Soule: A Steer With a Bad Complexion

Last winter, icicles of blood dangled from the Scottish Highlander steer’s face, and raw patches of skin were exposed to the weather. He looked like he’d lost a bar fight. But 10-year-old Red was a victim of too much love.

Cattle often groom each other by licking. It’s a sign of affection and a request to be licked in return. Brushing my cattle imitates licking. Curious Bleu, another Highlander steer, will lower his head in appreciation as I drag a stiff brush across his back or groom hard-to-reach places like his neck or tail dock. If cattle could purr, Bleu would hum his appreciation.

Red is a glutton for affection. He let Finn, another steer, lick his face raw. When I realized what was going on, I moved Red to another field, out of reach of Finn’s raspy tongue. But then the cow Dancer took over where Finn left off. Red’s face will become a bloody mess if I leave him with other cattle, so I put him in with the horses, Snap and Moose.

At 1,800 pounds and with horns out to here, you’d think Red would dominate the horses. Instead, Snap bared his teeth and ran at Red. Moose did the same.

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Carole Soule is the co-owner ofMiles Smith Farm in Loudon, N.H. She raises and sells beef, pork, lamb, eggs, and other local products. She can be reached at cas@milessmithfarm.com.