<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Heritage Highland Ranch]]></title><description><![CDATA[is a veteran-owned and operated Montana ranch inspired by Scottish heritage and dedicated to raising quality livestock, crafting artisan ranch products, and creating meaningful experiences. Home to Highland cattle, Scottish Blackface sheep, heritage poultry including critically endangered breeds, gardens, and a growing Highland Apothecary, we offer farm-fresh goods, handcrafted products, and Scottish-inspired gifts. Through our Veteran Wellness program, we also provide opportunities for veterans and their families to reconnect with nature, animals, and community under Montana's big skies. From the Highlands to Montana, we're preserving tradition, cultivating stewardship, and sharing the ranch lifestyle with others. ]]></description><link>https://www.heritagehighland.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:37:42 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Bot Flies in Horses: What Every Horse Owner Needs to Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[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) are parasitic...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/bot-flies-in-horses-what-every-horse-owner-needs-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a724cf435b726342fc9b0de</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:36:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_9b753b2a61f3482fad0703e6ef279772~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Truth About Hatching Rates: Why Every Egg Won't Become a Chick]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 has the final...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/the-truth-about-hatching-rates-why-every-egg-won-t-become-a-chick</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a68bc89bd1f4328fbf4dd62</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:32:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_c97160cb47744b48813dcc18eb72cfb8~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tallow Is Making a Comeback—And for Good Reason]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 are handcrafted in...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/tallow-is-making-a-comeback-and-for-good-reason</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6388e250d242d1c8908e08</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:41:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_691ae96907e043199798f3311a19f9a6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Small Change That Saves Lives: Preventing Birds from Drowning in Livestock Water Troughs]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 troughs. Just...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/a-small-change-that-saves-lives-preventing-birds-from-drowning-in-livestock-water-troughs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a628294b252e37e4d3629ed</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:14:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_5eda07b458084c3bb99df4f53c24e07c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Marriage Is Worth Fighting For]]></title><description><![CDATA["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 often, divorce has...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/marriage-is-worth-fighting-for</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a627e38532301fe59f5f809</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:57:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_878efa3d01084d71a8db708dc0ffb96d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Real Cost of Owning Horses: More Than Just a Hobby]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 importantly, they...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/the-real-cost-of-owning-horses-more-than-just-a-hobby</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6218e2424f5a9980a4cf87</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:37:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_3eefcae996f84ca690ae355a80406528~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[St. Andrew's Societies Across America: Preserving Scotland's Legacy for Future Generations]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 Charleston, South...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/st-andrew-s-societies-across-america-preserving-scotland-s-legacy-for-future-generations</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a60c532c1270e7e21ed3c0c</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:28:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_a4f8bfc133dc4575b5f2db22b04ca123~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_238,h_128,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Works of St. Margaret of Scotland: A Legacy of Faith, Charity, and Leadership]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 true leadership is...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/the-works-of-st-margaret-of-scotland-a-legacy-of-faith-charity-and-leadership</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5f5fb0c461ce8c817b6c25</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:03:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_1d1ecb41fd41401fa6571b7603d149be~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_268,h_424,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Freezer Camp Calls: Why We Processed Our Young Roosters]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 taking over. Instead...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/when-freezer-camp-calls-why-we-processed-our-young-roosters</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5e20dac8f691c470bd0bbe</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:26:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_d2fe347a42b845e8a5c0dbb750b06f90~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Search for a Brand: Why Registering a New Livestock Brand in Montana Isn't as Easy as It Looks]]></title><description><![CDATA["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 our ranch. What...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/the-search-for-a-brand-why-registering-a-new-livestock-brand-in-montana-isn-t-as-easy-as-it-looks</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a59c5bb0ff39938e1cddc32</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:05:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_9341a6bd2cf94b4da8e8b9f5a3e6d9e5~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_976,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Know What's Growing: Keeping Your Cattle Safe Starts with Your Pasture]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 hearts sank...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/know-what-s-growing-keeping-your-cattle-safe-starts-with-your-pasture</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a562fa1634028a56f49d372</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:49:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_52a5b6faffbf476cba617615f2d69b7d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_600,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When One of Our Shetland Hens Broke Her Beak: A Lesson in Resilience]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 beak is made...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/when-one-of-our-shetland-hens-broke-her-beak-a-lesson-in-resilience</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a50f091c549c55b35ae3035</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:19:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_e11e9833d43f44ad9572e44818faf7b6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Scottish Highland Games: A Celebration of Strength, Heritage, and Community]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 and enthusiasts...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/the-scottish-highland-games-a-celebration-of-strength-heritage-and-community</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a50ef70a08d23d6a93487a1</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:14:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_7b78e66cead44060b8c1e08a91feb2cc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_755,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Turkeys Never Forget: Why Your Actions Matter on the Homestead]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 homestead, we...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/turkeys-never-forget-why-your-actions-matter-on-the-homestead</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f9e4f71292d1033dc17c9</guid><pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:20:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_da025e97c40a4413ac490325828002c3~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_954,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Highland Cattle Genetics: Understanding the DNA Behind Scotland's Most Iconic Breed]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 Double L Cattle...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/highland-cattle-genetics-understanding-the-dna-behind-scotland-s-most-iconic-breed</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4e46a6743ac58602ba6cec</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:47:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_2fe0b1d9b637432ab698ce644965f523~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dynamics of Adding New Herd Members: Understanding the Social Side of Livestock]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 influences who eats...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/the-dynamics-of-adding-new-herd-members-understanding-the-social-side-of-livestock</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4cf41f1855a907de570c3b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:44:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_45c61a18833d4f7face6591a09728629~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Poultry Diseases Every Homesteader Should Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 losing an entire flock...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/poultry-diseases-every-homesteader-should-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4cf2d5e1bf8909345a90b0</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:39:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_0899e07492884abcb83237dc6e341ed4~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_474,h_355,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When the Homestead Feels Like Too Much]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 still have to go...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/when-the-homestead-feels-like-too-much</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4662f61552bc17797f2f80</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:09:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_3d882d1727884f64b2862c2cc32de4b8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Hardest Part of Homesteading: Choosing Mercy Over Comfort]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 if it does, I...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/the-hardest-part-of-homesteading-choosing-mercy-over-comfort</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a45093c6d90066744680671</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:39:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_a208bc2c2d8546a1998bfc733f2945d2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Coming Home: Finding Connection to the Earth Through Homesteading]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 chickens, growing...]]></description><link>https://www.thehighlandcroft.com/post/coming-home-finding-connection-to-the-earth-through-homesteading</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a426b2f7353421c5452e2da</guid><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:01:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f8f103_6b444a98ccec43a88f0adf55e2530d75~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>The Highland Croft</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>