ABOUT Us
Our Story
Yonder Highlands Farm is a 10 acre parcel set on the mountains above Chilliwack B.C., in the community known as Ryder Lake. With the steep, forested terrain and rocky soil that’s common to most of the area, folks up here mostly just farm for fun. Yonder Highlands is no different. Our family has a long lineage of raising beef cattle in this community and we are now, proudly, 4 generations deep into “breaking even” on this hill. Here though, instead of traditional breeds raised for beef, our focus is on the exposure and reproduction of Scottish Highland cattle, for other farmers, and for visitors from all over the world. We raise and breed purebred Scottish Highland cattle using a combination of natural cover and artificial insemination, in pursuit of producing the finest, most unique bovine available to the public. Through the sale of our calves, and through our unique farm tours, events, and accommodations, our goal is to provide easier access to this special breed, and to small scale farming in general.
our Land
In the early 1950’s, the property was logged of all its big timber, and for the next 50+ years it was left to Mother Nature to do her thing. Deadfall, stumps and brush covered most of the ground and new trees filled in the rest. In 2009 our family purchased the property and started restoring the land - clearing and fencing the perimeter, and then pasturing cattle throughout. Over the next 15 years, we continued slowly taking back the bush, in efforts to maximize the property’s potential. On average, we’ve curated an extra half acre of useable pasture, every year, as well as expanding the farm to an additional 10 acres of field, that we lease off our neighbours. The soil and topography is difficult, to say the least, but is made the best of by keeping the animals we do.* Our landscape and environment is an excellent representation of where our cattle came from and keeps the cows, and the visitors experience authentic. We built a kilometre long walking trail wrapping the property, and 2 bespoke elevated cabins to allow easier, more comfortable access to the public. Today, we house and tour hundreds of visitors every year, from all over the world, that are seeking an immersive agrarian experience.
our animals
Scottish Highland cows, known for their long horns and distinctive long, wavy coats, are a hardy breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands. They are well adapted to harsh weather conditions, possessing a double coat that protects them from cold and wet climates. In the summer months, their long horns actually help them expel heat from their bodies to cool them off. Typically, Highland cows are of a smaller stature compared to other beef breeds, with adult males weighing between 800 to 1,200 pounds and females weighing between 500 to 1,000 pounds. They are also much slower growing than most other beef breeds. Their diet primarily consists of rough grasses and heather, making them excellent grazers that can thrive on poor-quality forage. Known for their calm demeanour, Highland cows are often used in conservation grazing to manage natural landscapes and promote biodiversity. Their lean beef is also highly prized for its flavour and quality, contributing to their popularity among farmers and consumers alike. A lesser-known fact about the highlanders is that originally, they were all black. Through selective cross breeding, today, they are often red, brindle, dun, silver and white. Here, our cows are kept for breeding, so most are long-term residents and have proven to be very docile and somewhat trainable.