McKellow Highland Stud

We are a boutique Highland cattle stud located near (almost in) Canberra. We breed heritage Highland cattle true to those roaming the Scottish Highlands.

We use only 'Fully Imported Bloodlines', which means other cattle breeds have not been introduced into the pedigrees as occurs with other grades of purebred Highlands in Australia.

When we started out in 2020, we were unable to source breeding cows to meet our fusspot-level requirements, so instead looked to advanced reproductive technologies.

In 2023, we opted to use embryos - created from cattle that lived in Scotland and England decades ago - which we transferred to recipient cows (Jurassic Park vibe).

Our next round of breeding will be done in late 2026 using a combination of artificial insemination and natural cover, i.e. the old-fashioned way, using our two bulls Bert and Ernie. 

Every calf born on our farm undergoes a clinical examination and DNA testing. The latter allows us to verify their parentage and screen for genetic conditions.

Our old-school Highlands have sound conformation, and dispositions we can only aspire to: friendly, joyful, relaxed. They look beautiful, love a scratch and are traditional to the point of being born wearing a kilt.

The fold creates a bucolic scene in the paddock. They inspire us to don our Wellington boots, despite the baking Australian sun, and march outside tartan picnic rug in hand (yes, they are that good).

The Highlands share our farm with a Mini Dachshund and a Dobermann (no suprises which gets up to more mischief), a small flock of Black Suffolk sheep and two Shetland ponies that are always on a diet.

Improving the Highland breed in Australia; genetic diversity; animal welfare; sustainability; a funny joke; and a CWA-worthy scone.

We occasionally have sale cattle; please use the contact form to register your interest.