Meet the Real Winnie
This is Dalwhinnie, known to her friends as Winnie.
Winnie is a real Highland calf who was born at Cadzow Croft on 25 February 2025. Her gentle, curious nature and her first days with her mum, Missy, inspired the children’s book Winnie is Born.
Come and meet the little calf behind the story.
The story behind Winnie is Born
Winnie’s story began here at Cadzow Croft in the Macedon Ranges. From her first wobbly steps beside Missy to finding her place within the Highland fold, her early days were full of gentle moments worth remembering.
Those real farm memories became Winnie is Born, a children’s picture book about new beginnings, courage, family and belonging.
Newborn Highland calf Winnie walks through the long grass at Cadzow Croft in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges.
Life with the Highland fold
Winnie grew up among the cattle, paddocks and changing seasons at Cadzow Croft. As she became braver, she learned to explore with the fold and spend time with the other young Highland cattle. Some are her brothers and sisters, and you will meet more of them here as their stories unfold.
Highland cattle facts
• Highland cattle have a long, shaggy outer coat and a soft undercoat that helps protect them from cold and wet weather.
• The long hair that falls over their forehead is called a dossan.
• Highland cattle can be many colours, including red, black, yellow, white, silver and dun.
• A group of Highland cattle is often called a fold.
• Many Highland cattle have horns. Winnie is naturally polled, which means she was born without horns.
More Winnie adventures
Winnie has grown a great deal since those first days beside Missy, but she is still gentle, curious and very much part of life at Cadzow Croft. We will share more real photographs, videos and news from Winnie here, along with glimpses of future stories.
For parents and grown-ups
Winnie is Born is a children’s picture book inspired by the true beginning of a Highland calf in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges. Book information and purchase links will be added here when they are ready. You can also explore Cadzow Croft and follow the farm on Facebook and Instagram using the links below.