Can Highland Cattle Survive Florida? Here's The Truth | With Bennye, Happy Meadows Farm

What does it actually take to raise Highland and High Park cattle in Central Florida - forty-five minutes north of Orlando, in year-round humidity and heat? This week Lori sits down with Bennye of Happy Meadows Farm in Oviedo, Florida to talk about starting small and doing it right, running farm tours by appointment, and the very real reality of keeping fluffy cattle alive and comfortable in a climate that was never designed for them.From embryo take rates to shaving belly hair to portable AC units in the barn, this episode is packed with practical knowledge for anyone raising Highlands in a warm climate or anyone who's wondered why their calves aren't shedding the way they expected.Key TakeawaysKnow your large animal vet, a backup vet, and your nearest large animal hospital before you ever need them. Shave the belly first in heat — releasing core temp from underneath is more effective than hosing the back. High parks tolerate Florida heat significantly better than high percentage Highlands. Embryo take rates average around 30-50% — waiting to confirm at 60 days rather than 30 reduces false positives. Farm tours are a great desensitisation tool for calves and make them far more pet-friendly when they go to their new homes.Episode HighlightsBennye explains how she keeps Highland cattle alive and thriving in Florida's brutal humidity with shade, sprinklers, fans, and portable AC. Lori and Bennye compare embryo programs — surrogates, take rates, and why five out of thirty was a painful lesson. The conversation covers agritourism insurance in Florida, how to prep buyers before a farm visit, and why closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable. Plus Lori's big ass fan, and why black Highlands handle heat better than anyone expects.Timestamps00:53 — Getting started in 2018 with High Parks in Florida 02:42 — First calf and growing the herd 03:08 — Learning as you go and finding mentors 06:28 — What Bennye wishes she'd known from the start 11:00 — Farm tours: what they look like at Happy Meadows Farm 14:41 — Insurance, safety signs and Florida agritourism law 17:39 — How tours help socialise and desensitise calves 19:00 — Herd size, space limitations and the embryo program 25:20 — Embryo take rates and surrogate options 31:00 — Farm tours by season: why summer slows down 35:48 — Managing heat in Florida: shaving, sprinklers and shade 41:13 — Fans, portable AC and keeping calves cool overnight 48:52 — How Florida Highlands grow coat back in winter — even when it's still hotFind Happy Meadows Farm at www.happymeadowsfarm.com Instagram: @happy_meadows_farmFollow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast Website: hornsnhoovesauction.comProduction Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/