Category: Farm Management
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Fall to winter forage options
A compilation of advice for fall/winter grazing https://www.beefmagazine.com/cattle-nutrition/fall-winter-feed-strategies-for-cattle#
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Halter Breaking
Let’s follow along with Porterhouse and Teal as he shows us how to build a successful working relationship with our cows – including halter breaking.
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A Conversation on Grazing
A little on the long side, but packed with great info on everything from experimental crops for grazing, to various methods of bale grazing.
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Castration Methods for Bull Calves
It is that time of year when we are weaning and castrating our bull calves. This article from University of Tennessee talks about the various methods and ages at which to castrate.
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Selecting a Bull
Someone recently asked about selecting a bull calf with traditional Dexter characteristics. Many breeders more experienced than me have covered this topic, but having bred Dexters for quite a few years now (and made plenty of mistakes) I am adding my two cents to the topic. Selecting a bull calf starts before they are even…
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Managing a small herd of cattle
Let’s join Pete from Just A Few Acres as he talks about the nuts and bolts of managing a herd of Dexters.
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Do you have 100 days of grazing left?
Save money by using your cattle to graze remaining forage on hay fields. There are numerous benefits, including cost savings, fertilization, and soil/plant nutrient storage.
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Slow is Fast
“Slow is fast”, this is the phrase my dad says at least once or twice every time we work cattle. There are some things you just can’t rush, and cattle are one of them. While we have found our Dexters are easy to move and work with, here are some tips to become more proficient…
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Hay on the Brain
It’s hay season, which is always a hectic time of year in our area. You may not be ready to think about hay or winter, but you can usually get the best deals buying it right out of the field – and now is the time to do that! Here is an article on tips…
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Shade Options for Cattle
Shade is a must for pasture-based grazing systems. It curtails heat stress,
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Managing Toxic Pasture Plants
Almost every pasture contains some poisonous plants, or is bordered by trees or shrubs that are toxic. https://extension.psu.edu/managing-toxic-pasture-plants
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Working with Nature
How systems-based research can help inform our farming practices, from creating more regenerative systems to helping with water retention in drought affected areas:
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Control Weeds Naturally
As livestock farmers a large percent of our work goes into pasture and forage management. Invasive, non-local weeds can be a big pain, and some are even damaging to our animals (poisonous) and local forage. This article addresses simple, natural solutions to weed control on the farm. We have always had the most success by…
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13 Essential Summer Chores
How to keep your homestead in tiptop condition as you run through these summer chores.
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Filling the summer forage gap
Valerie Tate shares management solutions, including planting warm-season annual forages such as pearl millet and sorghum-sudangrass https://www.beefmagazine.com/farm-business-management/filling-the-summer-forage-gap?utm_rid=CPG02000003229815&elq2=4f59c09e57ac441ba04619d70f690137&sp_eh=7918b56c11c76f55a8c727b1a7b7dcdc898203486555975c5ae1a7a2ed896fdd
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Halter training your calf….when is the right time?
The Question is often asked “When is the best time to halter train your calves?”. We put a halter on a calf for our milk cows calves within the first week of life. This gives them time to establish a nursing routine, so the halter won’t risk being an interference in the first few days…
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Grazing Dexter Cattle
Watch as WR Ranch explains their set up and methods for rotationally grazing their herd of Dexter cattle.
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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. https://youtu.be/GdJGjM5MkN4?si=BdZj_cCxU9WTPK4n
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Willow for Grazing
Are 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…
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Chasing Fads will Leave You Behind
A 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…
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Basics of Record Keeping
Keeping 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…
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Utilizing Summer Annual Forage
https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/post/maximizing-forage-production-summer-annuals
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Turning cows out on spring grass
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.
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DIY Round Bale Feeder
I 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/
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Farmer-led research
When 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…
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Cattle Worth More than Diamonds
A good read on the current cattle market trends. Understand the market so you can adjust your sales prices and purchases for maximum yield. https://www.beefmagazine.com/farm-business-management/cattle-market-insights-can-bred-cows-beat-diamonds-
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Record Keeping
The 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. https://www.mofga.org/resources/livestock/record-keeping-for-livestock-farmers/#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20they%20allow%20you,and%20other%20diseases%2C%20and%20more.