Harder's Highland Ranch

Harder's Highland Ranch, Scottish Highland cattle, Dwight, IL, Livingston County and central Illinois near Chicago. Its proprietor, Charles Harder, has raised Scottish Highland cattle for over ten years and holds active membership in the American Highland Cattle Association, overseeing routine health testing for parasites, horn development, and overall vitality.

The herd grazes rotationally on fenced pastures and calves receive regular handling to develop a calm temperament. Animals have access to sheltered loafing areas, fresh water, and mineral supplements throughout the year. Breeding lines emphasize hardiness, adaptive growth, and rich coat quality, traits selected through careful pedigree research. Seasonal pasture rotation encourages soil health and biodiversity, reflecting the ranch’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Each animal’s health record is documented and shared openly with prospective buyers to support informed decisions. The ranch maintains a small herd size to ensure personal attention for each animal and upholds biosecurity measures to protect herd health.