Starting your own Highland Cattle fold
Why is it called a fold of Highland Cattle? It’s because many years ago, the cattle were brought together at night to protect them from the weather and wolves. They were kept in open stone shelters called folds. Although we are now a progressive, modern 21st century organisation, we still like to stay true to our heritage.
Getting started
Talk to the experts first
You can contact us for information on breeders clubs and established breeders in your area. Or you can arrange to visit them and study their management systems carefully. Naturally, you will be most welcome.
We have a network of expert field officers available for practical advice and assistance, and Highland Cattle sales are held throughout the year. When you become a member of the Highland Cattle Society, your first visit from a field officer is free of charge.
It's also a good idea to speak to us and your local vet for advice on a suitable cattle health programme.
Make sure you have adequate land
You need to assess the suitability of your land and know the acreage and quality of the grazing. Is it good grass land or rough hill pasture? Will there be adequate shelter and a good water supply?
The acreage and the quality of the land will determine how many cattle you can keep and also how much winter feed you will need. It’s also important that you have access to suitable handling facilities. If you’re not sure, please contact one of our field officers.
Find a suitable breeder
You’ll find a list of active breeders in the Breeders Journal. This information is provided by members. If you need up-to-date information, you should contact the breeder direct.
There’s also a section in the Highland Cattle Herd Book for members who live outside the UK. You can register your pedigree Highland Cattle in the normal way, but you will have to pay for any field officer's inspections which are needed.
It is vital that you have a holding number from your National Department of Agriculture. It is mandatory to register the birth of all calves according to your national regulations.
Where to buy your Highland Cattle
Start at one of our sales
Official Highland Cattle Society show and sales are held at Oban, Argyll in February and October. You can also find Highland Cattle for sale at other sales such as Stirling, Dingwall and other auction markets throughout the UK, but these are not under the auspices of the Highland Cattle Society.
There are advantages to buying at Highland Cattle Society auctions. For example, there is a good selection of cattle of all ages on offer: cows with calves, cows and heifers in calf, young heifers one and two years old, and heifer calves. Generally, there’s a good selection of different genetics, enabling you to select the type of animal most suitable for your particular requirements.
The majority of cattle sold at our auctions will come from established folds where the cattle on offer should be halter-trained and easy to handle.
In February, the sale is focused on bulls of all ages.
The show before the sale gives you a great opportunity to assess all the stock on offer and determine its suitability. Try to watch the show in the company of an experienced breeder or field officer and ask their opinion on the judge's selections.
After the show is over, make a list of the cattle you consider most suitable for you, and ask the owners anything you want to know about the cattle they have for sale.
If you’re intending to buy, register with the auction company before the sale starts. Sale catalogues are available from the office and available to download from the website. The auctioneers will also be able to advise you on the availability of transport.
Please note: cattle purchased at official Highland Cattle Society sales are automatically transferred to purchasers who are members, and pedigree certificates are issued. It is the seller’s responsibility to transfer animals bought privately using our transfer system.
Private sales
You will find many breeders willing to sell cattle privately. You’ll find many Highland Cattle for sale on this website. It's best to start with a small number of quality cattle and gain experience as your cattle numbers grow.