The Cost of a Dexter
Pricing a Dexter in 2025 is nuanced and regionally dependent. Join David of DK Cattle Co as he talks pricing and the many details that can influence costs in today’s market.
The Cost of a Dexter Read More »
Farm ManagementPricing a Dexter in 2025 is nuanced and regionally dependent. Join David of DK Cattle Co as he talks pricing and the many details that can influence costs in today’s market.
The Cost of a Dexter Read More »
Farm ManagementAre cows that eat willow better for the planet? A Queens University research project aims to find out if Willow can make farming more carbon neutral.
One aspect of Agroforestry uses trees as forage for livestock, and is gaining in popularity. Willow contain anti-parasitic compounds, they can be a great buffer around water sources, and have other great benefit to livestock and pasture. Do you graze Willow trees, or would you give it a try?
https://theorkneynews.scot/2021/10/12/willow-as-a-feed-for-livestock-pioneering-research/
Willow for Grazing Read More »
Farm ManagementA great podcast by Working Cows, interviewing Bart Carmichael and Pat Guptill of “Principled Land Managers.” Bart and Pat talk about the importance of vision and principles in farming. Practices are flexible can change based on the land, animals and resources available, but having solid principles can set you up for success no matter where you go and/or what you do.
Chasing Fads will Leave You Behind Read More »
Farm ManagementKeeping records is an important aspect of running a successful livestock business. It is even more imperative if you are raising pedigreed and registered animals. But, how do you know what details will be helpful and what details will just add more work to your already full plate? This article is a practical guide to the who, what, why and how of record keeping. And remember, “it’s practically impossible to manage what you do not measure.”
https://www.farmbrite.com/post/the-beginner-s-guide-to-keeping-livestock-records
Basics of Record Keeping Read More »
Farm ManagementLet’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 ManagementThe 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
If you raise livestock, chances are you’ve dealt with mud. Every year is different, some more challenging than others when it comes to managing livestock and mud. Here is a great DIY video on building a heavy use pad for feeding or high-traffic areas on your farm or homestead.
If I had a dollar for every time I said, “I’ll remember that later” I’d be a millionaire. But, the times I actually do remember are really rare! If you’re like me, and you need a little help creating better permanent records here is a great podcast to listen to:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/livestock-walaau/id1580454679?i=1000611070012
Financial Record Keeping Read More »
Farm ManagementI really enjoyed listening to this Chute Side podcast with Dr. Ryan Rathmann on the definitions and nuances of line breeding vs. inbreeding. As a beef producer he favors cross breeding, but I got a lot of good take-aways for my registered/purebred Dexter breeding program. He talks about the benefits line breeding can add to your herd, such as uniformity in offspring. He also talks about challenges and down sides to line breeding, and how to avoid.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chute-side/id1468813469?i=1000474332264
Line Breeding vs. Inbreeding Read More »
Farm ManagementA good read on the current cattle market trends. Understand the market so you can adjust your sales prices and purchases for maximum yield.
Cattle Worth More than Diamonds Read More »
Farm ManagementThe article below has great tips on keeping helpful information about your livestock. Learn to run your farm, ranch or homestead more efficiently by keeping track various numbers year to year. Measure production in your breeding stock, milk cattle, and beef cattle.
Animal Welfare Audit and Certification Programs
https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare-audit-and-certification-programs
Certification Programs Read More »
Farm Management
The concept of thirds has been an invaluable tool for me
https://jesseshill.com/honest-to-goodness-blog/f/toolbox-the-thirds
Toolbox: The Thirds from JessesHill.com Read More »
Farm Management
Letting livestock graze among solar panels isn’t a new idea, but it’s mostly been focused on sheep. – Submitted by Lessie Jo Frazier
Coming to a solar farm near you: cows? Read More »
Farm Management Technology
Showing what has worked best for us and for our animals with the least amount of stress
Dehorning with paste – By Janice McKim – McKim Family Farm Read More »
Farm Management Homesteading
Devising a way to keep the stock tanks from freezing solid.
Guide To Ice Free Livestock Water Read More »
Farm Management
Each of these programs can help you on your farming journey
Understanding Federal Farming Programs Read More »
Farm Management
Resources you need to successfully start your own food or farm business.
Partnerships for Your Food or Farm Business Read More »
Beef Farm Management Milking & Dairy Selling
Nutritional needs during winter are critical for maintaining health
https://discover.texasrealfood.com/dexter-cattle/winter-care-for-dexter-cattle
Winter care for Dexter cattle Read More »
Farm Management