At Noble Bear Highlands-- a veteran-owned, veteran-run program-- we are dedicated to excellence in raising and nurturing Scottish Highland cattle for the preservation of the breed. This incredible cow has been largely untouched by evolution for thousands of years, avoiding the fate of many domestic cattle breeds who have been bred toward productivity to the point of breed detriment. Although there are currently fewer than 45,000 total Highlands in the world (landing them on and off the protected species list), the pristine evolutionary record of Highlands has resulted in a hearty, disease-resistant breed that produces lean, delectable beef. It's simply a matter of keeping the numbers up with responsible breeding.

Our program at Noble Bear Highlands aims to produce a genetic brand that is unique enough to be applicable to programs all over North America while contributing only the best Highland characteristics. To do this, we carefully select our brood cows and herd sires from lines with proven Scottish roots and/or outstanding genetic lines not recently in wide circulation. This diversity helps recirculate traits true to Highland heritage while also helping to reduce redundancy with other contemporary breeding programs. Our calves consolidate significant genetic value, bringing the best of the old forward into a bright, new future for the breed.

Noble Bear Highlands also utilizes traditional husbandry methods to produce extraordinarily docile, organically healthy cows. Rather than graze our herd in pastures some distance from their handlers, we opted for the age-old Scottish way, placing our home right in the middle of grass pasture space. This allows us to interact with our herd from our front door, call to them from the deck, and offer them frequent snacks as we go about our day. We only breed cows that are approachable, looking to improve even further upon the typical Highland friendliness. All of our calves are halter-trained at weaning for easy handling and hug-ability. 

Additionally, our Highlands graze both native grass pastures and forested paddocks, staying cool in the Cherokee National Forest here in the Appalachian Mountains. Noble Bear Farm boasts access to the Hiwassee River, as well as two major creeks and two naturally occurring springs for fresh water sources year round no matter what part of our fifty acres they choose to roam. While we do offer grain occasionally as a snack or reward, the foundation of our feeding program is good grazing. 

When you choose Noble Bear Highlands, you are choosing to be a part of history, ensuring that the legacy of the Scottish Highland cattle lives on for generations to come. Contact us and add timeless value and excellence to your herd today!