Jared from Strong Roots Farm has created a great video on everything you need to raise cattle. He puts a lot of emphasis on low-stress management, and for good reason! Stress can really impact your bottom line. It affects the health of your cattle, as well as the taste and texture of beef.
Low-Stress Cattle Management Read More »
Farm Management
As breeders of dual purpose cattle, it can be hard to find all-encompassing management information. Over the years I have pieced together info and practices from beef and dairy offerings. This is a solid article about managing a small beef herd in the spring, and offers some helpful insight. Is it catered to Dexter cattle specifically? No. It was also written several years ago and the beef market has exploded since then! What differences have you seen in your own management practices of a dual purpose breed, compared to the info that is widely available?
Small Herd Spring Considerations Read More »
Farm Management
The 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 Management
The 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
An Educational Resource for New Dexter Owners
Dexter cattle have a well-earned reputation for being hardy, efficient, and capable of handling conditions that challenge many larger beef breeds. That reputation draws new owners in. It can also quietly set them up for trouble if it leads to the belief that winter preparedness is optional.
It is rarely the Dexter cattle that fail in severe cold.
It is systems.
And occasionally, knees, fingers, and judgment before the second cup of coffee.
This article is written as an educational resource for farm organizations, breed associations, and new Dexter owners who want to build operations that function reliably when winter conditions are at their worst. It blends research-based guidance with practical, on-the-ground experience, because winter does not care how things looked on paper in July.
Understanding Dexter Cattle and Cold Stress
Dexter cattle tolerate cold well due to their dense winter coats, efficient metabolism, and generally lower maintenance requirements. Cold tolerance, however, is not immunity.
Research consistently shows that cattle experience cold stress when environmental conditions force them to burn additional energy to maintain normal body temperature. Wind, moisture, inadequate calories, poor body condition, and limited access to water all accelerate this process. Over time, cold stress can lead to weight loss, suppressed immunity, and reproductive impacts.
Dexters can handle winter.
Winter still has rules.
Preparedness Starts With Farm Design, Not the Forecast
The most difficult winter situations occur when chores become reactive instead of routine. A well-designed farm reduces emergency labor. A poorly designed one forces risky decisions during storms.
Preparedness begins with infrastructure choices made long before the first weather advisory.
Water Infrastructure: Design for Failure, Not Convenience
Water systems are the most common winter failure point on livestock farms.
Water lines do not fail politely, during daylight, or when conditions are mild.
Water lines
Hydrants and valves
Heated water troughs
Solar water systems can work well when designed properly, but winter realities must be considered. Battery capacity must account for short daylight hours, panels must shed snow, and output will be reduced during prolonged storms.
A water system that works flawlessly nine months of the year can still become a liability if it requires wrestling frozen hardware in the dark while livestock observe quietly and reconsider their respect for you.
Power Systems: Assume the Grid Will Fail
Winter storms routinely knock out power for days. Generators should be considered core farm safety equipment, not optional upgrades.
They are rarely purchased because everything is going well.
A generator should be capable of supporting:
Fuel storage should cover multiple days of operation. Electrical layouts should prioritize critical systems and protect wiring and outlets from moisture, snow, and rodents.
Electric Fencing in Winter Conditions
Electric fencing behaves differently in cold weather.
Solar chargers provide valuable redundancy but must be sized for winter conditions and maintained during snow events.
Frozen ground has very little respect for even the most carefully installed grounding systems.
Redundancy matters more than strength.
Farm Layout and Human Safety
Dexter cattle generally move through snow with impressive confidence.
The person carrying feed across ice often does not, even when wearing boots marketed as “winter rated.”
A winter-ready farm layout:
Farm layouts designed on pleasant spring afternoons tend to reveal their weaknesses during January wind events.
Feeding and Watering During Extreme Cold
Cold increases energy requirements. Research indicates cattle may require 7–10% more energy for each degree below their lower critical temperature, particularly when wind and moisture are present.
Preparedness includes:
Water intake must be monitored closely. Frozen or inaccessible water leads directly to reduced feed intake and increased cold stress.
Human Safety Is Herd Health
Human safety is often discussed last, despite being the single point of failure that immediately compromises animal care.
Dexter cattle may be perfectly comfortable standing in a snowstorm.
The person doing chores is the variable.
Most winter injuries occur due to slips near water sources, fatigue, rushing, or poor visibility. Clothing, lighting, rest, and task consolidation are safety requirements, not luxuries.
Knowing When to Pause
Preparedness includes restraint.
No routine chore improves outcomes when visibility is poor, footing is unsafe, and the operator is one misstep away from becoming the emergency. Calm, consistent care is safer and more effective than heroic effort.
Dexter Cattle Cold Stress Checklist (Quick Reference)
Before the Storm
During the Storm
After the Storm
Dexter cattle are resilient. Winter preparedness is not about proving toughness. It is about designing systems that still work when conditions degrade and the person doing the chores is already tired.
Final Perspective
Dexter cattle are resilient. Farms must be designed to match that resilience.
Extreme winter weather does not test commitment. It tests whether systems were built to function when conditions deteriorate. Preparedness is not bravado. It is making sure that when winter does what winter does, both cattle and caretakers come through it intact.
And preferably upright.
Michele DeVinney Schmoll is a Virginia farm owner at DeVine Farms Quality Dexters. She raises Irish Dexter Cattle and writes from firsthand experience, because farms don’t read instruction manuals. http://www.devinefarms.net/
Author’s Note
This article is written from a practical livestock-owner perspective, informed by university extension research and shaped by real-world experience managing animals during prolonged cold, power outages, and severe winter storms. The intent is not to present idealized systems, but to encourage farm designs and management decisions that reduce risk for both cattle and the people responsible for their care. Preparedness is most effective when it reflects what winter actually demands on the ground.
REFERENCE LITERATURE (CLICKABLE LINKS)
Cold stress basics, winter readiness, and management
1) University of Minnesota Extension — Preparing your cattle for severe winter weather
2) University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) — Feeding Cows for Cold Weather (energy needs vs wind chill; lower critical temp)
3) Virginia Tech / Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) — The Cow-Calf Manager: Extra Energy Needed During Cold Weather (archived newsletter)
4) UNL BeefWatch — Winterizing your cowherd: Managing cows through cold stress
Calves and high-risk groups
5) Virginia Tech / VCE — The Cow-Calf Manager: Cold stress on calves (archived newsletter)
Emergency preparedness and disaster planning resources
6) UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine — Emergency Preparedness and Response (hub)
7) UC Davis Emergency Preparedness & Response — Resources page (includes livestock disaster preparedness links) https://response.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/resources
Optional (useful supporting reading for farm org audiences)
8) West Virginia University Extension — Lingering effects of cold stress (weather + animal factors) https://extension.wvu.edu/agriculture/livestock/beef-cattle/lingering-effects-of-cold-stress
Designing a Dexter Cattle Operation for Extreme Winter Weather Read More »
Farm Management
Do you have the Homesteading/Hobby farming down, and now you’re wondering what’s next? Is making 100% of a living on the farm a dream? Joel Salatin talks about the essentials, an ingredient list if you will, for transitioning from weekend farming to full-time farming.
Make the Jump to Full Time Farming Read More »
Farm Management
What an idyllic picture kids and animals paint. County fairs are full of animals, including cattle, being lead around the show ring by their young owners.
The homestead dream, complete with family milk cow, gives off major romantic vibes. But what does it actually take for children and cattle to interact safely on the farm or homestead?
Here are a few tips and suggestions from our family farm:
Because children are low to the ground, and their movements tend to be quick, cattle can view them as predators. Talk to kids about how important it is to move slowly/deliberately and to behave calmly and quietly when they’re around cows (especially a cow that is not familiar to them).
When introducing kids to a new cow, be sure the cow is safely restrained. I like to tie our cows on a halter with a slip knot. Kids can approach from the side or front of the cow (not the back), and talk to the cow.
Cows in a herd will groom each other, and mother cows will also bond with their calves by grooming them. A great way for kids to get to know and bond with a cow is to spend time brushing them. Our cows prefer to be brushed on the neck, shoulders and along the back.
If you have children and are purchasing a cow for the first time, it is helpful to look for a cow that has been handled/shown by children and is familiar with them.
And my final tip is to be confident! Fear teaches us to expect the worst. Set yourself up for success by following these tips, and be confident when you and your kids interact with cattle. If you find yourself becoming fearful, remove yourself from the situation, and try again another time.
I hope these tips and suggestions help you build a strong bond with between your cattle, yourself and your children!
Cattle and Kids Safety Tips Read More »
Farm Management
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 Management
I 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 Management
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.
We had a plan. A good one, too.
Three cows—technically two cows and one heifer—were supposed to be prepped for AI. Schedules were coordinated, semen was purchased (expensive, carefully chosen semen), and optimism was high.
And then… cows happened.
Instead, last night I caught the naughty Jersey heifer giving the Dexter bull a complimentary ride like it was part of a rewards program. No reservation required. Turns out there was the tiniest gap in the fence behind the round pen. The bull, being the logical problem-solver that he is, decided: If my head fits, clearly the rest of me will too. After politely bending the fence to accommodate his shoulders, hips, and audacity, he strutted through like Mr. Joe Cool himself, like he’d planned it all along.
Victorious. Smug. Unbothered.
I saw the whole thing play out with my own two eyes and am convinced that exact thought rolled through his lizard brain.
What followed was a full-blown cattle rodeo.
There I was, holding a gate open, desperately trying to call the heifer into a safe area while simultaneously holding one arm out like a traffic cop to keep the rest of the cows from joining in on the shenanigans. Bless my cows—they listened. This time. Meanwhile, my husband is trying to literally cock block the bull, which is (apparently) far easier to describe in writing than to accomplish in real life.
Round and round the three of them went.
The heifer, absolutely enchanted by the attention, had no intention of listening to me. Foolish wishful thinking on my part, but I had to try. When it became clear she was not coming willingly, I decided to grab a halter and a bucket of treats.
I turned my back and took exactly three steps.
That’s when my husband yelled, “HE GOT IN!”
I won’t lie—I saw red.
This heifer is a full-blood Jersey. I bought special, sexed mini Jersey semen just for her. Two hundred and fifty dollars a straw. In one instant, my carefully laid plans and dreams of a mini were dashed.
Words were said. Loudly. Words I won’t repeat here, but let’s just say I fully earned that shirt that reads, “I’m sorry for what I said while we were working cattle.” The general theme of my rant was questioning why he didn’t put a hand on her lady parts to block the bull.
Listen- if we had traded places, I absolutely would have dove in.
After tempers cooled, my husband informed me that this was clearly a coordinated effort. The heifer and bull had paid off the steer—promising him first choice at the clover.
The steer stepped on my husband’s foot and, in fluent bovinese, declared, “NOW!”—clearly on cue.
The heifer spun.
The bull landed.
The package was delivered.
Mission accomplished and the steer casually stepped off his foot like nothing had happened.
I am not exaggerating when I say it happened in seconds.
Yes, I could give her a lute shot in a few weeks and try again. But my AI tech is coming in less than two weeks, and I hate asking him to come out for just one cow. So… it is what it is. At this point, I’m hoping for a bull calf we can beef. A small victory, but I’ll take it.
And honestly? This is farm life.
You can plan meticulously. You can invest in genetics, schedules, and systems. But animals don’t read calendars, respect budgets, or care about our best intentions. They remind us—sometimes loudly and inconveniently—that we are working with life, not controlling it.
Some days you get exactly what you planned for.
Other days, you get a story you’ll be telling for years.
And if nothing else, this one gave us a good laugh, a lesson in humility, and a reminder that the best laid plans often turn into the best memories.
Plus… it helps that they’re so dang cute.
About the Author:
Kimberly Jepsen is the heart behind MooShine Ridge in Vinita, Oklahoma, where she and her husband, Kevin, have been raising dual-purpose Dexter cows since 2015. Their little farm store is a labor of love, offering Dexter beef, raw milk, and artisan cheeses made from their own cows. Kimberly has a deep passion for the Dexter breed and loves nothing more than sharing what she’s learned over the years—whether it’s guiding fellow farmers, helping newcomers discover the joys of small-scale farming, or simply introducing people to the rich, creamy flavors of her handcrafted cheeses. For her, farming isn’t just a business—it’s a way to nurture animals, the land, and the community she cares about. https://mooshineridge.com/
AI Plans vs. Real Life on the Farm Read More »
Farm Management
The hard, but important conversations around family succession on the farm.
With the price of land and start-up costs at an all time high, it is more difficult than ever to get into farming. In this podcast, Elaine Froese, and her guest, Walt Moore, talk about the key aspects of keeping a farm in the family. They provide such a needed conversation around finances, dreams, and communication so that the farm is around for generations to come.
Planning Farm Succession Read More »
Farm Management
| “Poor-quality hay robs cow herds of nutrients and producers of profits. So does poor storage and poor management…” |
Cheap Hay Isn’t Cheap Read More »
Farm Management
If you have any stockpiled forage left from the previous season,.
How to Know When to Begin Grazing After Winter Dormancy for Optimal Growth and Output Read More »
Farm Management
Bloat is the other big concern in early spring grazing.
Early Spring Grazing Read More »
Farm Management
Seasoned, Sensible, and Still Running the Herd
There is a certain peace that settles over a pasture when mature cows are part of the herd. It’s not loud or dramatic, but it is unmistakable. These cows move with confidence, graze without hurry, and respond to the rhythms of the day as if they were written into them long ago. They offer calmness not only to themselves, but to everyone around them.
Mature cows are tried and true. They have lived long enough to show you exactly who they are. Their structure is finished, their udders are known qualities, and their temperaments are no longer a mystery. A mature cow that has already proven herself through her progeny is not a gamble; she is a shortcut. She brings calmness and steadiness into the pasture. She knows the routine of motherhood. They know the value of good grass and warm sun, of shade on a hot afternoon and shelter when the weather turns. There is no wondering what they might become—only an appreciation for what they already are. In a world full of uncertainty, there is deep comfort in that kind of reliability.
Heifer calves, for all their promise, come with risk. They are still growing, still changing, still figuring out how to be cows. An udder has yet to develop. You don’t know how easily they’ll calve, how attentive they’ll be as mothers, or how they’ll handle the pressures of the herd. Sometimes they surprise you in the best way. Other times, they teach you hard lessons. That uncertainty is simply part of the heifer game.
A mature cow removes much of that guesswork. She has calved before. You know whether she raises a strong, healthy calf. You know if she breeds back reliably. You know if she stands quietly or brings unnecessary drama into the herd. What you see is what you get, and that clarity is invaluable. Especially for breeders who are building toward a specific vision.
Beyond their predictability, mature cows bring something harder to quantify but just as important: steadiness. Younger animals often take their cues from older cows, and when experienced matrons are present, the whole herd seems to breathe easier. They lead calmly to water, stand patiently at feeding time, and respond to change without panic. Their quiet confidence sets the tone.
There is also wisdom in choosing animals that have already proven their longevity. A cow that is still productive at ten, twelve, or fifteen years old is telling you a story—one of soundness, fertility, and adaptability. Those traits don’t happen by accident. They are built over time, shaped by good genetics and good management, and they are worth preserving.
For anyone focused on quality rather than quantity, mature cows are a powerful investment. They allow you to move forward with intention instead of hope. They let you build a herd based on evidence, not assumptions. And they reward you with consistency, both in temperament and in production.
In the end, mature cows remind us that not everything valuable is new. Sometimes the greatest strength comes from experience, patience, and having weathered a few seasons. When you welcome these cows into your herd, you’re not just buying an animal—you’re choosing calm, confidence, and the assurance of knowing exactly what you’re getting. When money and space allow for another addition to your farm, watch for herd dispersals. And when you find them, cherish those old ladies. There is a special satisfaction in knowing you made a good choice investing in a cow who has quietly proven herself over a lifetime.
About the Author:
Kimberly Jepsen is the heart behind MooShine Ridge in Vinita, Oklahoma, where she and her husband, Kevin, have been raising dual-purpose Dexter cows since 2015. Their little farm store is a labor of love, offering Dexter beef, raw milk, and artisan cheeses made from their own cows. Kimberly has a deep passion for the Dexter breed and loves nothing more than sharing what she’s learned over the years—whether it’s guiding fellow farmers, helping newcomers discover the joys of small-scale farming, or simply introducing people to the rich, creamy flavors of her handcrafted cheeses. For her, farming isn’t just a business—it’s a way to nurture animals, the land, and the community she cares about. https://mooshineridge.com/https://mooshineridge.com/
Honoring the Matriarchs of the Pasture Read More »
Farm Management
There have been more times than I care to admit where I did something dumb while working our Dexter cattle. In those situations I am always grateful we have chosen to raise Dexters. Even if I sustain an injury, it is much less severe than if I had been handling a full size cow.
Having the proper handling equipment, and having a “no crazy cows” policy on our farm has helped us avoid a lot of injuries. Here is a great article on cattle related injuries to farmers. Being informed and informed and aware goes a long way to keeping safe!
Reviewing trend predictions at the beginning of 2025. I would say these have been pretty accurate. What trends have you seen in the past year?
2025 Agricultural Trends Read More »
Farm Management
Winter feed represents one of the largest costs for a livestock production enterprise.
Rotational Grazing During Winter Read More »
Farm Management
Key considerations to think about
https://www.farmbrite.com/post/benefits-of-multi-species-grazing
Multi-Species Grazing Read More »
Farm Management
Tips from a 10 year small farm veteran. Short and sweet and full of experienced, honest wisdom.
Tips for Small Farm Management Read More »
Farm Management
There are some chores and activities that are more effective in the winter months. Like, for instance, the soil’s freezing and thawing causing seeds to be drawn in, and seeding to be more productive. Some farm tasks are just more enjoyable in the chilly winter air (who wants to split wood in the summer heat?). Dormant invasive plants can be cut back and pulled out (hopefully before the soil freezes). The article below does a great job of providing some farm tasks to keep you warm and working in the winter months. What farm chores are exclusively done on your farm in the winter?
Chores to Keep You Warm in Winter Read More »
Farm Management
Here is a great video from Greg Judy about the benefits of grazing cattle through snow. He includes tips on keeping water from freezing, looking out for parasite issues, and keeping your operation profitable.
Grazing Through Snow Read More »
Farm Management
This podcast sent me into a few fits of laughter with the speaker’s dry humor. Obviously this experienced vet has been around, and has seen a few things. And while Dexter cattle (including the bulls) tend to be smaller and easier to handle, I highly recommend implementing the recommendations in this podcast. Not only will it make handling your animals easier, it will set you up for a more successful relationship with your vet and your neighbors.
Building a Solid Foundation Read More »
Farm Management
A chute that fits the unique type and size of livestock.
The Ideal Squeeze Chute Read More »
Farm Management
Devising a way to keep the stock tanks from freezing solid.
Guide To Ice Free Livestock Water Read More »
Farm Management
The temptation is there, to graze fall pastures too short in hopes of prolonging feeding hay. But, grazing fall pasture too short before the dormant season can actually affect plant health and growth next spring.
Click the link to read more
Winter is coming, and it’s time to think about how you can make winter farming/ranching easier on you and easier on your Livestock.
“Winter Prep for your Herd” Read More »
Farm Management
Preparing cattle to travel to their new home can be overwhelming. Reliable transportation, health papers, disease testing – here’s what you need to know before shipping livestock across state lines.
https://www.agproud.com/articles/61584-cattle-drives-preparing-your-livestock-for-interstate-travel#:~:text=Tagging%20along:%20Identification,before%20shipping%20recently%20sold%20livestock
