Essential Equipment Every Small Ranch Needs for Highland Cattle Farming
Highland cattle farming is more than just raising a herd—it’s about building a system that works efficiently, keeping your cattle healthy, and ensuring your ranch runs smoothly. The rugged and resilient nature of Highland cattle makes them ideal for small ranchers, but that doesn’t mean they require no equipment.
I remember when I started with my first few Highlands. I thought, "They’re a tough breed. They don’t need much, right?" I quickly realized that while they are low-maintenance compared to other cattle, having the right equipment made my life much easier. From the first cold snap when my water trough froze solid to the first time I tried moving an uncooperative bull without the right fencing, I learned some hard lessons about what a ranch actually needs.
This guide is for those who want to raise Highland cattle with minimal hassle and maximum efficiency. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your setup, these tools and pieces of equipment will make your life as a cattle rancher much smoother.
Setting Up the Right Infrastructure
Before bringing Highland cattle onto your land, the first thing you’ll need is proper infrastructure. This includes fencing, shelter, and basic handling equipment. Without these essentials, you’ll be chasing cattle down the road at 6 AM or scrambling to repair broken gates in the dead of winter.
1. Sturdy Fencing: Keeping Cattle Contained and Predators Out
Highland cattle may not be the most aggressive escape artists, but they are large, powerful animals. If they want to go through a fence, a weak one won’t stop them. I learned this the hard way when my first bull decided that the neighbor’s pasture looked more inviting than mine.
The best fencing options include:
High-Tensile Electric Fencing – This is cost-effective and discourages cattle from leaning or pushing on it.
Woven Wire Fencing – Sturdy and long-lasting, though more expensive.
Wooden Post and Rail Fencing – Visually appealing and strong but requires regular maintenance.
Pro Tip: If you use electric fencing, go with at least five strands to prevent Highland cattle from testing it. Their thick coats can insulate them from weak shocks, so invest in a strong charger.
2. Shelter and Windbreaks
One winter, I stood watching my Highlands in the middle of a snowstorm, convinced they would want to come into the barn. Instead, they stood facing the wind, their long, thick coats barely showing a reaction to the bitter cold. Highlands are built for harsh conditions, but they still need protection from extreme weather.
A simple three-sided shelter or run-in shed is usually sufficient. If your land is exposed, natural or artificial windbreaks help protect cattle from wind chill. Large round bales stacked along the fenceline can also serve as an effective wind barrier.
Pro Tip: Face your shelter away from prevailing winds and ensure it has good drainage to prevent mud buildup.
Feeding & Watering Equipment
Feeding cattle is one of the most time-consuming aspects of raising livestock, and doing it efficiently can save both time and money.
3. Heavy-Duty Feeders: Preventing Waste
Highland cattle love hay, but they are also masters at wasting it if given the chance. When I first put a round bale out without a feeder, I thought, "They’ll eat what they need." Within days, half the bale was trampled into the mud. Lesson learned.
Types of feeders that work well:
Round Bale Feeders – Keeps hay off the ground and minimizes waste.
Slow-Feed Hay Nets – Helps control intake and reduces trampling.
Creep Feeders – If raising calves, these allow them access to extra nutrition.
Pro Tip: A cone-style hay feeder significantly reduces waste compared to traditional open bale rings.
4. Reliable Watering System
Water is the most critical resource on a ranch. It doesn’t matter how good your feed is—without a clean and constant water source, your cattle won’t thrive.
Options for watering include:
Automatic Waterers – Ideal for reducing labor and ensuring fresh water year-round.
Heated Water Troughs – Prevent freezing in winter.
Gravity-Fed or Solar-Powered Water Systems – Useful for off-grid setups.
During a particularly brutal cold snap, my first winter with Highlands, I woke up to find every water trough frozen solid. A submersible trough heater saved me hours of breaking ice every morning.
Pro Tip: Keep water troughs away from feeding areas to prevent muddy conditions.
5. Mineral Feeders: Essential for Cattle Health
Highland cattle are efficient grazers, but they still need minerals to support weight gain, breeding, and overall health. A covered mineral feeder ensures essential nutrients stay dry and available.
Handling & Safety Equipment
Handling cattle safely is one of the most overlooked aspects of small-scale ranching.
6. Livestock Handling System: Making Work Easier
When I first needed to tag a Highland calf, I thought I could just walk up and slip a tag on. Instead, I ended up chasing a 200-pound ball of fury around the pasture. Having a proper handling system makes every aspect of cattle care much easier.
Essential components:
Cattle Chute with Headgate – Makes medical treatments, hoof trimming, and tagging much safer.
Crowding Pen & Alleyway – Helps guide cattle into the chute.
Sorting Gates – Useful for separating specific animals.
Pro Tip: Portable corral panels allow flexibility when working in different areas of the ranch.
7. Halter & Lead Ropes: Training Your Cattle
If you plan to halter-train your Highlands, start early. Training a calf is much easier than trying to break a 1,500-pound adult. A well-fitted halter and sturdy lead rope are essential for training.
Farm Equipment & Machinery
8. Tractor with Attachments: The Backbone of the Ranch
A compact or mid-size tractor is invaluable for any cattle operation.
Useful tractor attachments include:
Front-End Loader – Moves hay, manure, and dirt.
Bush Hog/Mower – Maintains pastures.
Post Hole Digger – Saves hours when installing fencing.
Bale Spear – Moves large round bales efficiently.
Pro Tip: If you have hilly terrain, invest in 4WD for better traction.
9. ATV or UTV: Versatile and Efficient
An ATV or UTV is useful for:
Checking fences and pastures.
Transporting feed and supplies.
Moving small equipment.
A small utility trailer that attaches to your ATV can significantly increase its usefulness.
Veterinary & Health Equipment
10. First Aid & Vet Kit: Be Prepared for Emergencies
Highland cattle are generally healthy, but accidents happen. Keeping a well-stocked vet kit on hand can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.
Essential items:
Dewormers & vaccines.
Hoof trimmers.
Thermometer for checking fevers.
Wound care supplies (antiseptic, bandages).
Calving supplies (if breeding).
Pro Tip: Work with a local large-animal vet to develop a herd health plan.
11. Ear Tagging & Tattoo Equipment
Proper identification is crucial for managing your herd.
Ear Tags & Applicators – Make tracking cattle easier.
Tattoo Pliers – Useful for permanent identification.
Pro Tip: Keep detailed records of tag numbers to track health, breeding, and sales history.
Manure & Pasture Management
12. Manure Management System
Manure is a valuable resource if managed correctly.
Manure Spreaders – Distribute manure evenly for fertilizing pastures.
Compost Bins – Turn manure into nutrient-rich soil.
13. Pasture Management Tools
Keeping pastures healthy requires proper maintenance.
Soil Testing Kits – Help optimize grazing land.
Weed Control Sprayers – Prevent invasive plants from taking over.
Final Thoughts
When I first started Highland cattle farming, I underestimated how much easier the right equipment would make my life. Investing in quality fencing, handling systems, feeding solutions, and farm machinery not only makes daily tasks more efficient but also ensures the long-term success of your operation.
If you’re just starting, focus on the essentials and expand as your needs grow. Highland cattle are an amazing breed, and with the right tools in place, you’ll enjoy the journey of raising them on your small ranch.
