Highland bulls

[Mike Fronczak]

We bought 4 highlands in the fall, 2 bread cows (6-7 years old) 1 potentially bred (6-7 year old) & her steer calf (fall birth). They are all pure bred with papers. They are bred to an angus bull as the farm we bought them from was retiring & selling out and their bull was one of the first animals to go. Now to my question, for breeding the cows again I'm not having luck finding someone for AI with highlands in our area. I have seen a few highland bulls for sale, claiming halter trained, gentel, etc for reasonable prices. I wouldn't keep an animal that I wasn't comfortable with, it would be at the butcher, nor would I want to breed it to my cows. So far the highlands have been everything I expected. Easier than the Jersy & Holstein we had before them. Is getting a highland bull a good option ? My thought would be to keep him for 2 years, breed the 3 I currently have the first year, the second year I could breed him to those 3, plus the angus/highland mix, depending on their temperament. Then sell him.

 

[WildRoseBeef]

There are some people who do buy a bull for the few cows they have, especially if they have as much trouble as you finding an AI tech. Not that I would promote such a thing, but if you don't have any other choice, then that may be your only option.

 

[greybeard]

If Highland bulls are that much in short supply there, are there other Highland cow owners in your area that might be interested in 'renting' a bull. If so, it might be something to consider when making your decision. Purchase a bull and then recoup a little of your investment bac, tho there are some hazards in the bull renting business ya also need to consider.

 

[zzGypsy]

seems to be lots of hilanders here in SW MO... might be a good place to be looking for a bull

 

[Beekissed]

Here's a site you may enjoy...Man, those are BULLS! The semen seems reasonable, considering the supply and demand of the breed.

http://www.highlandcattlesemen.com/sires.html

 

[Mike Fronczak]

I can find a bull with out a problem, I was looking at AI initially but haven't been able find a tech to do it nor a local source for storage, etc. That's why I started thinking I may have to get a bull, this is relatively new to me & I have heard the horror stories about bulls. Of course all those stories are from other breeds, the highlands thus far have been VERY calm & level headed. Obviously each animal has it's own personality. I did also look at the site mentioned above, but between the price of seman, then no guarantee it would take, tech fees, it would end up being just as expensive as buying a bull & more so if I even butchered him or sold him once he had done his thing.

 

[zzGypsy]

where are you located? there's a guy who advertiseson the Springfield MO craigslist that he does AI.

 

[Beekissed]

You might also check with your local HS vo-ag department. My boys had to learn how to AI and this was demonstrated by their teacher on actual cows...could be they might do it for you on your cows for the learning experience. Any vet should be able to do this for you as well. It's certainly a lot cheaper than buying and maintaining a bull, with just about the same chance of success, as one doesn't always know about a bull's abilities until the next calving season.

 

[Mike Fronczak]

I'm located in Hilton NY. HS here don't offer ag classes, I don't think they even offer woodshop anymore for that matter. The highlands are tough to find people working with them in the area most that have them are small farms, I'm only around 5 or so miles from a couple that has had them for years, they are very active one of the Highland Associations, they didn't even know anyone that does AI in the area. I don't know them on a personal level so asking to "borrow a bull",is not something I'd be comfortable with, I know they have an older bull for sale, I have found others on craigslist as well, that is where we found our cows & steer. Most seem to be between $ 800-1200, which seems reasonable enough, considering they weight 1000+ , which is about a dollar a pound, less than the auction places, even if I sent him for beef after he was done.

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

I'm located in Hilton NY. HS here don't offer ag classes, I don't think they even offer woodshop anymore for that matter. The highlands are tough to find people working with them in the area most that have them are small farms, I'm only around 5 or so miles from a couple that has had them for years, they are very active one of the Highland Associations, they didn't even know anyone that does AI in the area. I don't know them on a personal level so asking to "borrow a bull",is not something I'd be comfortable with, I know they have an older bull for sale, I have found others on craigslist as well, that is where we found our cows & steer. Most seem to be between $ 800-1200, which seems reasonable enough, considering they weight 1000+ , which is about a dollar a pound, less than the auction places, even if I sent him for beef after he was done.

Mike, It sounds like in time you could build a very valuable relationship with these local people. If you are really interested in getting into the Highland cattle breed. What better resources could anyone ask for then people that have raised them for years and are very active in the Highland Associations? I am guessing with time, you could meet some very nice people that not only could help direct you as to where to get your cows bred, but also give you all kinds of tips, hints and guidance. Best of luck with your bull if you do end up getting one.