This is a guide for folks that want to own and/or breed registered Highland cattle. Navigating the paperwork and learning where the information is can be confusing, so I'm writing this article in an attempt to create a one-stop-shop for getting started with Highland cattle. 

Make sure you understand the whole process before diving right in!

Browse CHCS.ca

The Canadian Highland Cattle Society (CHCS) is the National association for Highland cattle breeders. They maintain the herd book, organize membership, promote the breed, and more.

Learn how to navigate CLRC.ca

The Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC) performs registry services for the CHCS and other breed associations. By navigating the CLRC can find breeders in your area and get their contact information. 

FAQ

• Can I breed up or register my highlands that are from unregistered bloodlines?

  • No, the Highland herd book is closed. You can only produce Highlands from registered bloodlines.

• Do I need to be a member of the CHCS to own registered Highlands?

  • No, there are benefits to being a member but it isn't required.

• Where can I find registered mini/micro Highlands?

  • They don't exist. Scammers may claim that they have mini/micro Highlands, be wary. Mini/micro usually refers to cattle with a dwarfism gene, chondrodysplasia that does not exist in purebred Highlands. Otherwise, a small or malnourished calf may be called mini/micro but they will grow to be 1100-1400 lbs.

• Where can I find the forms and rules?

  • Forms on CLRC.ca

  • Forms on CHCS.ca

  • By-laws

• Who can I reach out to if I have questions?

  • The Secretary for the CHCS highland@chcs.ca

  • I'm always happy to talk about cattle. Feel free to email me breedonhighlands@gmail.com

How to find and purchase registered Highland cattle.

Finding cattle

Highlands are a heritage breed, so you won't find Highlands at your local stockyards. When you're looking at cattle, ask for the animal's registration number or tattoo and look it up on CLRC.ca. The best ways to find registered Highlands are:

• Advertisers on CHCS.ca 

• Facebook Group - Canadian Highland Cattle Breeders

• Facebook Group - Canadian registered Highland, Highland enregistré Canada

• Kijiji

• Cold call breeders off of CLRC.ca

• Reach out to me, I might know someone in your area.

Avoiding scams

I've recommended Kijiji and Facebook as places to find cattle but there are scammers on both. The Facebook group admins do a great job but some slip through. I recommend checking with other breeders, verifying that their contact info matches their info on CLRC.ca, and/or reaching out to the Secretary of the CHCS highland@chcs.ca if you're unsure. The best way to avoid being scammed is seeing the animal in-person before you buy it.

Purchasing cattle

I recommend going to see cattle in-person before buying them but sometimes it isn't feasible. A seller should at least invite you to see the animal. 

 Before you make a transaction ensure:

• You have an opportunity to verify the animal's tattoo.

• The seller will make a bill of sale or receipt.

• The seller will transfer registration (at the seller's cost) in a timely manner. Sellers are required to transfer registration (unless agreed upon in writing) within 6 months of the transaction but you should push them to do it immediately. 

  • Avoid buying animals that are not in the seller's name as it can cause delays due to secondary transfers.

• If you are buying a bull, ensure the bull has been DNA tested to match their father. A bulls progeny cannot be registered without this. Best to complete the test before you transport or breed your females to him. 

These points may seem trivial but almost every breeder I've talked to has a story about not checking these things and having serious trouble. I consider these dealbreakers. 

Registration transfer

The seller is required to transfer the ownership to you at this point. The seller will need your information to complete the transfer. The information you give them is important! The way it is submitted is the way it will appear on all your records. Here is what they need:

• Buyer's name (Either a personal name or a business name)

  • Personal - Examples: John Smith / John Smith & Jane Smith / John & Jane Smith / John Smith & Jane Doe

  • Business - Example: Smith Cattle Company

    • Note: Using a personal name is usually the best option. Using a business name is a good option if you have a partnership, company, or incorporated organization and you want your business to own the cattle. This is about ownership, not naming your herd/fold. You will be able to provide a "farm name" when you fill out the membership application.

• Address

• Phone number

If your are buying a female that is bred to a registered male, the seller will record the bull's information on the registration certificate/transfer. The seller sends the registration certificate/transfer and payment to the CLRC then the CLRC sends the new registration certificate to the seller. The seller is supposed to check the new registration certificate for errors, then forward it to the buyer. If you don't receive the new registration from the buyer in a month follow up with them and escalate to the Secretary of the CHCS highland@chcs.ca if required. 

How to become a member of the Canadian Highland Cattle Society.

Why you should buy a membership

First, you do not NEED to be a member of the CHCS to own registered Highland cattle. Non-members can purchase cattle and keep the registrations without ever becoming a member. 

Here are some of the benefits of being a member:

• 50% off all transactions with the CHCS/CLRC.

  • Registrations, transfers, etc.

• A member page on CLRC.ca.

  • A great way for breeders and customers to find you.

• A subscription to Kyloe Cry. 

  • The magazine and newsletter for Canadian Highland breeders.

Signing up for a membership

Fill out the membership application form or the online membership form using the fee schedule. If you just purchased a registered Highland, your first year of membership is free! Don't include the membership fee if that's the case. You're not required to register tattoo letters or a herd prefix at this point but you might as well, in my opinion.

Here are some tips for herd prefixes and tattoo letters:

• Search CLRC.ca to see if someone else has used the letters you want to use

• Fewer tattoo letters is better! Try to find a two or three letter combination that suites you. Don't be like me, filling calves ears with BRDN every time.

• Avoid using the same letter twice. When you buy tattoo dies you get one die for each letter of the alphabet. 

• Your "Herd Prefix" goes in front of the name of every calf you register. Mine is "Breedon" so a calf named Hawthorn would be "Breedon Hawthorn" I prefer prefixes that end in "'s" i.e. "Breedon's Hawthorn"

When this is processed, you will have a member page on CLRC.ca like my member page. You'll also receive a welcome package by mail from the CHCS.

How to access your CLRC account for the first time

Accessing your account

1. Navigate to the "manage my account" section of CLRC.ca or click here.

2. Select "Login".

3. Fill in your email address (the one you used on your membership application) and select "Don't have a password?".

4. Check your email inbox for a password.

5. Use your email and password to login.

6. Update your password using the "Update Password" menu.

email tech.support@clrc.ca if you have problems with your CLRC account.

If you've read through this article, you should have a good understanding of how to get started as a Highland cattle breeder. If you completed these steps, congratulations! You should be set up for success as a Highland Breeder! Feel free to reach out to me on suggestions for improving this guide.

-Collin Breedon