Why We Chose RCM Miniature Cattle Company to Help Build the Future of HQ Highland & Honey

Launching a business like HQ Highland & Honey starts long before the first wedding, the first event, or the first guest meets one of our miniature Highland cattle.

Behind every beautiful photo and every unforgettable experience is a series of intentional

decisions that most people will never see. For Cody & I , perhaps the most important decision was choosing the right breeder.

Our vision has always been simple: create luxury, one-of-a-kind guest experiences featuring miniature Highland cattle while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, professionalism, and hospitality.

To achieve that vision, we knew we couldn't simply purchase the first adorable calves we found online. We needed a breeding program we could trust—one that shared our values and our commitment to quality. Every choice we make today will influence the experiences we hope to create for years to come, which is why selecting the right breeder became one of the most important decisions in launching our company.

Why the Right Breeder Matters

The popularity of miniature cattle has exploded over the past several years.

Unfortunately, so have the number of online listings, social media advertisements, and unfortunately, scams.

Like many niche livestock markets, miniature cattle have become increasingly difficult to navigate for first-time buyers. Beautiful photographs don't always tell the full story, and purchasing livestock remotely requires a tremendous amount of trust.

Not every breeder follows the same standards.

Not every breeder prioritizes long-term genetics.

Not every breeder stands behind the animals they produce.

When you're investing in the future of a breeding program—or in our case, building the foundation of an event business—you have to look beyond the photos.

We wanted to know who was raising the cattle, how they were raised, what values guided the breeding program, and whether we believed those values aligned with our own.

We Didn't Want the First Cattle We Found.

We Wanted the Right Ones.

Over several months, we researched breeders across the country, asked countless questions, compared breeding philosophies, learned about genetics, studied bloodlines, sought advice from experienced cattle owners, and spent time understanding what truly separates an exceptional breeding program from an average one.

Our goal wasn't to find the cheapest cattle.

It wasn't even to find the cutest cattle.

It was to find people we trusted.

Because the cattle we choose today will one day represent our brand.

Why We Chose RCM Miniature Cattle Company

Throughout our search, one breeding program continually stood out.

RCM Miniature Cattle Company is a family-owned operation located on a 200-acre working cattle ranch in beautiful Collbran, Colorado, surrounded by the Grand Mesa and Flat Tops. The ranch is owned and operated by Sean and Laura Martin, with help from their son Ryder Charles Martin—the inspiration behind the name "RCM."

What impressed us wasn't simply the quality of their cattle.

It was the people behind them.

Laura brings a unique perspective to the ranch through her background as a Certified Veterinary Technician after graduating from one of only a handful of AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs in the country. Sean contributes a lifetime of ranching experience through his family's commercial cattle operation. Together, they've combined veterinary knowledge, practical ranching experience, and a genuine passion for miniature cattle into a breeding program they've been thoughtfully developing for years.

Their story resonated with us because it reflects many of the same values we hope to build our own company around: integrity, stewardship, continuous learning, and doing things the right way—even when it takes more time.

Building Our Herd With Purpose

Our goal has never been to own miniature Highland cattle simply because they're adorable.

We envision a herd of calm, confident, well-socialized cattle that can comfortably participate in weddings, corporate gatherings, private celebrations, styled photoshoots, and community events throughout Arizona.

That vision starts with thoughtful breeding—but it doesn't end there.

Quality genetics provide an important foundation, while responsible handling, consistent training, enrichment, proper nutrition, and lifelong care all help shape an animal's temperament and confidence.

We believe each of those pieces matters.

By investing in quality from the very beginning, we're giving ourselves the best opportunity to build a herd that reflects the values of HQ Highland & Honey.

Looking Beyond the Purchase

One thing that stood out during our conversations with RCM was that we never felt like we were simply purchasing cattle.

We felt like we were building a relationship.

They welcomed questions.

They shared their experience.

They educated us throughout the process.

For first-time buyers entering the miniature cattle world, that kind of transparency is invaluable.

It's exactly the type of partnership we were hoping to find.

Building Something That Lasts

Launching HQ Highland & Honey isn't about rushing to the finish line.

It's about building something that lasts.

Our hope is that every Highland in our future herd becomes more than just a beautiful animal.

We want them to become trusted ambassadors for our company—bringing smiles to guests, creating unforgettable photographs, and helping families celebrate life's biggest moments while always putting animal welfare first.

Choosing RCM Miniature Cattle Company was one of the first major steps in that journey.

We're grateful to Sean, Laura, Ryder, and the entire RCM family for welcoming us into the miniature cattle community, and we're excited for what the future holds.

After all, every great story has a beginning.

We're proud that ours started with people who care as deeply about their animals as we do.