Let’s join Pete at Just A Few Acres Farm as he talks about the decision to start grazing his Dexters in the spring, as well as other spring chores on the farm.
Turning cows out on spring grass Read More »
Farm ManagementI found this DIY feeder when I was looking for inexpensive options for my sheep. As Dexters are smaller, I could see this working great for them as well. It would also work well if you have mixed species together in the pasture.
https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2019/10/save-money-with-diy-hay-feeders/
DIY Round Bale Feeder Read More »
Farm ManagementThe question that starts rolling around in all our brains the moment the weather turns and we see the fresh green forage poking through the soil is, when can I start grazing my cattle? This is an important question and one that requires some observation. Turning the cows out too soon could have significant impact on the length and quality of forage growth during the entire grazing season. The hay is usually dwindling at this point and everyone is eager to start grazing. But, please pause and read this short article for advice and have a great grazing season!
When can my cows start grazing? Read More »
Farm ManagementWhen you are considering trying something new it is always helpful to have the wisdom of others who have tried and failed or succeeded. We’ve done a little winter bale grazing with our Dexter herd, and the effects on the pasture are dramatic and obvious (a swath of lush green and clover through a mostly browning pasture). Here is a great farmer led study on the benefits of bale grazing that I have found compelling. Have you or would you try bale grazing?
Farmer-led research Read More »
Farm ManagementBy Shelley Hatfield/Whippoorwill Pines Farm
Spring is a beautiful time of the year!! All the new babies, flowers popping their heads up showing off their colors, everyone itching to get their hands in the dirt!! But that also brings some problems if you have cows. Here are a few things that I have found that make spring not so great.
First thing, with the crazy swings in the weather temps, you need to watch your cows for pneumonia. This is a hard thing to notice but if you keep watch you can start learning the signs. One of the signs is lower head, their sides are “thumping” (meaning catching their breath), not alot of energy. I had a steer go down and die the next day. He had eaten the night before and looked fine. But he was gone the next morning. I asked the vet if I was doing something wrong. She told me that it really doesn’t matter, it’s the big swings in the weather. They have shelter, water and food.
Keeping watch is one thing, but there is also a vaccine that you can give them once or twice a year to help with that. It is a BRD vaccine. Check with your vet to see if that is something that you want to give your cattle.
We have talked about the mud before, but we will mention it again. Make sure that your cattle don’t have to stand in the mud all the time. That is something that can keep them from staying warm in the spring weather. Make sure that they have a dry place to lay down.
I’m not an expert, but I have learned some things along the way. Some of those things I have learned the hard way….lol These are just some things that I have learned on this journey of raising cattle.
Welcome to Spring: Read More »
BeefTry this quick (30 minute) and easy beef recipe for dinner tonight:
Mongolian Beef Recipe Read More »
BeefThis video was created by Thornbridge Smallholding in England, and is a great intro to butchering a Dexter cow.
Dexter beef butchery Read More »
BeefBelow is a great article for those getting in to beef production on a small scale. Thinking through resources, knowledge, budget, production, marketing, as well as talent and interest level. There is a great quote from the last point: “You are much more likely to be successful if you are interested in and passionate about what you are doing.”
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/top-ten-considerations-small-scale-beef-production
Small-scale beef production Read More »
BeefHow to Create a Unique Identity for Your Small Farm. A strong brand can set your farm apart from your competition, attract loyal customers, and foster opportunities for growth. Here’s why branding is important for small farms and tips on creating a memorable brand,
The Art of Farm Branding Read More »
SellingThis was part of the reason I purchased a simple pulse machine. Clean up is this easy!
Clean up with a simple pulse machine Read More »
Milking & DairyEnjoy this video from 1949 to see what a common herd of Dexters may have looked like at that time. It would be interesting to see what observations new people to the breed would take away from the video if they were to compare them to many Dexters now available for purchase.
Understanding where Your Dexters came from will Give you a vision for their future. Read More »
HistoricalPoor Man’s Cow to Luxury Cow
How did the Poor Man’s Cow become owned by the wealthy and famous. Dexters and Kerry Cattle became recognized for their unique hardy attributes, Kerry for milk and Dexter for milk and meat. Dexters were known to get by on less, produce rich milk and raise a healthy vigorous calf for their owner’s table. Dexters were bred to their breed specific traits transforming them from just any poor Irish cows to these 2 beautiful, registered Dexter cows we see in these two later photos.
They were rare and they were at risk of being cross bred out of existence, but breeders in Ireland started selecting and registering Dexter cattle with breed defining traits to preserve and register them in a herd book. Once the promotion of Dexters began every wealthy aristocrat wanted one. All of a sudden, they were not the Poor Man’s cow but rather for a short spell until the numbers grew, cattle that only the wealthy could afford. Consider as this article states a $200 dollar Dexter cow from 1915. This is the equivalent of $6221.78. I checked multiple inflation calculators to verify that number as being correct. With the highest price the ad mentions at $350 in 1915, you would pay $10,936.81 today! Consider today we pay less for quality breeding stock. Rarity always drives the price up and just like with the rarity of gold it dictates the price.
Registered cows were important then and today. Registered Dexters will always hold a higher value than unregistered. Still with Dexters it took devoted breeders to breed Dexters according to the Dexter Standard to the highest quality like the 2 cows you see in the photographs. Not every Dexter cow was nearly as ideal as these two beauties. Compton Daphne, I speculate is a Chondro Carrier while Grinstead Watercress I speculate to be a non-carrier. Of course, we can never go back and test them so it’s just speculation. Both are extremely well bred and both fit the standard well.
So, as you can see Dexters are a dual-purpose breed that can be bred by multiple types of people regardless of fortune because they are a great pick for everyone. Whether you’re a small homesteader trying to save money with a thrifty headache free cow or someone who just wants to raise them as beautiful lawn mowers true Dexters are a great fit for these reasons and so many more!
30 Jan 1915 is the date of article written.
Photo of cattle in town are common type of Celtic cow that roamed Ireland.
Other two photos are of registered Dexters.
Dexters – Poor Man’s Cow to Luxury Cow By Danielle Lowther Read More »
HistoricalMaybe this is why we get less milk in the winter months?
https://www.bovinevetonline.com/news/education/light-can-have-huge-impact-milk-production
Is milk production like egg production? Submitted by Janelle Soja, Royal Fare Farm, OH Read More »
Milking & DairyWith the US National beef inventory down, and demand for beef remaining steady/increasing slightly, I think we can expect to see continued increase in beef prices through 2025. That is good news for those of us raising beef and selling direct to consumers.
In our own personal Dexter beef sales we have seen a shift from smaller purchases in years 2020-2023, to half and whole beef purchases over the past year and a half.
It is certainly more economical for beef buyers to purchase in bulk and save money. It can be better for farmers/ranchers too, cutting down on time required to inventory and manage smaller orders.
However you sell your beef, here are trends to look for:
Beef Trends in 2025 Read More »
BeefDexter owners should check out #5,6,7,8,13,19,27,28,30 all have to do with products from our wonderful breed!
9 reasons for Dexters on your Homestead Read More »
HomesteadingDexters are better at foraging for their food, live long, produce well and rear about 10 calves or more, during their lifetime. Because they are small cattle, you can stock more cattle per acre than you would with conventional cattle breeds.
Dexter Cattle – Ideal Small Cattle Breed for Homesteads and Small Farms Read More »
HomesteadingThere are some good pointers in this short video. Always breed for duality and you will have a Dexter herd that meets all of your needs.
Please keep in mind many don’t like the term mini cow being applied to our breed, as they are the smallest breed in the world.
Dexter are perfect for the Homesteader Read More »
HomesteadingIf you looking for more information on our wonderful breed, scroll down past the digital magazines to the flipboard section. There are several of the Dexter Registry Magazines that have been converted into easy to view flipboards. So much history at your fingertips in one place, the IDC Gazette.
Here is what a Dexter family gathering looked like in the 1800s. Notice that the cottage cow is handled pretty much like the family horse. This photo was taken from the Facebook group DexterCattle Historical with the permission of Judy Spongaule. Judy has a wealth knowledge about our wonderful breed.
What a Dexter family gathering! Read More »
HistoricalThe article below has some simple, cost-effective solutions to managing mud on your farm or ranch. there are also a few more in-depth, long term solutions if you have the time and resources to complete them.
We have used wood chips in high traffic areas of our farm with good results. And, we get free wood chip drops from local arborists, so it is very cheap. The added benefit is that the manure and wood chips make great future compost for the garden.
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/cattle-connection/2018-12-03-managing-mud-cattle-farms
Clever idea to hold your yogurt at a constant temperature using sous vide!
We love to try different t cooking techniques and have used sous vide for many years with our Dexter steaks. Happy to have found another use for the sous vide immersion circulator. Next thing to try, is using it when making cheese. Thank you New England Cheesemaking Company!
High Tech solution for making yogurt from the New England Cheesemaking Company. Read More »
Milking & DairyAn interesting approach to dairy that should be considered!
https://nodpa.com/n/515/Homeopathy-The-Mechanics-and-Its-Application-for-the-Dairy-Farm
Dairy and Homeopathy submitted by Riley Wohlemuth Read More »
Milking & DairyConsider making this with your DEXTER yogurt…a middle eastern version of our popular yogurt.
This Middle Eastern yogurt drink comes with many different names: ayran, doogh, and tahn. It is a fresh, sparkling, and delicious drink. Perfect for hydrating on a hot summer’s day.
https://www.fermentingforfoodies.com/middle-eastern-yogurt-drink-ayran-doogh
Yogurt with a Twist! Read More »
Milking & DairyHere is a testimonial from someone who paid to get access to the Irish Dexter Cattlemen Gazette!
Yes. This is a big need. I believe there are a lot of people like us out there but the world is so commercialized that breeds like dexters don’t have as much information to learn from. This is gonna be a great tool for us and I’m sure it will help us grow more into what we’re wanting to accomplish on our farm in the future. Carrie Ann Bowers
Have you taken advantage of the Dex50 coupon? Read More »
General