Great Scott's Highland Ranch

Great Scott’s Highland Ranch, Scottish highland cattle, Custer, WA, is nestled in the Cascade foothills near Tacoma. Shawn McPhail and Jess McPhail are longtime enthusiasts who have raised highland cattle for over a decade under guidelines set by the American Highland Cattle Association. They participate in registry programs and maintain regular health screenings for BVD and Johne’s disease.

Their cattle graze on diverse pastures and benefit from well-ventilated barns during wet months, encouraging steady growth and calm temperaments. They emphasize early socialization and low-stress handling to prepare calves for life on small family farms. Their herd is known for its hardy constitution and gentle demeanor, reflecting careful breeding choices.

Their operation combines rotational grazing with hands-on attention at every stage from calving to weaning. Preventive care, consistent record keeping, and pasture management that preserves native grasses have contributed to a robust herd with minimal health concerns.