Across the countries they inhabit, Highland cows are popular among farmers, particularly for their beef. Because of their long coats to keep them warm and their typically lower levels of grazing, Highland cows produce lean and tender beef. They can also be farmed for their milk, although this tends to have a much higher butterfat content compared to other cows' milk and they produce a smaller quantity of it!

Highland cows are also a staple figure in Scottish culture and history. In the past, Highland cows have been an indication of wealth and power in Scottish clans. Throughout time, they have remained a symbol of the resilience of Highlanders against the harsh conditions they experience. In modern times, their cute appearance and docile nature has made them a beloved icon of Scotland and they play an important role in tourism to Scotland. 

They have also contributed to conservation efforts through sustainable grazing. Highland cows are an ideal candidate because of the flexibility and versatility of their diet, along with the fact that they're lighter than other cow breeds so cause less damage to land. They also help maintain a stable ecosystem as they can eat invasive species of plants that other cows cannot and in the spring they eat the shoots of weeds that would otherwise need to be controlled by farmers.