The four that established Rivertree Farm, L - R: Seonaid, Sharpie, Phoebe & Phyllis 9th being fed by Sarah.
The Rivertree Highland Cattle fold was established in 2016 with our first four Highland cattle; Phyllis 9th, Seonaid, Phoebe and Sharpie. Our plan at that time was to grow our fold slowly through breeding, but as with most things in life our plans for Rivertree farm have evolved over time. We’ve grown our fold through purchasing cattle in these early years, this will support consistency of supply for both our Beef Program and our Breeding Program. As of this writing, our fold stands at twenty-nine cattle, which proudly includes our first three calves born at Rivertree.
With their gentle nature and peaceful but solid presence, Highland cattle provide a connection to a simpler time. The appeal of this heritage cattle breed are the traits they are well known for; they are the oldest registered cattle breed in the world and have remained true to type over the years; they are easily identified by the long hair of their coats and impressive, long horns; they are known for being hardy, long lived and for being good foragers; they calve easily and are truly excellent mothers.
The breeds smaller stature and excellent foraging abilities provides the ability to improve marginal pastures and regenerate the landscape.
We’ve come to learn that our cattle live as a community, there are definite family and friend groupings amongst the cattle paddocked together. There are bonds formed at calving that continue to this day. They are a gentle, social group who are intrigued by visitors to the farm and are known to push their noses under our hands for a well earned pat.
