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Travis Lamborn, along with his wife Debbie, raise Scottish Highland cattle at their rural Barry County, Mo., farm. Their operation actually began after Debbie became interested in the breed.
By Heather Vera
Photo by Heather Vera
With a background in cattle production, the Lamborns moved to Highlands
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WCT Farm & Lawn LLC 417-859-4311
www.wctfarmandlawn.com
3299 E. Evergreen Rd., Strafford, MO 65757
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When Debbie Lamborn pur- did she know that cattle ranching would chased a painting featuring one day become her passion. Even before purchasing her first heifer, a hairy cow with long horns, she had no idea that it would Debbie joined the American Highland Cattle Association and began attending change her life. She Googled “hairy cow” and discov- auctions and Highland shows so she could ered that her painting was of a Scottish learn as much as possible about the breed. Highland. She was obsessed. She read In 2016, the Lamborns purchased 68 acres everything she could about the breed, about 12 miles north of the Arkansasand soon learned Scottish Highland Missouri state line and began Lamborn cattle have many desirable qualities, Farms near Washburn Mo. They are still aside from their stunning looks and in the early stages of building their “flock” (as Highland herds are called). The Lamrich history. Their small size makes them ideal borns intend to get into the beef business. for women ranchers, and their gentle, Debbie is constantly studying breeders friendly natures make them excellent and bloodlines and carefully selects each family farm animals. The breed also heifer they purchase. The efficiency of the breed was a big turned out to be an efficient choice for ranching in the Ozarks. Debbie was not draw for the Lamborns. They found that Scottish Highland cattle were well-suited entirely new to the cattle industry. for the Ozarks. Bred for the rocky moors Travis and Debbie Lamof Scotland, they don’t require the born began their life tolush green pastures that most cattle gether on a Limousin cattle breeds do. While Travis preranch in Oklahoma in the fers Bermudagrass for his com1980s. Debbie was busy with mercial cattle, his pasture at their three small children; and Lamborn Farm is a mixture although she loved ranch life, Washburn, Mo. of Bermudagrass and fescue, she was not involved in the and the flock does well on it. day-to-day operations. Little Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com
“They are foragers. They will eat a tree that has leaves on it,” Travis said. “We keep hay out all winter, but unless there’s snow on the ground, they just really aren’t interested in it.” Another mark of efficiency is return on investment. It’s very common for them to calve into their twentieth year. They generally throw calves without trouble, and require little maintenance. Highland cattle are gaining popularity, and there is a growing niche market for their products. The rich, lean meat lends itself well to grass-fed and organic markets, getting top dollar. The skulls, horns and skins are prized as decor and can bring in thousands of dollars per cow. Low feed cost, calving longevity, high-value beef, and skull and hide sales combine to make the initial investment very profitable. One of the main differences the Lamborns found between their commercial beef cattle and their Highlands was the social nature of the breed. They are very communal and behave like a family. For instance, often one member of the flock is elected “babysitter” and will hang back and guard the new calves while the others feed. Highlands are APRIL 27, 2020
