About Us
Cambus Glen is owned and managed by Lesley Harris and Hugo Howse. After almost 25 years in engineering, we decided it was time to do something different. With a shared passion for the environment, livestock welfare, and a good steak, ethically raised, pastured livestock using regenerative farming practices ticks all the boxes.
Our farming enterprise is built around our fold of purebred Highland cattle, with all breeding stock registered with the Australian Highland Cattle Society (AHCS). Originally bred to survive and thrive in the wild and remote Scottish Highlands, Highland cattle are perfectly suited to the cold winters and rugged landscapes of our farm.
Our goal is to breed structurally correct, functional animals for sale, showing and beef. We place strong emphasis on temperament, sound feet and legs, and excellent udders, and our cattle are expected to perform on grass alone. They are 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised, with no supplemental grain feeding (except for the occasional treat when coming into the yards!) or non-essential medication.
From time-to-time, we have registered Highland cattle for sale. Our Highlands also provide us with flavoursome, healthy beef, which we sell at local farmers’ markets and online via the Open Food Network.
We also offer accommodation on the farm, providing the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with the cattle. For those wishing to explore further, we are just a 30-minute drive from the scenic south-west Victorian coast.
Highland Cattle
Highland cattle are a breed of beef cattle which originated in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland. They are one of the oldest registered breeds of cattle in the world, with the first Highland Cattle Herd Book recorded in 1885.
The inclement climate and North Atlantic gales meant the breed is the outcome of naturally selected genetics and character to be hardy and well adapted to withstand harsh landscapes. The cattle have the ability to convert poor grazing efficiently and although slower maturing, Highlands are known for their longevity. It is not unusual for cows to continue breeding into their late teens. Highlands are easy-calving, attentive, and protective mothers.
Highland cattle are also known for their calm, even temperament, and when correctly socialised and handled, they are a pleasure to work with.
Over the centuries, breeders have endeavoured to retain the original characteristics of the breed: hardiness, ease of calving, an even temperament and producers of quality beef.
The Farm
Cambus Glen is our 170 acre farm near the settlement of Framlingham in South-West Victoria (Australia), an area well known as prime dairy and beef country due to moderate (~750mm) and reliable rainfall. The Scottish name Cambus Glen translates roughly as “valley where a twisting river passes”, which refers to the 3km of winding Hopkins River frontage, home to wallabies, koalas, platypus, rakali and numerous water birds. We farm using largely low-input farming methods due to their regenerative potential and ecological benefits.
Beef
Highland beef is universally recognised to be some of the best in the world. It takes time, making it a premium beef that is lean, well marbled and tender. It is a popular rumour spread by Highland breeders that Queen Elizabeth, patron of the Highland Cattle Society and owner of the exceptional Balmoral fold, ate only Highland beef.
We love this breed for its efficiency on grass, combined with a moderate frame, which allows them to mature and marble beautifully on grass alone. Our Highlands are entirely grass-fed, and pasture raised on diverse forage using regenerative farming practices. There is no supplemental grain feeding or non-essential medication, and the welfare of our animals is our highest priority.
We also have hides available upon request.
