep in touch with fellow Highland breeders. Donna also answers questions for people learning about our favorite breed of “gentle giants”. She enjoys photography, and her images are found throughout this website.
The Marsh Creek Highland Cattle herd is located at Bursch Farms near Mahnomen, Minnesota at the edge of the Red River Valley, 70 miles northeast of Fargo, North Dakota. Donna's grandparents started the farm in 1914 in what was then a wilderness area and it has been in the family since.
Highlands possess many traits that suit our needs on a busy farm. Since we purchased our first breeding stock in 1988, the cattle have improved a brushy wooded area unfit for raising crops into a good pasture! Our herd thrives in the fluctuating climate of their Northwestern Minnesota home. Temperatures peak in summertime to as high as 100 degrees. The mercury falls dramatically in the winter and temperatures occasionally drop to a bone chilling 40 degrees below zero. During busy seasons on the farm it is important for us to raise hardy low-maintenance cattle.
We pay close attention to the health and happiness of our Highlands. They are raised in large sunny pastures and have access to shade and shelter in wooded areas or open barns. Highlands are naturally disease resistant, but we do believe in giving them the basic immunizations and preventative treatment as recommended by our veterinarian. Our cattle are naturally raised without hormone implants. All of our calves are weighed at birth and again each spring and fall as they mature to check on their progress. In the fall the cows are pregnancy checked. As a result of our maintenance program, the herd is very healthy
History of the Highland Cattle Breed Rooted in Scotland
The Highland Breed has lived for centuries in the rugged remote Scottish Highlands. The extremely harsh conditions created a process of natural selection, where only the fittest and most adaptable animals survived to carry on the breed. Originally there were two distinct classes: the slightly smaller and usually black Kyloe, whose primary domain was the islands off the west coast of northern Scotland; the other, a larger animal generally reddish in color, whose territory was the remote Highlands of Scotland. Today both of these strains are regarded as one breed—the Highland. In addition to the original strains, yellow, dun, white, brindle and silver are also considered traditional colors.
The first Highland herd book was established in 1884. Around that time, American cattlemen from the western U.S. recognized the natural qualities of the Highland animal and imported them to improve the blood lines of their herds. As a result, the Highland contributed in a great way to the success of the American cattle industry. Today Highlands are found throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Australia and South America.
In Scotland, although groups of cattle are generally called herds, a group of highlands is known as a fold. The breed is affectionately known as "shaggy coos" or "hairy coos" in parts of Scotland. They were also known as "kyloes" in Lowland Scots - possibly a corruption of Gàidhealach meaning of "Gaelic culture", or by conflation with "kye", an old name for cow. Notably, Highland cattle were successfully established in the Italian Dolomites, in wide open areas. Their hair provides protection during the cold winters, and their skill in browsing for food is also important in order to survive in such a steep mountain area.
The Highland Cattle we raise are a readily identifiable breed with long horns and long hair, including hairy forelocks which almost cover the eyes. Scotch Highland Cattle, also known as Scottish Highland Cattle were imported to the United States around 1885. The breed name was simplified to Highland Cattle in the mid-1990's. The names may have changed but antique pictures of the beasts show that their appearance remains essentially the same, which suggests their genes are still quite pure.
Highland Cattle Breed Traits
Highland Cattle are hardy! They have the ability to thrive in less than ideal circumstances. Their distinctive long outer coat sheds rain and a short furry undercoat provides insulation year around. Highlands have been raised as far north as Alaska and as far south as Texas. The long hair is shed in summer and less hair grows in warm weather, allowing them to adapt to many climates. Their forelocks and long eyelashes protect their eyes from flying insects. Long horns are used to manage brush and protect calves from predators. Highland cattle are excellent browsers, and will often eat what other breeds would pass by. They are well suited to farms with roughland pastures and they clear brush efficiently. Because of their moderate size they convert feed rations at a better ratio than the thin-skinned continental breeds. Due to genetic advantages, Highlands are naturally more disease and stress resistant.
Despite long horns and an unusual appearance, most Highland cows and bulls have docile dispositions. Marsh Creek's Highland cattle thrive on human interaction. Many of our animals have gone on to become valued pets for loving families. Many of our animals are friendly and come to us when called. They especially like treats and enjoy being brushed and petted, even while in the pasture.
Highland cows have a long and productive life and have outstanding maternal instincts. These cows often produce as many as 12 calves, thus reducing replacement costs. Highland cows do not require calving assistance because their calves weigh less at birth. In addition, the calves are nurtured with a rich butterfat milk promoting healthy growth rates and low calf mortality. Cows are diligent protectors of their young and have been seen forming groups to defend against predators.
Highland beef is recognized as premium beef. Today's market demands leaner, naturally grown tasty beef. Highland beef meets these requirements. Our beef is lean, well marbled, and growth hormone free with little outside waste fat. Double-layers of hair reduce the amount of back fat needed to keep the animal warm. This naturally contributes to leaner and healthier beef. We do not use growth hormones. Tests by independent food laboratories in Oklahoma City and Denver have determined that Highland steaks are 38% lower in fat and 4% lower in cholesterol than steaks available in local supermarkets. Highland meat is flavorful, and is preferred by chefs of fine restaurants. The British Royal family keeps a large herd of Highlands at Balmoral Castle, near Braemar, Scotland and considers them their beef animal of choice.
Many of the Highland's valuable genetic traits are passed on to their crossbred calves. Crossbred Highlands have produced champions in the carcass contests at the prestigious National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado for many years. Highlands have been used to introduce hardiness to other breeds in their cross breeding programs. Whether your interest is in purebreds or cross breeding, Highland Cattle produce the type of beef that is in demand for today's market.
Contact Us for More Info and Pricing
Marsh Creek Highland Cattle
Our herd is located at Bursch Farms, Mahnomen, Minnesota
Our office & mailing address:
Donna & Harris Viker
462 Woodhill Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
phone (651)483-1741 email donna@marshcreekhighlands.com
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