By Andrea Haberny
Paul and Andrea Haberny started raising Highland cows in 2021 after building a one mile high tension fence. It took about 5 months and was endearingly labeled “The Summer of the Fence”. The high-tension fence was the only way Paul wanted to have cows again. In the years past he was continually fixing fences for his Angus beef herd. Paul and Andrea decided on the Highland cow breed for many reasons. They are a very docile breed, self-sufficient on grazing, they have heavy coats for winter weather, easy calving, healthy meat, and they are adorable.
Docile: Paul and Andrea wanted a breed that children, grandchildren, and students could interact with. Although the horns on the Highland breed can be intimidating, once you know how to stay clear of the horns they will eat apples right out of your hand. Visitors are always surprised by the horns on both the cows and bulls. It is always a conversation piece and an opportunity to talk about the horns. The bulls and steers have horns that grow straight out from the side of the head and the cows and heifers’ horns curl upward making it easy to decipher from a distance. Paul carries a brush with him and a few enjoy the attention.
Shelter: The Highland cows do not require permanent shelter. Their long double hair coat protects them from moisture and cold. They do not require more fat to stay warm due to their thick coat. They need shade in the heat and trees shelter them through all weather. The breed does need a source for cooling off in the extreme heat. The Habernys learned this the hard way. They have a pond at the back of the property that is just deep enough for the cows to walk in and cool off. Last season the pond and the whole back field was fenced off too long during the hay season. The temperatures climbed and the cows did not have the pond. Not a single calf was born in 2026 and they researched that extreme heat can make bulls sterile.
Calving: Highland cows are excellent mothers. They have an excellent instinct and protect the calves from predators with their horns. A neighbor witnessed cows chasing a coyote across the field at Haberosa Farm. Many calves have been born in the winter at Haberosa Farm. The babies are born with a thick double coat. As long as they get dried off quickly they flourish. The first winter calf born on Haberosa Farm was given a nice calf blanket and the mama had the blanket off in only a few hours. The cows can breed for a long time, 20 years, having calves each year for approx. 18 years. The meat of old cows and bulls is still very desirable and lean. The best filet we have tasted is from a 13 year old. The breed also eats poison ivy, berry brambles, and invasive rosa flora.
Beef: Highland beef has a great texture, fine grain, and low fat content. It is high in Omega 3 and flavorful. Customers return again and again for the low fat ground meat.
The Highland Breed does exceptionally well on grass and hay. At Haberosa Farm they also get treats of spent grain from local breweries. This is a sustainable practice for the brewery with a waste product and a free source of protein rich grain for all the animals at Haberosa Farm.
Families and students have enjoyed visiting the Highland cows at Haberosa Farm. Some visitors like to watch their beauty from a distance, many want to stand among the fold (herd) and feed them apple slices, and a few prefer yoga and reiki with the cows just on the other side of the fence. If you are interested in more information about the breed or Haberosa Farm email them at haberosafarm@ gmail.com.
PHOTOS courtesy of Haberosa Farm
