Kevin Hill watching Andrew the bull.

Kevin and Rachael Hill have a no nonsense attitude toward their Highland herd – or fold to be precise.

“I’m a farmer – when I look at an animal, I’m looking for a beef animal – not a pretty ornament,” Kevin told Rural Living with a bit of a glimmer in his eye.  They may not be pretty ornaments – but they are certainly more than future roasts roaming the paddocks- each animal has a name and they all received a fond scratch when we visited the paddock.  

“Their hide is three times as thick as most animals so they don’t lay down the extra fat under the skin,” Kevin said. “The meat is naturally marbled and stays moist and tender when cooked.”

Highlands are also well known for having a high yield weight.

“They out yield Herefords and Angus weight for weight,” Kevin added with a definite note of pride.

The fact that both Kevin and Rachael have Scottish ancestry probably helped fuel their interest in what they call the ‘hairy, hornies’. After seeing some at a show and discovering the animals were hardy animals producing really good meat that interest was cemented and in 2002 the couple bought their first four Highlands.

“Two from Karaka and two from Waikato,” Rachael said, before adding with a grin, “I’d always looked after the sheep but I’d been sick and I think Kevin thought it was a good opportunity to get more cattle.”

Cute and cuddly.

The Highland’s impressive horns give a false idea of it being an aggressive or dangerous animal but the Hills believe any issues lay more with people than the animals themselves.

“Providing they are broken in and handled at a young age, they are usually fine,” Rachel said.

“You have to learn to manage the horns because they have a wide arc.”

Kevin was quick to point out Highlands also have a finely honed and ancient protective instinct.

“They know their own family and when they are calving, people need to be aware they are horned and protective.  Even a person they know well can make them nervous when they have a new calf. ”

Kevin and Rachael highly recommend getting in touch with the New Zealand Highland Cattle Society for advice if you are considering Highlands.

“Do your homework – contact a member of the council or your local breeders group president – they can give you advice,” Rachel said.

Kevin, who is a Highland show judge, also advises visiting some shows.