The Journey of a Calf
At Golden Mini Highland Ranch
Natural Beginnings: Our Birthing Process
We believe that the foundation of a healthy cow starts long before they are born. During calving season, our ranch operates on a “watchful but hands-off” philosophy. We monitor our expectant mothers around the clock using field observations to ensure they are comfortable and safe.
We prioritize natural births in a clean, quiet, and stress-free pasture environment. By allowing the mothers to birth in a familiar, calm setting, we reduce the risk of complications and ensure the mother-calf bond is established immediately. This natural start is vital for the calf to receive its first colostrum, which builds a lifetime of immunity.
The Golden Health Standard: Veterinary Care
Health is not something we leave to chance. Our ranch follows a rigorous medical protocol supervised by a specialized livestock veterinarian who understands the unique needs of Miniature Highlands.
Routine Wellness: Every member of our herd undergoes regular physical exams to monitor growth, dental health, and hoof condition.
Preventative Protocol: We maintain a strict, documented schedule for vaccinations and organic-friendly deworming.
Prevention Over Cure: By maintaining a clean environment and low stress levels, we keep our herd’s natural immune systems robust, minimizing the need for medical intervention. When you buy from us, you receive a full health record for your new addition.
Socialization & Temperament Training
A Miniature Highland should be as gentle as they are beautiful. Because many of our calves go to “hobby farms” and families, socialization is a core part of our daily routine. We don’t just “watch” our cows; we live among them.
We spend time in the pastures every day, hand-feeding and brushing our calves from a young age. This frequent human interaction ensures they are calm, curious, and “halter-ready.” Our calves are also exposed to the typical sights and sounds of a working ranch—including children, dogs, and farm equipment—so they arrive at your home confident and ready to bond with your family.
Nutrition for a Healthy, Fluffy Coat
That iconic, “fluffy” Highland look is a direct result of what happens on the inside. Our nutrition program is designed to produce thick, lustrous coats and strong bone structure.
Premium Forage: Our herd has access to high-quality, nutrient-dense pasture and tested hay.
Mineral Balance: We provide custom-blended mineral supplements specifically formulated for Highlands to support hair growth and reproductive health.
Clean Water: We maintain multiple clean, fresh water sources, which is the most overlooked “nutrient” for a healthy coat.
Sustainable Land Management
Healthy cows come from healthy land. We utilize rotational grazing to manage our ranch. This means our herd is frequently moved to fresh “paddocks,” allowing the previous pasture time to regrow and stay nutrient-rich.
This method does two things: it breaks the parasite cycle naturally and ensures our cows are always eating the most nutritious grass available. This active lifestyle keeps our Mini Highlands lean, muscular, and full of the vitality they need to live long, happy lives.