– Missing Fergus –
– Welcome Braxton –
– Magician, the Next Generation –
– Coos Seeking New Pastures –
Thank you Fergus
I miss him terribly! Fergus has been a wonderful herd sire for three great calving seasons. We have kept several of his daughters and love them dearly. But, as all breeders know, to keep your herd healthy and thriving, new genetics to complement your breeding program is a must. Fergus has been a rockstar for Elm Hollow Farm and he is now a rockstar for a new fold. He is well loved and will be the foundation for a new breeder of this Grand Old Breed. We do still have semen available from this beautiful bull.
Introducing a new member of our bull line up for the 2023 breeding season, WKA Braxton. Braxton brings with him some outstanding genetics, such as his sire: Sunset Doubletake, his grandsire: Gusgurlach of Windrush, his dam: JTM Chloe, and granddam: Sunset Wish Upon A Star.
Braxton is a gentle fellow who was bred by a friend of mine, Rosemarie Goad. Braxton will be loved here as he was at Windkist Acres where he produced several beautiful and gentle calves.
We also are excited to welcome back to Elm Hollow one of my favorite heifer calves from 2020, Elm Hollow’s Jubilee. Sometimes life happens and best laid plans go awry. Jubilee’s owner phoned for help in securing good homes for the three heifers she’d bought from me. Since Jubilee was one of those heifers that I’d wished I’d never let go, it was only right that she come back home to her sire and dam. BR Voodoo Magic and Windemere Dare will get to see their daughter mature into the beauty she’s becoming:
Fergus left us with this fine boy, The Magician of Elm Hollow.
Only 10 days old here and already strutting around challenging the older calves.
He will be staying with his proud mama, Windemere Dare. I think he’ll be a good partner for Braxton when he’s old enough to court the ladies of Elm Hollow.
Too Many New Cows!
I’ve finally done it. Gone way over my limit on cows. Over the next few weeks, Elm Hollow will absolutely have to sell some cows. Some are bred, some have calves at side. All are healthy and all are friendly at least to the point of taking treats from your hand.
Two pairs of cows will be sold because they have been together for so long that I will not break them up.
I’ll give you a very brief rundown here. I will consider offers during our modified auction process as they are announced through the news briefs. The individual news briefs will give much more information about the cows being offered for sale.
Needing a New Pasture!!!
Keaira of Legacy (left) # 53960 DOB 11/12/14 and her daughter, Keaira2nd of Legacy (right) # 58750 DOB 3/23/18 (AKA Twisty because of a crooked horn) have never been separated. Both are wonderful mothers and produce outstanding calves. Both breed back quickly and maintain good body condition. Both have been pasture exposed to Braxton. These girls would get a new fold off to a great start. I will not separate them.
Other candidates for possible sales (I’m still on the fence about these) are:
Pae’s Ashas Raisinette # 59009 DOB 1/24/19 and Pae’s Quince’s Fozzie Girl # 59011 DOB 3/27/19 — Fozzie and Raisinette have been together since Fozzie was born. It would be a shame to split them up, but if necessary, they can be sold separately. Sadly, Raisinette lost her first calf, which was born during severe weather. She was such a sweet mama to that calf and did her very best. Mother nature can be cruel to first time mothers. She has been pasture exposed to WKA Braxton. Fozzie did fine with her first calf has been pasture exposed to Big Ridge Fergus. Both of these girls are granddaughters of Shat Acres Cinnamon Bear. This pair would be a fine start for someone just beginning with Highlands.
GAM Emma Jane # 58573, DOB 06/15/17 Emma is our smallest cow and is very friendly. Emma has produced three calves for us so far and has been pasture exposed to Big Ridge Fergus. We may wait until she calves to make the final decision about if we can part with her.
Finally, I have a beautiful, smaller cow who had her first calf this year and is proving to be a super mom. She would be excellent paired with Emma Jane. EH Adelida’s Hope # 59790 DOB 10/30/19 comes with her bull calf at side. Lieutenant was born on 11/11/22 and was our first calf this season!
/
Are there available cows or calves???
When I’m asked about the availability of calves or cows, I respond with dozens of questions. Please understand that I cannot consider sales to people who will not share this information with me. Important questions include:
- Do you have other cattle so a calf would have an age-appropriate companion? Highlands are herd animals and must have a companion. A steer is the perfect companion for a heifer, bull, or another steer.
- Do you have a facility where you and your veterinarian can safely work on a coo when that is needed (and it will be needed)? Facilities vary in complexity and price. An effective squeeze need not be extremely expensive.
- Do you have a large-animal vet in your area?
- What is your pasture like? Is shade and fresh water readily available?
- What will be the purpose of Highlands for you? Breeding, beefing, pasture ornament/pet?
I need all this information to be sure that the calf or cow and buyer are well matched. Although I ask about your experience with cattle, I understand the learning curve. When we bought our first Highland, neither of us had ever owned a cow! Highlands are a really wonderful breed for a beginner in the bovine world.
It is important that I know a bit about your farm. Where are you located? If you are nearby, you might want to schedule a farm tour to meet our new calves! Since our calves from this season will be born between November 11 and the end of March, they will not be weaned and ready for sale until June 2023.
We do not begin halter training and vetting until a calf is weaned at about six months old. There will be calves available throughout the summer as they reach weaning age.
I’m often asked how much we charge for our Highlands. That is almost like asking a car dealer how much he sells his cars for. It varies greatly with the make, model, and features. Each calf is an individual. The calves are evaluated during halter training and establish a minimum bid price. Cows are evaluated on their conformation to standards, their temperament, genetic background, and calving history. When they are ready, we sell them through an informal, modified auction. You can see the results of all our sales for the past two years by scrolling down through this page:
Watch for details when the sales begin. Photos and genetics on each one are announced in our email announcements. The first sale is in late January. Others will follow in February, including a nice young bull!