Our highland cattle

Born in March 2000, our two female Highland cattle have been grazing at the Farm Shop since they were four months old. Now eight years old, Iola and Islay – named after two Scottish islands – have settled in very nicely at the farm, and are courteous enough to share their field with our two horses.

It is difficult to tell them apart, but Iola has a slightly lighter-coloured coat. Their thick coats are equipped for cold climates; in fact if it gets too warm in summer, the cattle like to shelter in the stable that has been built in the field.

Despite weighing around 400 kilos and having quite short legs, Iola and Islay can run at quite a speed if they need to; although the only time you are likely to see them run is when we throw a bale of hay into the field for them to eat. As they grow older, the tips of their long horns begin to curve outwards, giving an indication of their age.

Highland cattle were the earliest registered breed with the registry “herd book”, established in 1884. Since that time, the breed has spread further afield from the Highlands, being exported to Australia and North American since the 1900’s. They are also used as grazers in nature reserves in the Netherlands.

Our highland cattle Iola and Islay have settled very well here in West Sussex, and are greatly-loved additions to the farm. They will be chewing the cud here for many more years to come, so next time you visit the Farm Shop, make sure you have a look at our two horned residents (it’s good for their egos).