N Bar A Ranch

N Bar A Ranch, Scottish highland cattle, Santa Cruz, CA, is located in Santa Cruz County near Monterey. Owned by Thomas Williams, the herd has been raised here for over a decade under American Highland Cattle Association guidelines, with regular veterinary checks and genetic screening for bloodlines.

The cattle roam on open pasture with oak-studded meadows, where early handling ensures calm temperaments and easy adaptation to farm life. Feeding follows a seasonal rotation of native grasses, supplemented with hay and grains during winter months to support steady growth through changing coastal weather. Each spring the ranch welcomes fellow cattle breeders for workshops on low-stress handling and pasture management.

This family operation values steady, approachable animals well-suited for small-scale farms or conservation grazing. The combination of gentle temperament and hardy breed traits has earned praise from local ranchers. Visitors often remark on the ranch’s calm setting and the personable nature of the cattle.