When we decided to build our home in Round Top, Texas, we knew we wanted cattle on the land. There is something grounding about having animals that belong to a place — animals that slow you down and connect you to the rhythm of the seasons in the Texas countryside.
At the same time, we were honest with ourselves. We are not getting any younger, and the idea of managing a large, high-maintenance commercial herd did not feel realistic for the long term. We wanted animals that are still unmistakably cattle — specifically Highland cattle — with the classic look and temperament of the breed, in a fold size we can handle with care.
The entry to our place on FM 1291 — Round Top, Texas
Scottish Highlands stood out: long flowing hair, a steady disposition, and real hardiness. We are building a small fold of Highland cattle with intention — selecting for calm disposition, sound structure, and classic Highland character, and using artificial insemination to bring in quality genetics.
If we include miniature Highlands in the fold, those animals will be registered with the International Miniature Cattle Breeders Registry (IMCBR) and most likely have some Highpark or Dexter genetics for size and color variety. Our Highland program is grounded in membership with the American Highland Cattle Association. Our official herd prefix is RTF.
Open pasture on the property — room for a small, carefully tended fold
While we build the fold, we continue the wildlife practices that support our exemption on the land: providing bird shelter and feed, treating fire ants, and working to control invasive huisache. These are ongoing jobs, not one-time efforts, and they matter to us as much as the cattle.
A cardinal at one of the feeders — part of the bird habitat we maintain
One of the nest boxes — simple shelter that gets used
This is not a large commercial operation. It is a carefully tended fold of Highland cattle on land we love, in a community we are proud to call home in Round Top, Texas. We look forward to sharing it with others as the herd grows.