Become a member and help preserve and safeguard the heritage of the unique Highland Cattle breed

Join our society

We are constantly working to bring more value to our members. Our main objective as a charity is to provide an accurate Herd Book which will record the long history of the breed and preserve their genetic heritage. But there are so many more benefits to enjoy when you join the Highland Cattle Society.

What the Highland Cattle Society does for you:

Close-up of a Highland Cattle

  • Maintains the Herd Book and ensures its integrity

  • Encourages DNA testing for pedigree identification and disease services

  • Continues breed development with an ongoing bull programme and potential genetic sampling to encourage the primary characteristics of Highland Cattle and support pedigree breeders

  • Manages and promotes regular Highland Cattle Society shows and sales, which include social and educational events

  • Sanctions a list of field officers, who maintain common standards

  • Collects and compiles available performance data on Highland cattle

  • Collaborates with academic research wherever possible

  • Keeps up with the latest developments and research that may affect Highland Cattle

In addition, we provide:

  • An annual copy of all births in the year, showing folds and breeders who continue to maintain the valuable Highland genetics

  • A registration and transfer service

  • An easy method of registering cattle online

  • An online database search facility that will give you any registered animal’s history and lineage, together with fold and members details – so you can research your animals’ genetics or look for breeders throughout the UK

  • Regular Highland Cattle Society shows and sales

  • Free cattle registration transfers for cattle sold at a Highland Cattle Society show and sale

  • A free field officer visit for new members

We’re supporting you every step of the way

 

Marketing

As a member, we’ll give you a high level of professional marketing support. First, we provide this continually updated and informative website where you can advertise your cattle.

We also promote your fold on social media, whether you’re just using our website or if you’re coming to one of our Highland Cattle Society show and sales. What’s more, we market all of our show and sales widely both in the UK and across the world.

Publications

We produce regular e-bulletins to keep you up to date and fully informed on everything that’s happening at the Highland Cattle Society. You’ll also receive a copy of our annual journal packed full of features, major show results, a members’ register and so much more.

In addition, we have a great PR programme, which ensures that our amazing breed receives regular coverage and articles in both printed and online publications.

Events

Every year, we support the National Show which is held in the UK. We also provide a stand for the major shows, such as the Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh, to promote our breed.

On a regional level, we sanction Highland Cattle shows all over the country, supplying a list of judges and providing rosettes for the champions. What’s more, we encourage breeders by running a Regional Fold competition every two years.

Education

At the Highland Cattle Society, we work towards obtaining grants for education, research and members’ welfare.

We also support regional Highland Cattle clubs by offering representation, leadership assistance and promotional material.

Young handlers, also known as Junior Highlanders, are encouraged both at our shows and sales, and to get involved by joining various committees.

How to join the Highland Cattle Society today

We have Lifelong, Annual and Associate Membership available.

 

To become a member of the Highland Cattle Society, simply download a membership form, complete it and send it to us at the address shown below.

New members who already own pedigree cattle are asked to register their fold name (herd prefix) when joining, so that their cattle can be registered on our database. As a breeder, you select your own fold name, which is then reserved exclusively, as long as it’s not already taken.

If you have any questions at all, please contact the Highland Cattle Society office on 01786 446866. Our friendly, helpful team are renowned for providing good customer service. Even if they can’t answer you directly, they will quickly refer you to someone who will.