If you’ve ever run your hand down your horse’s legs in late summer and noticed tiny yellow dots stubbornly stuck to the hair, you’ve likely encountered bot fly eggs. While they may seem harmless at first glance, these small eggs are the beginning of a parasite’s life cycle that every horse owner should understand. Fortunately, with a little knowledge and a consistent deworming program, bot flies can be effectively managed. What Are Bot Flies? Bot flies (Gasterophilus species)

We just hatched Coturnix quail from shipped eggs. Our hatch rate was 39% with a 50% hatch rate guarantee. Will I let the breeder know their hatch rate guarantee failed? Absolutely not. One of the biggest misconceptions about raising poultry is that every fertile egg should hatch. The reality is far different. Whether you're incubating chickens, quail, ducks, or other poultry, successful hatching is part science, part experience, and part acceptance that Mother Nature always

For generations, our great-grandparents wasted very little. Every part of the animal served a purpose, from nourishing meals to handmade soap, candles, leather conditioners, and skin care. Today, many people are rediscovering what previous generations already knew: tallow is one of nature's most versatile and effective products. At Heritage Highland Ranch, we believe in honoring those traditions while creating high-quality products that fit modern life. Our tallow products ar

One of the greatest joys of ranch life is sharing the land with wildlife. Every morning, songbirds fill the air with their calls. Swallows swoop through the pasture chasing insects, meadowlarks perch on fence posts, and sparrows search the ground for seeds. They are just as much a part of the landscape as our cattle, horses, and open skies. Unfortunately, ranchers often encounter a heartbreaking reality that many people never think about. Birds can drown in livestock water tr

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." — Mark 10:9 Marriage was never intended to be easy. It is the joining of two imperfect people who bring different backgrounds, personalities, strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears into one covenant. It requires sacrifice, humility, forgiveness, and an unwavering commitment that extends far beyond the emotions of the day. Somewhere along the way, our culture seems to have changed the way it views marriage. Too o

To many people, horses represent freedom, adventure, and a simpler way of life. They graze peacefully in the pasture, carry us through mountain trails, and become trusted partners on the ranch. But behind every beautiful horse is a dedicated owner making sure they are healthy, well-fed, and properly cared for. At Heritage Highland Ranch, our four horses are an important part of our daily life. They help with ranch work, support our future veteran wellness programs, and, most

For more than two centuries, St. Andrew's Societies have served as the heartbeat of Scottish heritage in the United States. While each society reflects the unique character of its local community, they all share a common purpose: to preserve Scotland's rich traditions, strengthen cultural ties, and serve their communities through fellowship and charitable works. A Tradition Dating Back to America's Founding The first St. Andrew's Society in America was established in Charlest

When we think of Scotland's greatest historical figures, warriors, kings, and clan chiefs often come to mind. Yet one of Scotland's most enduring heroes never wielded a sword. Instead, she transformed a nation through compassion, faith, education, and service. St. Margaret of Scotland, Queen of Scots from 1070 until her death in 1093, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire Christians, families, and charitable organizations around the world. Her life reminds us that tr

Homesteading has a way of teaching lessons that are difficult, humbling, and deeply rooted in responsibility. One of those lessons came this week as we made the decision to process several of our young roosters. It's never the glamorous side of farming, and it's certainly not the part that makes for picturesque social media posts. But it is one of the realities of raising livestock ethically and responsibly. This group of cockerels had reached the age where hormones were taki

"A good brand tells a story. A great brand carries a legacy." If you've ever looked at a Montana ranch and admired the simple iron mark burned onto a cow's hide, you might think choosing a livestock brand is as easy as sketching a few letters on paper. We thought the same thing—until we began the process ourselves. As we build Heritage Highland Ranch, one of our goals has been to establish a livestock brand that represents our family, our Scottish heritage, and the future of

When most people think about raising healthy cattle, they focus on nutrition, vaccinations, minerals, fencing, and clean water. While all of those are essential, there's another factor that is often overlooked—and it can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Knowing exactly what is growing on your property. We recently experienced one of those moments that every cattle owner dreads. During a routine check, we discovered our cattle browsing on chokecherry trees. Our

One of the hardest parts of raising animals is knowing that, despite your best efforts, accidents still happen. Recently, one of our rare Shetland hens suffered a broken upper beak. It was one of those moments every poultry keeper dreads. We immediately began asking ourselves the same questions many flock owners would: Will she be able to eat? Will it heal? Is there anything we can do to help? Fortunately, birds are remarkably resilient. What Causes a Broken Beak? A chicken's

There are few traditions as iconic as the Scottish Highland Games. The unmistakable sound of bagpipes echoing across an open field, athletes tossing towering cabers, Highland cattle grazing nearby, tartans fluttering in the wind, and families gathering to celebrate centuries of history create an experience unlike any other. Although the Highland Games have deep roots in Scotland, they have become a cherished tradition throughout the United States, where Scottish descendants a

There’s an old saying that elephants never forget, but around here, I’m starting to think turkeys deserve a little more credit. Turkeys may look goofy. They strut, puff up, gobble dramatically, and act like tiny dinosaurs with feathers. But anyone who has raised them knows there is a lot more going on behind those watchful eyes than people realize. Turkeys remember. They remember faces. They remember routines. And more importantly, they remember how you treat them. On our hom

When most people see a Highland cow, they notice the sweeping horns, long shaggy coat, and unmistakable beauty that has made the breed famous around the world. But beneath that iconic appearance lies something even more fascinating—genetics. For Highland breeders, genetics are about much more than producing beautiful cattle. They preserve centuries of careful selection, maintain breed diversity, improve herd health, and protect one of Scotland's oldest native breeds. At Lucky

There is an exciting moment every rancher knows well—the trailer pulls into the driveway, and inside are the newest additions to the herd. Months of planning, researching bloodlines, and preparing pastures have finally come together. But while we may see opportunity, the herd sees something entirely different. To them, strangers have arrived. Every herd, whether it's Highland cattle, horses, sheep, goats, or even poultry, operates within a social hierarchy. That hierarchy inf

There is nothing quite like stepping outside in the morning to hear the sounds of a healthy flock. Chickens scratching through the grass, ducks splashing in water, guinea fowl sounding the alarm, and quail chirping in their pens all become part of the rhythm of a homestead. Unfortunately, raising poultry also means accepting responsibility for their health. Even the most experienced poultry keepers eventually encounter illness. The difference between losing one bird and losin

There are days when the homestead feels peaceful. The chickens are scratching in the yard. The cattle are grazing quietly. The garden is growing. The coffee is hot, and for just a moment, life feels exactly like the dream you imagined. Then there are the other days. The weeds have taken over the garden. The fence still needs repaired. The animals need fed. The incubator didn't hatch. The sink is full of dishes. The laundry has somehow multiplied. The grass is waist-high. You

There are countless photos and videos that make homesteading look idyllic. Sunrise over green pastures. Baby chicks hatching. Highland calves running through the grass. Fresh vegetables filling baskets. Those moments are real. But so are the moments no one wants to talk about. One of the hardest realities of raising animals is that sometimes, despite your best efforts, you have to make the heartbreaking decision to cull an animal that cannot recover. It never gets easier, and

There is something about putting your hands in the dirt that changes you. In today's world, it's easy to spend our days surrounded by screens, schedules, notifications, and endless noise. We rush from one obligation to the next, often forgetting that for thousands of years, human beings lived much differently. We woke with the sun, worked with the seasons, and depended on the land beneath our feet. Homesteading invites us back to that rhythm. It isn't just about raising chick