Eco-friendly farm with Highland cattle in the West Pomeranian Province.

Author: Lukasz Stechnij


     In the West Pomerania Province (Poland), there is much less cattle than, for instance, in the Greater Poland. Yet, one can find a lot of interesting lands here, perfect for breeding cattle. Looking for interesting beef cattle farms near Swidwin and Drawsko Pomorskie, I visited an eco-friendly farmstead with Highland cattle cows (Scottish breed). It is situated in a picturesque area, with small lakes and hills. The owner of the farm is Andreas Hradetzky.
     He uses 100 ha of grassland, on the bank of the Kleckie Lake, in Donatowo village, Ostrowice commune, which is a part of the Drawski district. The Highland cattle herd has over 80 animals. 



     Mr Andreas moved to Poland in 1989. He has been breeding cows of the Highland cattle for over 15 years. During our meeting, Mr Andreas gave me some information about his farm.
     The farmstead contacts the lake, which is accessible for the cattle. The farm is eco-friendly, so the dwelling conditions should be closely to the natural ones. During the grazing season, the animals have over 100 ha of grassland at their disposal. The farmer also obtains hay, in order to provide fodder in the winter time. The calving season lasts all year around. Calvings are easy and do not require assistance. Every morning one person must check whether there are new calves. Then can also be given ear tags at the time. The calves are not extra-fed. During freezing weather (-25 degrees C), the farmer supports all animals by adding grain. In the winter, the cattle use the forest as a shelter. Water is supplied as well. Every day, it is also necessary to deliver and unroll 3-4 bales of hay. Cattle of this breed is characterized by very small fat layer, yet thanks to long hairs, it manages perfectly in winter. All the time, the herd has access to salt blocks for licking. 



     The greenery is not fertilized, ecology is of utmost importance. The animals are pure-blooded and entered in breeding registers. The mating process occurs naturally, once in a while the farmer changes the bulls, not to let them mate with their own daughters.



     This year, in the spring, blood samples were taken from the herd, for the purpose of testing, the cows were dewormed as well. The farmer sees no need form mineral nutrition, vaccinations or fly-spraying. The animals are highly resistant to illnesses. For the sake of ecology, no antibiotics are used on the farm. Moreover, Mr Andreas noticed that the most difficult period for the calves is in the winter, when the temperature fluctuates around 0 degrees C. When the frost is sharp, there are no health problems. 



     An interesting thing is that the Highland cattle cows are multi-coloured, the animals can be russet, black, and even gray. Meat from this breed is very lean. Also, the farmer assured me that the animals are very calm, which I could see from myself walking around the pasture.
     If you are interesting in animals of this breed, you can contact Mr Andreas Hradetzky by calling: +48 663 686 644, or visit website: highland-cattle.pl

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