Jonathan Wetter and Stephanie Wisdom specialize in this unique breed, though, which is helping drive agri-tourism at Rainbow Raccoon Ranch, their acreage southwest of Lake City.

“We have about 30 head of Scottish Highlands, and we look for ways to help people learn more about them,” said Wetter, a Calhoun County native. “People always want to know why we have them and what we do with them.”

It all started so simply. Wisdom saw a photo online of a person holding a Scottish Highland calf and showed the picture to Wetter.

“That calf was so cute,” Wisdom said. “It was easy to see why that photo went viral.”

Stephanie Wisdom, a Missouri native and director of animal welfare for the National Pork Board, lives near Lake City and enjoys raising Scottish Highland cattle.

Before long, Wisdom and Wetter began purchasing their own Scottish Highland cattle. They had room for this heritage breed, since they’d bought an acreage in October 2020 with 20-plus acres of land near historic Rainbow Bridge.

Scottish Highland cattle are distinguished by their rugged good looks. Their thick, shaggy hair lends an exotic and almost prehistoric look to these docile animals.

While the couple raises the cattle for meat and breeding stock, the animals have also become the star of their growing agri-tourism hub at Rainbow Raccoon Ranch. Drivers passing by can’t resist slowing down to look at these photogenic bovines with their just-jumped-out-of-bed hairstyles.

Visitors who want to spend a little more time around the cattle will soon be able to stay in a 100-plus-year-old cabin located on Wetter and Wisdom’s property near the Raccoon River. The couple is remodeling the 16-foot by 20-foot cabin and plan to list it on the Airbnb lodging website. They’re also registered on Hipcamp, an online marketplace that offers outdoor stays and camping experiences.

“Right now, all we offer is a patch of ground, a picnic area, fire ring and portable toilet, but people are signing up to stay here,” Wisdom said.

Rainbow Raccoon Ranch has the added allure of history, thanks to its location near the former Rainbow Resort, which included a baseball diamond, horse racing and auto racing track, dance pavilion, “air dome” outdoor theater and more a century ago.

“We’re a ‘hobby business,'” said Wisdom, a Missouri native and director of animal welfare for the National Pork Board. “We want to put our own twist on agritourism and share these stories connected to agriculture, wildlife, nature and history.”

It takes 24 to 30 months to get them to market weight, which is 1,000 to 1,200 pounds, Wetter said. Scottish Highland cattle are raised primarily for their meat, which is lower in cholesterol than other types of beef. Studies by the Scottish Agricultural College have determined that Highland beef is significantly lower in fat and cholesterol and higher in protein and iron, compared to other beef breeds.

“Highland cattle are about 30 percent leaner than a typical Angus,” Wetter added.

Besides their natural hardiness, Scottish Highland cattle are a long-lived breed that calve easily. Mother Scottish Highlands are known for often breeding beyond the age of 18 to 20 and raising 15 to 18 calves in their lifetime, said Wisdom, who frequently posts pictures and videos of the cattle and calves at Rainbow Raccoon Ranch on social media, including the farm’s Facebook page.

“It seems like it’s always calving season around here,” said Wisdom, a member of the Heartland Highland Cattle Association.

People come from all over to see the cattle, said Wisdom, who noted their guests have traveled from the Omaha area, Minnesota and beyond. “It’s fun to help people learn more about Scottish Highlands.”

Connecting with the community

Wetter and Wisdom don’t just wait for people to come to Rainbow Raccoon Ranch to see their livestock. They also bring the cattle to various events, from Western Days in Lake City in June, RAGBRAI when it came through Lytton in July 2021 and Sweet Corn Daze in Rockwell City in August. In April 2022, they brought some Scottish Highlands to the Iowa State University Block & Bridle Club’s Animal Learning Day at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames.

“This was a great way to interact with hundreds of children and their parents,” Wetter said.

The couple also hosted the local Jackson Pioneers 4-H club in early April at their ranch to help 4-Hers and their parents learn more about Scottish Highland cattle.

“We love having people come here to learn about agriculture, local history and create new memories,” Wisdom said.