Willow Glen Farm
HIGHLAND CATTLE & GRASSFED BEEF
ABOUT US
We raise registered Highland cattle in the heart of east-central Alberta. We initially chose Highland cattle because we wanted a breed that was easy to handle, was low maintenance and finished well on grass. And to be honest, aesthetics and personality played major roles in our choice. Stocky, rugged with the shaggy coat, signature dossan and sweeping horns - there's no mistaking a Highland.
Originally bred in the Highlands and the western islands of Scotland, the Highland breed seems custom made for our Alberta climate and our local terrain. While they are smart, and sometimes stubborn - they are generally gentle and calm. A history of living in close quarters with people helped weed out those animals with suspect temperaments.
We strive to select quality breeding stock, with an emphasis on function, conformation and temperament - all while staying true to breed character. We hope to produce animals that will work equally well in the ring, in the paddock or out on rugged pasture.
We are proud to be registered with the Verified Beef Production+™ program. Food safety and trust are paramount. We are also active members of the Canadian Highland Cattle Society & the American Highland Cattle Association.
Take a tour around - visit our FAQ page for more information about us, management and the breed in general. And feel free to contact us anytime with any questions or comments.
FALL SALE
Our annual fall sale runs as an online, timed, farm-gate style auction. Bidding opens on November 1, 2024 at 8:00 am MT and soft closes on November 2, 2024 at 6:00 pm MT.
We're excited to offer a good selection of breeding prospect heifer calves. Some semen. Possibly a breeding age bull or two.
VISITS TO THE FARM
At this time, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate general visits to the farm.
GRASSFED BEEF
A change of direction. And a new exciting source for premium Highland beef.
OUR METHODS
Our cattle are raised on large pastures, with lots of room to select prime forage according to the time of year. Sun cured alfalfa/grass hay is provided in the winter months. They always have access to fresh water and a vitamin/mineral supplement. We walk through the cattle at least once a day. Frequent interaction means less stress when we do have to work with them. It also allows us to pick up on any changes in behaviour that may signal a health problem. We have several that like to come for an alfalfa cube and a quick scratch. Others prefer a little more space, but all are accustomed to our presence.
Our cattle are strictly grassfed - and expect them to perform on a forage based diet alone. They do receive a small amount of grain when calling them into the corrals. Weaning calves also get some oats to help quiet them down - and to learn to come when called. Moving Highlands is much, much easier with a little bribery.
Animals destined to be eaten are happy animals. They spend their lives on open pasture with cattle they grew up with – with good food & drink. Routine antibiotics, growth hormones or ionophores are never used. However, if an animal is sick or injured, proper veterinary care is provided. All of our livestock are properly identified and we keep detailed health records. Those records are made available to customers.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
We love answering them! We've assembled some of the most frequent ones we receive together. A bit of everything: the breed, housing, feed, breeding, health and butchering.
CONTACT US
Jaylyn Ettinger & Grant Marchand
Box 177
Czar, AB
T0B 0Z0
Phone: 780-842-8285
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NEWSLETTER
Sign up for our newsletter for information about happenings on the farm, livestock availability, beef sales, recipes and much more.
Copyright © Willow Glen Farm.
All Rights Reserved.