Call for further information and an appointment to view our herd. There are other animals potentially available.
Bitterroot Farms, LLC
Tom and Deanna Newton
(360)495-3132
CATTLE FOR SALE
BULLS
REGISTERED HEIFERS
REGISTERED COWS
UNREGISTERED HEIFERS
Tips for Purchasing Highlands
Purchasing your first Highland animal can be a most rewarding or frustrating experience depending on how prepared you are prior to your transaction. It's easy to get carried away by the beauty and majesty of the Highland breed but be ready to really look your potential animal over carefully.
What to look for when buying registered Highland cattle:
If your are purchasing a registered Highland, ask to see registration papers. If the animal you are purchasing is not yet registered, ask to see the parents' papers and a copy of the registration application. Ask the seller to register the animal as a condition of sale. Only the original owner (owner of the dam when she calved) may register the animal. Depending on the circumstances, it could be difficult or impossible to get the animal registered or transferred.
Check to see if the animal has been properly tattooed. The tattoo is usually in the left ear and must match what is noted on the registration certificate or application. An animal without an AHCA tattoo must follow certain rules to remain registered.
If possible look at the dam and sire, they are the best gauge as to what your animal will look like when it grows up. If the parents are not available, ask for photos.
Check the parents’ pedigrees for close in-breeding or line breeding such as father to daughter or brother to sister. Only a very knowledgeable breeder has the know-how to do this successfully. Line breeding has the potential to enhance the better qualities but also enhance the poorer qualities.
Conformation can be challenging for novice cattlemen and women. Basically, the animal should look like a Highland, have good legs and feet placed squarely under the body, walk without difficulty and appear to be healthy. Check to see if the hooves are too long or cross over one another. A seasoned cow should have a fairly level udder with the teats not too long for easy nursing of calves. The back should be fairly level and the butt fairly squared. Bigger isn't always better. Check for extra fat pockets at the base of the tail. When you feel the sides of the animal, there should not be a 'jelly-jiggle'. This is fat, not muscle. An overweight animal will be more difficult to breed.
If the seller claims the animal is halter broke and gentle, ask for a demonstration if this is an important consideration for you. This will also give you a glimpse at the disposition of the animal. Keep in mind that the animal may be a little rusty if it has not been haltered for a period of time. A calm animal is much easier to deal with when a medical need arises and is just basically more fun to be around. A flighty animal can have a negative affect on your entire herd. It's worth paying the extra for an animal that has already been worked with. Remember, you get what you pay for!!
Some states require animals, either born in the state or transferred into the state, to be Brucellosis vaccinated. This must be done, on females only, usually prior to the age of 10 months. The Brucellosis tag is metal and usually easily seen at the top of the ear. If no tag is visible and may have pulled out, look in the ear (usually right ear) for a Brucellosis tattoo. Check with your veterinarian for complete health requirements/guidelines in your state and region.
If you will be transporting your new purchases over state lines make sure you check with your local veterinarian or the State Board of Animal Health before loading them into the trailer. A bill of sale may be required to prove you are the new owner. In some states a health certificate from the vet stating the animals’ identity and status of good health is all that is necessary. Other states may require blood tests, permits and other paperwork that will require additional time to prepare.
While this may seem complicated it is easier than it appears. A reliable Highland breeder likely knows what is needed to register, transfer and transport your animal to its new home. Most breeders are very willing to make this an enjoyable experience.
Bitterroot's Virginia reg #46545 Birth date 6/10/08 weight gain certified Was 5th in the nation in 2008 for her class. Bred to RAM Lexington
***UPDATE*** She was 4th in the nation last year as an Intermediate heifter.
Bitterroot's Walker of Skye reg #47919 Born 5/4/09
***UPDATE*** He was 3rd in the nation in the Intermediate bull calf class
Bitterroot's Valley Girl reg #46369 Birth date 1/05/08 weight gain certified due to calve in August
Bitterroot's Valkyrie reg #46370 Birth date 4/15/08 Bred to RAM Lexington
Bitterroot's Wallace of Skye reg #47918 Born 4/9/09
2009 Reserve Grand Champion Puyallup Fair
***UPDATE*** He was 2nd in the nation in the Junior bull calf class
Venus 2-year-old heifer born 7/8/08
Bitterroot's Willow of Skye reg #47858 Born 5/4/09 weight gain certified
SOLD
SOLD with calf
Other Items for Sale
Semen for sale $35 per straw:
HI Benedict Benny (ET) Red Bull 28195
GOF Xiphos 9X Silver Dun Bull 21406
Two 15-year-old registered Missouri Fox Trotters. Must go together. Includes all tack. We have about $8000 invested in them and tack. Give us a reasonable offer and they can be yours.
Hailey Birth date 5/3/10. Available at weaning.
Bitterroot Sky's Dirty Harry Born 2/6/10
SOLD
SOLD
HA Lady Sasha reg #42205 Birth date 4/18/05
Last year's bull calf is Bitterroot's Wallace of Skye (see below for sale). Due to calve in July. Bred to Bitterroot's Big Sky
Sire: DH Churchill 27914
Dam: Keri Ann of Cherry Point 36126
Kandi of Cherry Point reg #36125 Birth date 9/6/00 Her 2008 calf, Bitterroot's Virginia, was 5th in the nation in 2008 as a heifer calf and 4th in the nation in 2009 as an intermediate heifer. Her 2009 calf Bitterroot's Walker of Skye (see below for sale) was 3rd in the nation as an intermediate bull calf. Presently bred back to RAM Lexington who was 2nd in the nation in 2008 as an intermediate yearliing bull.
Sire: Broadstone 7th of Stonecliffe 27551
Dam: Felicity of Cherry Point CA9404
