I think the more "modern" breeds introduced into the UK are more productive for beef farming, such as Simmental, Limosin etc than the traditional Highland cattle. These are often crossed with "UK" breeds such a angus, hereford etc. Highland Cattle are not much good as commercial dairy cows either as they don't have a high enough milk yield. There are some Highland cattle in Orkney. Some at North Walls (Hoy) and I know someone who has a farm out at Sandwick who has just purchased some. I think they are perhaps considered more as a "hobby". As you say, the blunt economics of farming means they are not often seen on these shores. Sian ----- Original Message ----- From: "stephen davie" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 5:36 PM Subject: [ORCADIA] Highland Cattle > One of the favorite beasts here is the Highland Cattle breed. Poor as > they are on the test stations for daily rate of gain on controlled > programs, they have become hereabouts "estate cattle", with slow > growth and several unique qualities but with incredible personable > traits. They are frugal keepers, existing on the toughest of pasture > and in the worst of weather with little or no shelter. They have a > great fury hide to tan like a buffalo, and great whacking horns to > intimidate city folk intruders.Ttheir back fat content measures less > than skinned boned chicken breast. They inspire a dignified air to > any country place, like a cupola and a wind vane on a barn roof. > > I understand the blunt economics of the cattle biz, but indeed why > are there not more highlands in Orkney? Were they not the original > beasts up there? > > Stephen > > (google highland cattle association) > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >