Rhinelander Farm has been producing cattle and beef since 1996. Scottish Highland cattle replaced the Hereford breed in 2014. The Highland’s qualities have proven superior. They have been extremely winter hardy, easy calving and are economical foragers. If Highlands have a down side it is that they have been slow growing, but that is balanced by the fact that the cows are long lived and produce calves until their late teens.
Dave, the owner, has a degree in Crop and Soil Science from Michigan State University. He worked on the research farms at MSU while also producing hay at home. His research work specialized in forage production. Forages are the foundation upon which the grass fed cattle business rests.
After graduating he realized that a steady job with summers free would be needed to grow a small farm. So, he got a teaching degree and taught Science for 30 years. He retired on his 55th birthday to farm full time. Since then, the herd (fold) has increased to the farms carrying capacity of about 30 animals. Now, it’s kept at a sustainable level with sales of live cattle, calves and freezer beef. Additional land is being developed as the operation expands.