Maple Hill Highlands

Maple Hill Highlands is a breeder of Scottish highland cattle in Stanwood, MI, serving Manistee County and the northwestern Michigan region near Traverse City. D. and C. Manthei have been breeding this hardy, grass-fed cattle for several years and are members of the American Highland Cattle Association, with routine health testing to support calf survival and herd health. The herd grazes on rotational pasture and receives daily interaction to encourage calm temperament and social learning. Animals are born and raised on the family pasture, where shed housing provides shelter through winter storms and ample space allows natural behavior.

They follow a low-stress handling approach informed by traditional farm methods, and calves are introduced to visitors as part of early socialization. Several animals have placed well at regional fairs, reflecting the breed’s resilience in outdoor conditions. Maple Hill Highlands has gathered positive feedback for gentle cattle suited to small-scale farms and homesteads.