KING FERRY - In the rugged terrain of northern Scotland, Highland Cattle find their native land, but now the growing cattle population roam many areas of the United States, including the East Coast.

More than 50 Highland Cattle owners and breeders from the United States and Canada sat beneath the chandeliers hung from the ceiling of one of the several red barns at Ledyard Farms, in King Ferry, Saturday.

People traveling from Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, among other states, shared one thing in common, a membership in The Northeast Highland Cattle Association.

They all traveled to the town of King Ferry for the weekend to attend the association's annual spring gathering, that Ledyard Farms owners Bill and Doug Haines offered to host at their four-generation-old farm.

Saturday began with their annual meeting followed by a discussion with Dr. James Welch, a nutritionist who spoke on the conditioning of Highlands.

“Fat is bad,” Welch said as he began his hour-long discussion of the pros and cons of obese Highland Cattle.

He noted that obese cows provide less lean meat and produce less milk.

“But not all fat is bad,” Welch said.

Fat provides cattle insulation and assists storing energy for poor ration situations.

Several farmers mentioned they have watched cows die quickly without reason but that the discussion provided light on what may have occurred leading up to their death.

Following the discussion and lunch, guests were lead on a tour of the farm, had the opportunity to participate in a heifer sale and then later in the evening attended a banquet.

According to the association, the cattle can be valuable in both the commercial and niche markets of today's cattle industry.

Dan Utter said there are very few Highland Cattle farms in this area.

“It's a matter of preference,” he said.

The Haines didn't plan on raising Highland Cattle until Bill traveled to Scotland.

After the trip, in 2001, the two brothers acquired one bull and three cows.

“Just look at them. They're so calm,” said Doug Haines.

Now 40 cattle reside at Ledyard Farms. Utter said the cattle usually sell for between $1,200 and $1,500 each, costing more for the older cow.

“They are a unique animal. They don't want to be pampered,” said Marion Beausoleil, who conducts marketing and advertising for NEHCA. “They have a dual coat which makes the meat lean. Insulation is on the outside rather than fat on the inside.”

The Northeast Highland Cattle Association, an organization that gives contacts with area breeders and provides the possibility to visit other farms, currently has more than 200 members.

Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net