homesteading

I have a story.  We all do, don’t we?  I didn’t wake up one morning and say to myself, “let’s raise some Dexter cattle.”  It evolved.  Like many things in life it morphed from my experiences as a child to a nagging feeling that I had to try something.  I was missing something.  I wanted the perfect experience.  Roses, soft music in the background, your favorite meal on the table, sitting with loved ones, a dog laying at your feet, you know, perfect.  I didn’t get it.  Not even close!  But I can tell you that I sure am having fun trying.  How I got here, what I am doing now, and where I am going with our Dexter cattle is something I would like to share. 

I have been told by multiple people to avoid squirrels. Literally, more than one person has told me to stay away from squirrels.  Why?  Because they say I am nuts.  Why do they say I am nuts? Because I have vivid memories of when I was young child. I don’t remember just experiences, I remember details.

I remember when I was 5 years old.  My mind may have embellished certain aspects of my memory, but I see like it was yesterday.  Five years old, with my Pappy (Grandpa), standing in a corn bin watching him shovel corn into a five gallon bucket.  I loved my Pappy.  I had on a pair of his boots, one of his hats, and a pair of his gloves.  Years later, while visiting my Pappy one last time as he was home propped up in a medical bed so that he could see his beloved cattle, my Mom told my Grandma that I was there to visit.  Grandma, suffering from Alzheimer’s said, “That isn’t Scott. Scott is the little boy with Pappy’s boots and hat on.”I will never forget that.  And as I told Pappy I loved him one more time, I looked out the window and saw his beloved Hereford cattle.  Believe it or not, I made up my mind there.  My story with Dexter cattle would not begin for many years.  Sometimes good things have to wait.

You may have witnessed, read, or have heard that Dexter are the perfect cattle for homesteaders.  For those who want cattle and have a small area of property and for those looking for a smaller, kinder, docile animal, a Dexter cow is ideal.  They do it all.  They can provide meat, dairy, are gentle on pasture, and can bring a smile to your face.  All of that is true.  But it is not easy.  It can be rewarding, challenging and heart breaking.  But it is not easy.  

How I got here, what I am doing now, and where I am going with our Dexter cattle is something I like to share.  So if you wish, follow along with me.  You might get something, even if just a little bit of what to do or not to do.  You might also get a laugh along the way.  Because if you can’t laugh at yourself, then you are not funny.  Live everyday and be happy.

A little bit about the writer in case anyone is still reading this article. I own and operate a small farm, called “Our Yellowstone LLC” in Illinois. I couldn’t do it alone, but will keep my wife’s name out to protect her innocence.