By Michele Schmoll, DeVine Farms, http://www.devinefarms.net
When you start thinking about owning Irish Dexter cattle it is important to consider it as a long-term relationship, time involved, and expenses. One of my favorite things to tease visitors about as we walk or drive through our herd is, “Dexters are like Lay’s potato chips. You cannot have just one.” That slogan idea is from a 1963 Lays ad campaign and it holds true in my book. Dexters are herd animals who feel safer and calmer when they are with others. Once someone meets this docile, charming, and surprisingly efficient miniature breed, it is hard not to fall head over boots for them.
If you are new to the breed, I highly recommend setting up a farm visit with a reputable breeder. Offer to buy some feed or bring a small donation to respect their time. Be warned though. You may not want to leave. This article is meant to give you the broad strokes of what to consider when deciding if Dexters are right for you. I encourage everyone to do additional research on estimated pricing based on your area.
The Real Costs of Starting a Herd
The initial purchase of the cattle is only one part of the investment. You will need to consider land, fencing, shelter, handling equipment, feed, hay, feed and hay storage, a trailer unless you can rent or borrow one, a tractor, breeding costs, parasite and worming management, predator control, veterinary care, and even a reliable pet sitter. It may take several years to recover your startup costs depending on how simple or how fancy you want your operation to be. Dexters are a dual-purpose breed and, when cared for properly, can provide milk and beef for nearly two decades. I personally know of cows that were productive into their late teens and one in her twenties.
Land and Stocking Numbers
The most common question is, “How many Dexters can I have per acre?” The answer depends on your total acreage, pasture quality, rotational grazing practices, growing season, and pasture maintenance. Many Dexter resources recommend one acre for the first cow and half acre for each additional animal. When advising beginners on small acreage, I suggest the 1.5 rule. Multiply your total fenced acres by 1.5 to estimate the number of Dexters you can support with a safety buffer. For example, 4 acres x 1.5 equals 6 Dexters. If you divide your pasture into multiple paddocks and rotate your herd, your grass recovers better, it stronger, and parasites have time to die off.
When done strategically—through rotational or intensive managed grazing—short bursts of high stocking density followed by long rest periods can stimulate stronger root systems. Plants recover fully before being grazed again, resulting in: deeper and denser roots, improved soil structure, better drought resilience, and more balanced plant communities. What this all means to you? You can graze more efficiently and have more Dexters. That is a huge win!
Be prepared to do land maintenance, soil testing, weed control, and fertilization vary by region. Your local USDA or Farm Services Agency office can offer free guidance and resources. They are a great place to start.
Shelter
Dexters need protection from heat and extreme weather. A three-sided shelter with the opening facing South is ideal. Even if you have shade trees, build a shelter. When storms roll in, cattle avoid trees because of falling limbs and wind stress. A simple carport-style shelter works well, especially if you need to put a round bale inside for them to eat around it, approximately $2500. You can even do a larger three-sided shelter with hay storage in back and put up gates or doors to keep them away from the hay. Two other options: Shelter Logic 12 ft x 12 ft type, 3-sided run-in around $350 plus, need 3 of the 12 ft corral panels $390 (see photo) or a DIY hoop shelter around $450 depending on materials you use (see photo). Whether, it is wood or metal, I recommend a shelter of some sort.
Feed, Hay, and Storage
Feed and hay costs depend on your climate, seasons, and hay quality. Buying in bulk or buying hay in the summer before winter prices rise can save a significant amount of money. In hot and humid climates, storing hay under cover is essential because mold develops quickly. Never feed moldy hay. Mold can cause respiratory illness, reproductive issues, and long-term immune problems. Avoid storing feed or hay near fuel and farm chemicals because it can absorb fumes that cattle can smell (even when we do not) and can be toxic. Feed should also be rodent free so storing in rodent proof containers is imperative. Feed should also be kept in something raccoon aka “trash pandas” cannot get into.
Handling Equipment and Veterinary Care
One larger investment is a proper headgate and squeeze chute. You can find some great DIY plans online or buy a metal one. Be aware most veterinarians will not treat cattle on-farm without safe handling equipment. Even though Dexters are smaller, they can still injure you or your vet if they are stressed or in pain. A squeeze chute with headgate protects everyone and the squeezing calms the animal during treatment. Corrals or catch pens help immensely when you need to bring them in for vet checks, load them on a trailer, or handle for training.
We can call our cattle into the holding pen from 40 acres away just by hollering, “Cow, cow!” They come running because that is where we feed them daily. No halter or chasing needed. We try and teach our clients easy tips like this to be successful.
The Cost of a Good Dexter
Could you go to a livestock auction and buy a “Dexter” cheap? Yes, but you may end up with a sick, stressed, or crossbredDexter that could cost hundreds in vet bills before you even know what you have. Instead, buy from a reputable breeder who DNA tests, registers, and raises animals with known temperament, worming and healthy parents you can see. When you load up your Dexters in the trailer the sale should not end there. When you are buying a Dexter from a reputable breeder, you are buying knowledge, mentorship, and support that lasts past pickup.
Example Startup Costs (Assuming you already have land, fencing, and gates)
• 3 pregnant registered Dexters @ $2,500 each: $7,500
• 1 registered bull calf (6 months old): $1,500
• 3-sided carport shelter: $2,500 or Hoop House $400
• Veterinary Well visit and new client start up: $150 to $250
•Water troughs and miscellaneous items $500
• 1st year feed, hay, minerals, vaccines, protein tubs, veterinary, wormer, grass seed/fertilizer @ $1,500 a Dexter x 4: $6,000
Total basic first-year startup depending on shelter type: $15,000 to $17,500
Final Thoughts
I know it seems over whelming but it really is not if you plan everything out and be clear about your goals. Whether you want to be a breeder, produce milk and meat to sell or raise just for your family, starting a Dexter herd is not just a financial decision, it is a lifestyle choice. You are building self-sufficiency and a rewarding family experience.
The first few years do require patience and planning, but the payoff can be meaningful both financially and personally. If interested in financing reach out to your local USDA/FSA office about farm loans. Farm loans can cover everything you need for start-up including land. When the investment starts to show returns, the feeling is a great sense of accomplishment. Dexters give back what you put into them. It never gets old seeing your herd grazing or the birth of a new calf.
Don’t forget, “Dexters are like Lays you can’t have just one.”
