General

Announcing The Documents Vault

Leave a Comment

Irish Dexter Cattlemen is about farmers & Ranchers. A critical design feature of the website was to connect farmers & ranchers with each other using the latest technology. For example, whenever you list an item for sale in the MarketPlace, you instantly become connected to the buyers interested in your item. Buyers can directly message you and ask questions about the cow you have just listed. As the seller, you begin to collect the names and email addresses of all your potential buyers. This is one way farmers & ranchers become connected to each other..

Announcing the Documents Vault, a new way farmers & ranchers can share information with other farmers & ranchers, plus a unique way to dramatically simplify the sale and transfer of your Irish Dexter. In fact, you can use the Documents Vault to sell and transfer any item you have on the farm. The key feature is how it can share.

How Do I Access It?

Casual users browsing the Irish Dexter Cattlemen website, users who have registered for free on the website, and members who have registered and then have become members, all have access to the Documents Vault in increasingly feature rich ways depending on their chosen level.

To access the Documents Vault, mouse over Dashboards on the main menubar, then select My Documents Vault. If you are a casual user, this will open the Public Documents Vault containing folders and documents relevant for public viewing. If you are a registered user, this will open your Private Documents Vault where you can create you own personal folders where you can upload files and documents plus you will have acess to folders and files shared with you by other farmers & ranchers. If you are a member, you will have access to the same files and folders as do registered users plus you gain access to significantly more valuable documents that enhance your farming operation.

What is it? How can I use it?

The Documents Vault is no different than an ordinary file system except in one important way. It provides you with file and documents sharing. To begin, use the New button to create folders or upload files. In this example, a new folder was created and labeled Irish Dexters which you can see on the left under Dashboard. Clicking on this folder allowed for it to be opened and four more folders were created as you see above. Click on the Cows folder and here you can create a separate folder for each of your cows. Click on a specific cow’s folder and you can begin uploading the documents for that cow. What kind of documents? The system accepts Word documents Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, text files, pdf documents, images, and photos. This means you can upload a photo of your brucellosis certificate provided to you by your vet. Upload your cow’s registration certificate provided to you by your registrar. Upload the genetic tests provided by your genetics testing lab. Upload your cow’s photos. Collect all the documents as they occur. Use your smartphone to capture your documents. What’s the benefit? When time comes to sell your cow, or heifer, or bull, one simple click of the Share button transfers all your cow’s information to your new buyer. This is how you build value for your farm and your buyer will instantly see that your farm is where they want to buy more cows.

How do I share?

Click on the folder then click on the Share button. It’s as easy as that. In the Share window (shown above) you can enter the buyer’s email address (they must complete a free registration on the website first) and then choose how you want to share your folder. Your choices are View Only, View and Upload, or Full Access. Any folder or for that matter, any single document can be shared. Sharing does not remove the folder or document. You continue to have full access to it, just as before. This new tools makes it even easier to sell and transfer your Irish Dexters and you have a direct record of who bought your cow. They buyer has a direct record of where they bought each animal. They are sure to buy more from you again.

Summary

Your fundamental, underlying goal in the operation of your farm is to build value. The Documents Vault does just that. It keeps you organized and it demonstrates to your buyers a significantly higher degree of trust. They are assured that they get everything they bought. This means that your buyers will be contacting you first for all their future purchases. The example here was for your Irish Dexters, but anything on your farm can be documented and shared in the same way. Also, you can add new information on how you farm and capture information you think is valuable and easily share it with everyone at Irish Dexter Cattlemen by selecting All Users in the Share window. The Documents Vault is how Irish Dexter Cattlemen connects farmers & ranchers.

BECOME A MEMBER

Announcing The Documents Vault Read More »

General

What to Consider When Starting an Irish Dexter Herd

Leave a Comment

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.”

What to Consider When Starting an Irish Dexter Herd Read More »

General

TENET BEEF UPDATE

Leave a Comment

After a small sampling from one herd, it appears that the Dexter breed does have this highly inheritable genetic marker. It appears that the marker is found in those cows with the most milk production. This makes total sense, as they refer to the genetic marker as found in most easy keeping cattle.

Unfortunately no bulls were part of the initial testing and semen is not able to be tested for this marker.

So, now that we know the marker is there for the Dexter breed and that it seems to be in cows with most milk…we need more folks to test. It has been suggested that it maybe easy to get a few drops at ear tagging time and a simple tail stick for the older ones.

If you would like more information on how to get your herd tested, please reach out to the Irish Dexter Cattlemen and we will help you get started. It requires only a few drops of blood on a Tenet card sampler. The card is then sent of for sequencing.

It takes 5 days to get to the lab and 10-30 days for the sequencing to happen after being received.  They send your your results by email. Pretty simple procedure.

The thing that was most interesting was it was found in the cows with the most milk production. How cool would it be to be able to predict possibly milk production and beef tenderness? Duality!

In case, you need to brush up on this. Below is the podcast that started this adventure. This is NOT the Neogen testing that has been happening by a group of Dexter breeders.

TENET BEEF UPDATE Read More »

General

Embracing Chondrodysplasia in Dexter Cattle: A Compelling Choice for Small Farms

Leave a Comment

Article written by Dara Dixon as well as photos!

Dexter cattle, with their compact size and delightful appearance, are a top choice for small-scale farmers and homesteaders. The chondrodysplasia trait, resulting in shorter legs and a stout build, is a defining feature often criticized but offers significant benefits when managed responsibly. This article counters negative sentiments about chondrodysplasia by highlighting its advantages—calm temperament, successful calving, efficient pasture use, and aesthetic appeal—using research from agricultural universities and practical insights. Written for those eager to raise charming Dexter cattle but hesitant due to concerns about chondrodysplasia, it provides a clear, evidence-based case for the trait’s value.

Calm and Approachable Nature

Chondrodysplastic Dexters are celebrated for their gentle demeanor, ideal for farmers new to livestock. Oklahoma State University’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences notes that smaller cattle breeds, like Dexters, are typically less intimidating and easier to handle due to their reduced size (Oklahoma State University, Breeds of Livestock, breeds.okstate.edu). The short stature of chondrodysplastic Dexters simplifies tasks like herding, milking, or veterinary care, reducing stress for both the farmer and the cattle. Their docile behavior fosters a safer farm environment, making them a practical choice for hobbyists or families. This temperament aligns with sustainable, low-stress farming practices, enhancing the appeal of chondrodysplastic Dexters for beginners.

Successful and Safe Calving

Critics of chondrodysplasia often cite the risk of bulldog calves, a lethal condition caused by inheriting two copies of the chondrodysplasia gene. However, modern genetic management eliminates this concern, ensuring healthy calving outcomes. Research from the University of Sydney, cited by UC Davis’s Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, demonstrates that breeding a chondrodysplasia carrier with a non-carrier produces healthy offspring with a 50% chance of inheriting the short-legged trait, avoiding bulldog calves entirely (UC Davis VGL, Bulldog Dwarfism in Dexter Cattle, vgl.ucdavis.edu). Dexters’ small size further reduces calving difficulties, with lower dystocia rates compared to larger breeds. A study from Kansas State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station highlights that smaller cattle breeds have fewer birthing complications, supporting Dexter’s reliability in producing healthy calves (K-State Research and Extension, k-state.edu). Responsible breeding ensures chondrodysplastic Dexters thrive as a productive herd.

Optimized Pasture Efficiency

Chondrodysplastic Dexters are exceptionally suited for small farms due to their low land requirements. Their compact size allows for higher stocking rates, maximizing productivity on limited acreage. Oklahoma State University’s Beef Cattle Manual indicates that Dexters can be sustained on 0.5 to 1 acre per cow, compared to 1.5 to 2 acres for standard breeds, making them ideal for resource-conscious farmers (OSU Extension, extension.okstate.edu). Research published in Animal Production Science confirms that smaller cattle breeds like Dexters exert less pressure on pastures, supporting sustainable grazing practices (Anim. Prod. Sci., 2020, doi:10.1071/AN19432). This efficiency lowers feed costs and environmental impact, allowing farmers to maintain more animals without compromising land health—a key advantage for those with small plots.

Charming and Marketable Appearance

The aesthetic allure of chondrodysplastic Dexters is a standout feature. Their short legs, robust bodies, and expressive faces create a “cute” look that captivates farmers and consumers alike. The American Dexter Cattle Association notes that chondrodysplastic Dexters are often “proportionally balanced and visually appealing,” making them a draw for agritourism, farm visits, or niche markets like specialty beef or dairy (American Dexter Cattle Association, Chondrodysplasia Overview, dextercattle.org). Social media posts from groups like “Dexter Cattle – Chondro Cuties” highlight the enthusiasm for their unique appearance, which boosts their marketability (Facebook, Dexter Cattle – Chondro Cuties, facebook.com). This charm translates into economic benefits, as their distinctive look attracts attention and adds value to small-scale operations.

Countering Negative Perceptions

Negative views on chondrodysplasia, such as claims of it being a “painful genetic disease” or calls for its eradication, often stem from misinformation or outdated concerns (Facebook, Dexter Cattle Breeders, facebook.com). These critiques overemphasize the bulldog calf risk while ignoring modern solutions. Genetic testing, available through institutions like Texas A&M University, allows farmers to identify carriers and breed strategically, eliminating the risk of lethal outcomes (American Dexter Cattle Association, Chondrodysplasia Overview, dextercattle.org). A 2007 study in Mammalian Genome from the University of Sydney confirms that heterozygous chondrodysplasia carriers exhibit no health detriments, displaying robust growth and adaptability (Mammalian Genome, 2007, doi:10.1007/s00335-007-9066-9). Posts on platforms like Facebook also clarify that chondrodysplasia is a manageable trait integral to the Dexter breed’s identity, not a flaw to eliminate (Facebook, Dexter Cattle Enthusiasts, facebook.com). With proper management, the trait’s benefits far outweigh any perceived drawbacks.

Conclusion

Chondrodysplastic Dexter cattle are a valuable asset for small-scale farmers. Their gentle nature simplifies management, reliable calving ensures herd vitality, efficient land use maximizes resources, and charming appearance enhances market appeal. Supported by research from Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, and the University of Sydney, chondrodysplasia is a manageable trait that adds unique value to Dexters. For farmers seeking cute, productive cattle, chondrodysplastic Dexters are an excellent choice when paired with responsible breeding practices.

Featured image

Family picture with herd sire Mr. Fife: 3797

Cow named Butter Diary’s Rosebud ADCA 045563 and her calf Butter Diary’s Lil Bit 049867.
5008 and 2698 (calf in these pictures is Lil Bit)

References

  1. American Dexter Cattle Association. “Chondrodysplasia Overview.” dextercattle.org. Accessed August 11, 2025.
  2. Oklahoma State University. “Breeds of Livestock – Dexter Cattle.” breeds.okstate.edu. Accessed August 11, 2025.
  3. Oklahoma State University Extension. “Beef Cattle Manual.” extension.okstate.edu. Accessed August 11, 2025.
  4. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. “Bulldog Dwarfism in Dexter Cattle.” vgl.ucdavis.edu. Accessed August 11, 2025.
  5. Kansas State University Research and Extension. “Cattle Breeding and Management.” k-state.edu. Accessed August 11, 2025.
  6. Cavanagh, J.A., et al. “Genetic Basis of Bulldog Dwarfism in Dexter Cattle.” Mammalian Genome, 2007, 18, 808-814. doi:10.1007/s00335-007-9066-9.
  7. Animal Production Science. “Grazing Efficiency of Small Cattle Breeds.” 2020. doi:10.1071/AN19432.
  8. Facebook. “Dexter Cattle – Chondro Cuties.” facebook.com. Accessed August 11, 2025.
  9. Facebook. “Dexter Cattle Breeders.” facebook.com. Accessed August 11, 2025.
  10. Facebook. “Dexter Cattle Enthusiasts.” facebook.com. Accessed August 11, 2025.

Embracing Chondrodysplasia in Dexter Cattle: A Compelling Choice for Small Farms Read More »

General

Dexter Dun Project – Jessica Petersen, PhD

Leave a Comment

This is the Dexter Dun Project Webinar, also known as the Carol Davidson Project, hosted by Jessica Petersen, PhD, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE TIPS & TRICKS GUIDE

Brought to you by these Breeders, Affiliates, and Sponsors

DeVine Farms

Since 2025
0 ads

Grandma's Dexter Farm

Since 2025
0 ads

American Dexter Cattle Association

Since 2025
0 ads

Hayburner Acres

Since 2025
0 ads

Dexter Dun Project – Jessica Petersen, PhD Read More »

General

The Irish Dexter Cattlemen Marketplace..have you tried a free ad?

Leave a Comment

Did you know that we have given everyone a free ad to try out the Irish Dexter Cattlemen Marketplace? That’s right! Give it a try!

I have found it a great place to produce a professional looking ad that can be shared anywhere.

Recently, we have tweaked some of the features to make it easier to use. The pictures are automatically resized to work with the system. No pre approval process. We can tweak it later if we need to. And also a team behind you that can help you make it what you want it to be.

Here are some recently posted ads. Check them out!

Red, Bull calf, polled

McCollum’s Moola
Butcher

The Irish Dexter Cattlemen Marketplace..have you tried a free ad? Read More »

General

Do you know how to do a tail stick to get blood for Pregnancy and Tenet Beef testing?

Leave a Comment

Here is a video that Nancy Bowers, Lonestar Ranch did on blood testing one her Dexters. This the same technique that you will need for testing for Tenet beef tenderness, except you will need much less….lol.

I have sent in 7 tenet tenderness tests to see if our Dexters have this genetic trait. Unlike other testing this is not done on scale and there is no comparison to other breeds. It’s either there or not there.
I truly believe that the tenderness of the beef is correlated to milk and that is sooo important in our dual purpose breed. We are working with them to prove this theory!

I have included what the cards look like, the paperwork that is needed…note it is very little. You can pay on line or send in a check. It is better for the lab if you pay with a check, so that they don’t loose the processing fee, but they are very accommodating.

Do you know how to do a tail stick to get blood for Pregnancy and Tenet Beef testing? Read More »

General Selling

THE DEXTER DWARF

Leave a Comment

I’m not sure if horns, polled or the dwarf incite more spirited conversations in the Dexter world. I am proud to have all of those in our small homestead farm, truly, experiencing all the Dexter has to offer even on our small acreage.
I have become frustrated and even angered by some of the reactions to all of these traits, that are all part of our amazing breed. Diversity was defined in our breed standards and have existed since the “birth” of our breed.
We have so many things to celebrate… like a unique color mutation in our stunning duns. Our duality, some of the richest milk that is easily digested like the goat. And at the same time some of the best beef, that has found its way into restaurants of the famous Chefs like Ramsay. And a unique BD1 gene, that has given birth to many many other breeds!
BD1 is a treasured genetic report on our farm. Our experience with the dwarf has been purely positive, for both dairy and meat. We never breed a carrier to a carrier. So we have never experienced some of the awful things that one person beats to death on one of the FB pages. I do love our non carriers too, as it takes one of each to make the dwarf!
It’s interesting that most of the folks that speak out about the dwarf negatively , have never experienced the dwarf…they rely on the propaganda of one! And standing up to him on his site…well the comments disappear or they go into forever pending. He must control the narrative!
We have not experienced the arthritis in the Dexters which could occur in both the carrier and the non carrier…or could it be the result of tick borne disease, that affects us humans. There are not good recordings of deaths of all Dexters, so the reports that dwarf pass earlier than non carriers, is only a guess, without documented proof. Again something, that fits a narrative.
And let’s talk about the associations and their responsibilities to protect the dwarf and it’s heritage… both have members and board members that share some or all of the detrimental beliefs about the dwarf, hopefully, a balance will be maintained in beliefs or the dwarf is doomed.
I have changed my opinions on some aspects over the last 14 years, but one thing I have never changed are my feelings about are the dwarf. The dwarf or carrier, it’s all just terminology that describes a Dexter that truly has stolen my heart.

THE DEXTER DWARF Read More »

General

Chondrodysplasia

Article I

Fact or Fiction

This is the first of our articles on chondrodysplasia in Dexters. Also called chondro-carriers, shorties, or dwarfs. these terms refer to the same cattle, and will be interspersed throughout the article. Keep in mind, they all mean cattle who are carriers of the dwarf gene.

Per Miriam Webster chondro means cartilage & dysplasia is an abnormal growth or development.

It’s a personal decision to breed chondro carrier Dexters. Of course, it’s your decision what to breed on your farm. But, let’s sort out some of the facts on these endearing little cattle.

Some long time breeders have told me that they believe the dwarf Dexters played an instrumental part in the formation of the breed, as the non-chondro, longer legged Dexters got registered in with the Kerry cattle. They also believe that there are two body types in the dwarves. That will be discussed in a later article.

Just a few of the traits and statements that those who own and experience the pleasures of owning a dwarf believe.

  • “Chondros are the breed. If we lose them we lose the breed.”
  • “Maximum beef on minimum forage.”
  • Personalities are one of a kind
  • Great mothers
  • High milk production
  • Great for first time cattle owners
  • Of course, breed responsibly. Never breed two carriers together and you will never get a bulldog calf. (If you did, the chance is only 25%, but why risk it?)

Those that I see exaggerating & spreading the hate for chondro carriers are using human graphics from the internet and applying their own labels. I have found no professional veterinary opinion stating they should be eliminated. Of course, none of those who love them would want or allow them to suffer. Many Dexters I know of are living into their teens. How many commercial breeds do you see living that long?

Some dwarfs will get osteoarthritis later in life. So will some non-chondros. A lot depends on the bloodlines, the terrain they live on and the care they receive. This also applies to the longer legged non-chondros. Humans also tend to get osteoarthritis later in life. They also can get forms of dwarfism. We don’t eradicate them. It can be managed, IF it happens.

So, please…. educate yourself on this genetic mutation, before you make a judgement.

The following is a scientific explanation from UC Davis. We choose the BD1 test, when we get any calves from our carriers. The BD2 test is for a specific line from a specific bull.

READ MORE

Chondrodysplasia Read More »

General Herd Health

Don’t Get Scammed

The internet has become an invaluable tool to ranchers, farmers and homesteaders looking to buy or sell livestock. But, scammers have infiltrated the industry making online sales and/or purchases more difficult to navigate. Here are some great tips to avoid getting scammed. And, as a bonus they can help you develop great contacts and relationships with the people you are buying or selling to.

Awareness and Preparation: Avoiding Potential Scams When Buying or Selling Cattle Online

Don’t Get Scammed Read More »

General

Have you taken advantage of the Dex50 coupon?

Here 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

Do you want to subscribe, but you don’t know at what level?

Hope this simple spreadsheet shows you the different levels that you can participate.
An example of an entry level participation is … access to our gazette and all the past articles in the Tips and Tricks Newsletter, many magazines , the ADCA, PDCA and Legacy publications in clipboard formats with an easy to use search feature…you will need to spend $20. This feature has allowed me to help so many when they have a specific question about a topic we have already covered.

You will need decide your level of participation, register and then enjoy your subscription benefits.

We are always looking for people to help. If you want to join an exciting and dynamic team…reach out!

Do you want to subscribe, but you don’t know at what level? Read More »

General Selling

Buyer BEWARE of AI Generated Dexter Cattle Books!

Some of these are not like the others!

Danielle Lowther of Byrn Mawr Dexter farm sounded the alarms this month. She found a bunch of books listed on Amazon that must be AI generated with little to no knowledge of what a Dexter looks like, let alone how to care for them.

She posted these on a Facebook group she created called the Horned Dexter Cattle and called for Dexter owners and breeders to show what books they had in their libraries. This sparked several breeders to chime in and post on their sites. Dexter owners are very protective of this breed! Below are photos from several Dexter folks with their cherished books. Included are their names and farm names, incase you want to reach out to them. The imposters are the featured image here.

‘But, if you are looking for REAL information on Dexters, the breed and how to care for them, please consider supporting Irish Dexter Cattlemen by subscribing to one of our many membership levels.

Consider spending your money with a team that is working for you, with hundreds of vetted articles, podcasts and videos, stored in an easy to use, farmer designed, Multimedia Relational Database System that you can search thru with just a word or phase. An example: type in “minerals” and 9 different vetted articles show up for you! What’s in this Multimedia Relational Database System which we call the Gazette?
● Links to articles all over the Internet
● Educational, informative videos every farmer should see.
● Agricultural magazines
● Books in an online flip style format you can read on any of your devices.
● Journals produced by your favorite registry in online flip style format.
● Links to interesting podcasts for listening while working or driving.
● Blogs produced by experts in agriculture
● Historical material and Registry Herdbooks.
All of it organized by your particular area of interest, like Farm Management, or Herd Health, or Milk & Dairy, or Historical, or Selling & Marketing, or Homesteading, or New to Farming, or Farming Technology. Because it’s a Relational System, it’s also organized by topic, like grazing, milking, organic, regenerative, fencing, irrigation, breeding, and many more.
Use the code DEX50 for our March special 50% Membership Discount on any membership level!
…
But you may want to check out our Classified Listing System and all of our levels of membership and find an even better option for you and your farm. At the Breeder level…you can sell anything off your farm…heck even the farm!

Buyer BEWARE of AI Generated Dexter Cattle Books! Read More »

General

Welcome to the Online Farmer’s Gazette – Orginally Established in 1887

The original Gazette, published by the Royal Dublin Society, was a “Register of Pure Kerry Cattle and Dexters” in Ireland and three years later became the Kerry and Dexter Herdbook, with volume 1 appearing in 1890.

This new, updated Irish Dexter Cattlemen Gazette, first published in 2024, is not so much about the Dexter cattle. It is more about Irish Dexter Cattlemen, livestock farmers and ranchers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, England, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.

While Irish Dexters are in some respects superior as a stock, owing to the taste of their meat and milk, the tenderness of their beef, easy calving, mild mannerism, as well as their hardiness. It was stated by His Excellency Lord Eglinton, ‘they are the thoroughbreds of cattle’. That is what we think is true about Irish Dexter Cattlemen farmers and ranchers, they are the thoroughbreds of cattlemen. This is what this Gazette, using modern technology, is all about.

This Gazette is an easy-to-use, multimedia relational database system for members providing a guide for you, the farmer and rancher, using the best technology available to answer to your questions, display information to assist you with your operation, and give you access to a collection of resources not available else-ware. As an online multimedia relational database, the Gazette structures information into areas of interest so that you can focus on topics about which you are most interested. These areas of interest are what we call Community Groups: Farm Management Community, Beef Community, Milking & Dairy Community, Herd Health Community, Historical Community, Selling Community, and Technology Community. These Community Groups are led by Community Directors, experienced farmers and ranchers, who scour the Internet looking for information that is of interest to their specific community group. That information is posted here in the Gazette in the form of:

    • Original posts from content creators, farmers and ranchers like yourself,
    • Posts from industry experts,
    • Online digital magazines,
    • Irish Dexter Registry publications,
    • Independent podcasts
    • Video providers,
    • Farming and Ranching Guides,
    • Historical Herdbooks,
    • Topical books on farming and ranching

This Gazette has taken years to develop by technology experts, who are also farmers and ranchers like you. It takes a lot of time, energy, knowledge, and resources to produce and maintain. If you have a passion for what you do and are looking for ways to make your farm or ranch even better, we would love for you to become a member. Your membership helps use to help you. Join using the links in our free monthly Tips & Tricks Guide, or using the links on our website Home page.

Members automatically gain access to additional functions or tabs of the Gazette:

    • Communities
      • Magazines
        • Guides
          • Herdbooks
            • Journals
              • Cowgirls
                • Cowboys

All the information on the Irish Dexter Cattlemen website is dynamically formatted to fit any device you might have in your pocket, in your hand, on your tractor, in your car, in the cup holder of your ATV, or on your desktop. 

Welcome to the Online Farmer’s Gazette – Orginally Established in 1887 Read More »

General
MENU
Enable Notifications OK No thanks