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 Takeaways

Know 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 Highlights

Bennye 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.

Timestamps

00:53 — 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 hot

Find Happy Meadows Farm at www.happymeadowsfarm.com
Instagram: @happy_meadows_farm

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/