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 Welcome
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Bò
Gàidhealach Highland Cattle Fold was formed in 2002 by Peter and
Pauline Henderson with two cattle brought in from Victoria. Our
Fold is situated in a valley at Leycester on the North Coast of
New South Wales. We are a 10 minute drive north of Lismore, 3
hours south of Brisbane, and a half hour drive west of Byron Bay
– Australia’s most easterly point.
The
property is 62 acres and has an idyllic creek running through it
with a waterfall, and platypus in the waterholes. The back of the
property is natural bush land on the hillside which the highlands
love to forage in. On a recent trip to The International Gathering
of Highland Breeders held in Glasgow we learnt that Highland
cattle are being used in the UK for conservation management.
Studies have shown they apparently have qualities over other
breeds that make them ideal for this, with benefits to
invertebrates, birds and mammals from low intensity cattle rearing
in forests and on moors.
There
is an abundance of wildlife on our property. We have seen an
increase in the numbers of Kookaburras closer to the house since
we have added trees and fences. We have noted a decline in the
number of snakes in the area as a result. Wallabies cross the
property to get to the creek for water. Their numbers are not
large enough to impact on feed for livestock. The birdlife is
amazing and at times includes larger birds such as black
cockatoos, to tiny birds like the silvereye and numerous wrens.
There is a resident wedge tailed eagle on the property and through
our binoculars we have watched the hatchling develop. We even had
a white-bellied Sea Eagle fly over one day.
Jim
and Andy Henderson migrated to Australia from Scotland in 1951.
From his father and uncle developed Peter’s love of all things
Scottish. Andy later settled at Metung on the Gippsland Lakes in
Victoria. He had Highland Cattle as his preferred beef and our
love affair with Highlands grew each time we visited.
We
chose to live on the North Coast because the climate provides the
diversity of magnificent Spring and Autumn weather, 8 weeks of
very hot weather in Summer and enough cold weather in Winter to
need a fire and winter woollies. It is cold enough for the
Highlands to grow a good winter coat. The most frequently asked
question is How do they manage the heat? The answer is surprisingly well. They love the creek and often stand in it to cool
themselves. However we note they are at times out in the sun
eating when other cattle have taken to shade. Is it that they are
insulated against heat as well as cold?
Highland
cattle are known for their temperament, hardiness and meat
quality. The Breed
Standard as set down by the Australian
Highland Cattle Society Inc details the correct make up for
the breed. Our girls have large horns but are very placid. However
we always advise visitors to be careful as they can be careless
with their horns.
On
62 acres our maximum has been 50 head of cattle but we prefer to
run 35 head. We undertook the necessary blood testing and
management protocols and are Johne’s accredited. Our current
Cattle MAP JD status is MN2. Our herd has also Cattle Care
Accreditation and our records are audited annually. All stock are
regularly drenched and vaccinated, and any health check is
welcome.
We
have registered cattle both Full
Overseas bloodlines and Pure
bloodlines, along with commercial cattle we use for beef sales.
Our current bull is Cormac of Bards Hill, and Cormac has a Full
Overseas bloodline with considerable breeding behind him, his sire
being Fingal of Auchnacraig (UK). He is gentle and easy to work
with, and has produced excellent calves. He was a great hit in the
parade at Casino Beef Week several years ago. Our
fold includes a good range of Highland colours: red, brindle,
yellow, dun and white. We also have a selection of semen we use
for AI.
"Go
ahead taste my beef" . . . . .
In
Scotland Highland cattle are regarded as producing the finest cut
of beef that is fine grained and well marbled with little surface
fat. The meat is succulent and tender and this may be due to
Highland Cattle being slower maturing than other breeds. The North
Coast of NSW is a major beef producing area in Australia and we
have entered Highland-cross cattle in carcass competitions and
have been impressed with the results. Highlands and their crosses
have the ability to produce a quality meat product,leaner and
lower in cholesterol,without the excessive external fat of other
breeds.
A
selection of stock is available for sale; we can assist with
transport of any purchases within Northern NSW.
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