Floyd, I raise Dexters. Those of us with Dexters and Highlands have to face the fact that these are minor breeds that do well for certain people in certain situations. Their historical, heritage value is wonderful and we should strive to promote that. They have their place in the cattle world, but it is not in the same ring as the commercial beef animals. For starters, they have horns, and that's a given no-no in the commercial arena. Sale barns are going to discount anything small, anything with horns. Most 4H groups will not permit horns anyway. If you get tired of this breed, you can't just load them up and sell them next Saturday at the local sale barn. No point in getting all bent out of shape about it, it's just a fact.
Promote your breed where it will succeed. Those of us with minor breeds don't strive to produce a calf crop that all look alike. We deal in INDIVIDUALS, not groups. And it's not easy to market personalities in today's cattle world.
I must tell you the American Highland Cattle Association has a lovely website and they've got some great PR going there; take advantage of it. Work with the ALBC to promote your Highlands as heritage animals; set up a pen at a Scottish festival and let the public see them (make sure you take well-handled ones) -- believe me, people will get a real charge out of seeing them in person. Enjoy the fact that your Highlands need no special protection in nasty, sub-freezing temperatures; you can't possibly imagine how many times I've seen my little Dexter calves out in the cold icy rain, wishing they had the impenetrable coats of your Highlands. If the beef is excellent, market that to individuals who want to fill their family's freezer. Unassisted calving, great (and there is absolutely nothing cuter than a Highland calf)! Oak leaves and brush, hmmm, even I'd have trouble with that (a lot of Dexter people believe their "hardy little cattle" can make it on bark and berries).
What I'm trying to say that you can still participate here without a breed chip on your shoulder. Health care, forage issues, hunting, pets, sports -- there's plenty to select from here without feeling you're at the bottom of the dung heap.
