We recently had the chance to connect with Graeme Cowie and have shared our conversation below.
Graeme, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about ranching is that it’s all grind and no joy. Folks often ask if every day is just the same routine, and I get why they’d think that. Yes, the animals need care every single day—there’s no skipping that—but for us, work and play aren’t enemies. We’ve been hands-on with our Highlands from the start, which means they trust us, and that makes the daily chores more of a pleasure than a burden. Mixing in some open times for ranch visits means we can slow down and share the lighter side of ranch life with visitors. There’s nothing better than watching someone hand-feed a shaggy coo or run a brush through that long, flowing hair. And no two days are truly the same—weather changes plans, projects crop up, pregnancies progress, the bull might be heading off, calves are born, or sadly, sometimes we have to say goodbye. All those twists keep life here unpredictable and worth every moment.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We started Cowie’s Cows in 2022, and it’s been a steady mix of learning, adjusting, and building ever since. Growing up in Scotland, Highland Cattle were a part of the landscape for me, so bringing them into my life here in Colorado felt like coming full circle. We began with four cows, and now we’ve got a fold of more than 10, with the calves that were born this fall, which means we’re nearly at the perfect fold size for our land. Alongside the Highlands, we’ve got a mob of emus, a small band of goats, and more chickens than I can count. Our pride lies in producing premium products: rich, flavorful eggs from our heritage hens, healthy emu chicks, grass-fed and grass-finished Highland beef, and quality livestock cattle for sale. One of the best surprises since starting is discovering just how many people share a genuine affection for Highlands, besides me.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
For me, it was the moment my wife recognized my future in ranching before I did. She saw something in me—patience, steadiness, a connection to animals—that I hadn’t noticed myself. Shifting from a corporate desk job to working outdoors with a herd of Highlands was like breathing different air. When you work with a whole fold instead of just one or two animals, you start to understand the rhythms of life in a new way. Letting go of that corporate mindset wasn’t easy, but once I did, I found myself more grounded, more present, and more aware of the value of the work I get to do every day.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There have been moments when the challenges all seemed to pile on at once—financial strains, harsh weather that set projects back, animals finding creative ways to escape, and unexpected issues with the chicken flock. When those hurdles start compounding, it can feel like you’re fighting uphill with no guarantee of success. Ranching comes with plenty of risk and a heavy upfront investment, and sometimes you question if the reward will balance it out. But every time I’ve thought about walking away, I’ve remembered why we started, the progress we’ve made, and the animals depending on us. That’s more than enough to keep me going.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
For me, it’s building the fold into something truly special. A Highland fold doesn’t just happen—it’s years of selective breeding, care, and patience. I’m committed to keeping it simple, natural, clean, and kind, raising cattle ethically, and educating others along the way. Our goal is to have a herd that’s healthy, well-tempered, and a joy to be around, with a reputation that speaks for itself. And it’s not just about the cattle—it’s about sharing the experience with visitors, letting them see the beauty and dignity of these animals up close.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
Peace comes in moments here. It might be watching Moo Moo, our Holstein coo acting like a giant dog, resting in the sun while keeping an eye on the fold, or assisting Fiona as she works through her labor. It’s hearing the coos respond to their names, knowing the hay barn is full for winter, or watching our ranch visitors brushing Landi’s coat. Even hoof trimming—what we jokingly call a mani and pedi—brings its own satisfaction, because it means the animals are cared for from head to hoof. Peace is also a gorgeous sunset or watching the Northern Lights over the horizon. Most of all, peace is seeing smiles—whether it’s visitors holding a warm egg for the first time, or us watching a newborn calf find its feet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cowiescows.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowiescows/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086632612670
Image Credits
Jolie Rodriguez Photography
Szilvia Schwezner Photography
Daryana Cowie
