Sandhill Highland Cattle

Sandhill Highland Cattle, Scottish highland cattle, Ellinwood, KS, serves Barton County and central Kansas near Wichita. Connie Jo Hughes has managed the family farm for three generations, maintaining registered status with the American Highland Cattle Association and conducting routine health checks including parasite monitoring and hoof trimming. The property blends sustainable pasture management with a dedication to preserving the breed’s hardy lineage.

The herd grazes on open fields under a rotational schedule, and calves receive daily handling to foster a calm temperament. Emphasis on low-stress care and grass-based nutrition helps produce cattle with steady growth and good muscle development. Local ranchers value the breed’s adaptability to heat and cold, noting its consistent performance in grass-fed beef operations. Infrastructure improvements over the past five years, such as expanded fencing and new shelter barns, have enhanced animal comfort and grazing efficiency. Hughes participates in regional cattle forums to exchange insights on breeding and sustainable grazing.