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This is a meal I return to again and again – quintessential but with a contemporary flair that amplifies humble ingredients. The braised ribs marry with gochujang (a substitution for tomato paste), anchovies, and fennel. And the creamy beans are a wonderful meal themselves and would make a fine vegetarian feast. These elements mount to some of the most anticipated eating all winter.
Braised Short Ribs + Creamy Beans Read More »
Beef
A Deep Dive Podcast, brought to you by Irish Dexter Cattlemen, on topics of interest to all farmers and ranchers. Subscribe to the free, monthly Irish Dexter Cattlemen Tips & Tricks Guide to get early access.
HOW TO WEAN YOUR CALVES Read More »
Podcasts
I read a post on Facebook that made me look into the average herd size in North America. Dexters really do seem to be gaining popularity. Are we moving beyond “just the homestead cow”.
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/charts-of-note/107125
What do you think the average herd size is in North America? Read More »
General
Where would you expect Dexters to be….or even in the ranking?
Most Profitable cattle breeds for small farms (ranked) Read More »
Selling
After many nights of interrupted sleep, due to monitoring a heifer and her first calving, I decided to let technology given it a try. I purchased a Moo Call device. Of course it arrived and she went into labor, but I decided to given it a try on my Dexter due.
It was pretty simple. I followed the instructions and had to cut off to sections on the red rubber grip to get a proper fit. After that I attached it to her tail and monitored during the day, like I always have. I figured she was a few days out and mostly used it at night, so I could sleep.
After a brief phone call with them, to make sure it was working properly, I relaxed and decided to give it a chance. He due date came and went, but all of my experience told me she was not ready and I slept like a baby.
The next morning while finishing up miking, my husband said…Did you just get an email like this? I grabbed my phone only to have it MOOO at me! I had received the email and text…but now it was mooing at me from the APP I had downloaded.
We quickly finished up and went to check on her…and yes she was in the beginning stages of labor. The Moo Call said she would calf within the hour…and she did! The alerts started at 7:34 and the calf arrived at 8:18. Here are some visuals of our experience.
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
Embracing Chondrodysplasia in Dexter Cattle: A Compelling Choice for Small Farms Read More »
General
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
If you have dun cattle, esp golden dun or dark dun and would like to help with genetic testing see link below.
Many people ask me, “why Dexter’s?”. I believe it’s no accident that they
have survived so long and won a special place in many hearts and minds
worldwide, including mine. Dexter’s have always been a small breed which
have not been miniaturised, and I believe have special characteristics to
offer the people who keep them. Here, briefly is their story..
The fascinating history of the dexter Read More »
Historical
The relocation of a feral herd of 16 Dexters that lived in the Addo Elephant National Park’s Wilderness area has caught the attention of scientists after the South African Dexter Cattle Breeders’ Society became aware of the herd roaming in the park a few years ago. The society initiated the relocation of the animals to Bronkhorstspruit in Gauteng.
DEXTERS survive for decades in national park Read More »
Historical
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
Dr. Ron Gill shares tips on working a cattle
Working Cattle Effectively Read More »
Farm Management
Two long legged Dexters were kept at an Iron Age site to replicate a farm in 300 B.C. The attempt was to recreate what some of our Celtic ancestors would have experienced in their environment as close to what archaeological evidence in 1974 could validate. A round wattle and daub building was constructed with a thatched roof on site, and it withstood two Hampshire hurricanes with no ill effect. A man named Peter Reynolds was testing hypotheses to establish or to refute established theories during his era. He researched to establish accurate theories on the livestock and crops that would have been grown at that time. He wanted to establish facts and create a representation of the time as accurately as he could.
The dark wooled small breed of Soay sheep were kept, as it is commonly believed they are as close as possible to the Iron age sheep genetically, because they remained isolated on St. Kilda for thousands of years. Then there are the two long legged Dexter cattle being kept that are believed to be the same body size and weight as the extinct Bos longifrons. This seems to be what was considered the best match for the time. When researching the subject, I found that McKenny Hughes says “that Bos longifrons was a very small animal; probably not larger than a Kerry cow.” It was likewise believed that the color of the British and Celtic Bos longifrons was black but with a shorter horn shape than is seen in Kerry and Dexter cattle. With those considerations it is understandable that long legged Dexters that have often been called Dexters of the Kerry type would have been used as the best choice for the day. Newspaper article: Country Life 27 June 1974
Interesting, Dexters were used to replicate a farm in 300 B.C. Read More »
Historical
Dexters are better at foraging for their food, live long, produce well and rear about 10 calves or more, during their lifetime. Because they are small cattle, you can stock more cattle per acre than you would with conventional cattle breeds.
Dexter Cattle – Ideal Small Cattle Breed for Homesteads and Small Farms Read More »
Homesteading
There are some good pointers in this short video. Always breed for duality and you will have a Dexter herd that meets all of your needs.
Please keep in mind many don’t like the term mini cow being applied to our breed, as they are the smallest breed in the world.
Dexter are perfect for the Homesteader Read More »
Homesteading
For the first time milker or the heifer that is getting milked for the first time, there are some important things to remember for success. The article below goes over some of the basics.
We have, thankfully, only had a few that were very stubborn. We found that putting the calf in front of the cow, so she can see it helps…but when nothing works…we have reverted to letting the calf nurse one side for a short time. I do say short time, as they can drain their moms with amazing speeds.
I have included photos of our calf let down gate to give you some ideas that have worked for us. You can see the calf thru the little gate on the first photo. On the second photo you see the pulley. When we need to use this system…which we thankfully have only had to a few times, we tie a rope the the gate, un hook the bungee, feed the rope thru the pulley and the whole gate goes up and down so we can quickly drop it once mom starts to let down.
MILK LET DOWN – HINTS AND TRICKS Read More »
Milking
For several years now my family has kept a mixed herd of horned, dehorned and naturally polled Dexter cattle. We rotationally graze, and our cattle have plenty of space to move around. They have gentle personalities, so their horns have not been an issue for us. Horns can also be unique markers with their varying shapes, identifying individual animals in the herd. Whether you are pro horns, against them, or still weighing your options, this is a short article to help shed some light on the pros and cons…
Keeping Horned Cattle – the Pros and Cons Read More »
Farm Management
DEXTER CATTLE – JOY, LAUGHTER, AND HEARTBREAK – SWEET CAROLINE (Part 4 – Conclusion) Read More »
Homesteading
Photo of one of our cows at Bryn Mawr just recently taken, but soon to fade into the mist of time, just like all the Dexters before her.
In America and all across the globe, it was much more common for Dexters to be black. So much so, that at one point people even forgot that they were once another color and when asked they may not even have known that the original breed standard allowed for red Dexters to be registered. It was common knowledge that they had horns. This article is 1976 states a fairly common view of what Dexters were before the widespread introduction of polled genetics into the breed. They may have been black like angus and small in size but their horns strikingly set them apart. It was a significant breed identifier that let you know they were not just little angus. As the article states “the Dexter has a set of horns that make them look outstanding”.
Of course, the size of the Dexter is a breed identifier, but it alone has not been the sole identifier. Today as many small breeds and cross breeds are being developed it becomes more common to see “mini” cattle where the cows are between 700-800 pounds and the bulls are up to a thousand. Size alone is not enough to set Dexters apart as a breed regardless of height or weight. Besides just physical attributes there are practical attributes that this article quickly highlights, that showcases Dexters as a unique small breed. They are not just for eye appeal or for cute pasture ornaments, but rather work well for the true purpose of a dual-purpose breed supplying both milk and beef. Another significant and often reported Dexter identifier is that they will survive on low quality pasture, living outdoors year-round and browse well for cattle. They have very docile bulls, and this is one of the very reasons new cattle owners become attracted to the breed. This trait is so important for the future preservation of the breed as it attracts so many people to cattle in general, due to the ease of handling. This is something we should never loose from the Dexter breed by improper breeding by using bulls with bad temperaments or cross breeding in breeds with bad temperaments spoiling the breed. How ruined could the Dexter be, if the breed became synonymous with poorly behaved and mean-spirited bulls?
What a beautiful description Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wright of Shady Nook farms has supplied for us 50 years later long after their Dexters have expired. Strange coincidence that the article mentions 50 years for a different remembrance as I look back and read this article 50 years later. When looking them up I found nothing under their names but I did find some Dexters registered to the Farm name Shady Nook, that had to be theirs due to the time of registration. Five Dexters only ever registered under the name of Shady Nook and only one of which ever went on to have registered offspring. A bull named Shady Nook’s Dubar born in 1976 , who sired two registered calves. This is all too common of a story in Dexters, new breeders, small operation, few cattle registered and then Dexters lost to the history of time. It causes one to consider that not only must we hold onto breed identifying traits, but also the very Dexters that bore those traits by putting them in the hands of people who will keep them breeding. Breed them strong and breed them long. Long live the true Irish Dexter!
Article taken from Lancaster Farming, 17 July 1976.
Thank you for reading and considering, Danielle of Bryn Mawr.
Please ask permission before reprinting.
Dexter Cattle: once commonly Known to be Short Black and Horned Read More »
Historical
By Eliena Bodtke, Stay’N Put Farm
Whit Ashe of Circle A Ranch in Savannah, Tennessee , has been our cowboy, AI tech and friend for over ten years now. Our nick names for him, include Man With The Golden Arm, Mr. One And Done and My Favorite Cowboy to name a few. But, wouldn’t you use those names to describe a perfect heifer record and he only had to come back twice for redos in 10 years. We recommend him for anyone in the area. But after several conversations, it appears that much of our success as team, is not just his technique.
Minerals
For both Circle A Ranch and our little homestead, Stay’N Put Farm, it started with the management program. We both use Vitaferm Concept aid minerals. Whit recommended these right from the beginning, including when we were doing live cover on and off. It is set out free choice for them to utilize at their pleasure. With the success rate like ours, proper nutrients to help them take with one attempt has to be one of the key components . Seeing others succeed when switching to it, seems to us to be part of one of the keys to success. But this is just one of components to this success.
Timing
Timing is very crucial as well. Each Dexter will have its own cycle. Ours are between 18 and 21 days. Signs of coming into heat differ from cow to cow. Some of the signs we look for are loose poops, change in behavior…extra sweet or standoffish behaviors. You will often times see the cows standing close to each other, one appears to be more affectionate than the others. These for us are the start of of the heat cycle and duly noted.
Next we watch for jumping or restless behavior. This could include a nursing calf, jumping on mom or behaving weirdly with mom. If you’re milking, you may see an appreciable drop in milk, we do.
This is when your observation skills are most important. Cows will jump cows. Cows will jump bulls. This behavior is referred to as bulling. If you only have one cow in your herd and no other Dexter or bovine friend, this can be troublesome.
It can help you know that a cow is in heat, but it can’t tell you whether it is in a standing heat.
Telephone conversations and texts happen with Whit Ashe when we see behavior changes, poops getting loose or a milk drop and then we keep in close contact until we are sure that we are in standing heat.
Standing heat
Standing heat is when the cow stands for anyone to mount her. It is at this point you should be ready. We try to AI within the next 12 hours…and close to the 12 hour mark.
When your tech arrives, you should have your cow either in the barn or in the milking stanchion or shoot. You will need to have your straw selected that you want to use. The tech will warm the insertion device, by placing close to their body…down their shirt. The straw will be warmed in a special straw warmer. Once it is thawed, the device will let you know and the fun begins. The attached video will show you what it typically looks like.
Whit Ashe has only had to make two trips back in 10 years, and I would have to say one was probably the semen , which is rare to have a problem with it and the other was my timing. We chased it…knowing it would probably result in a bull, but we were unsuccessful. As of the time writing this article we have only received two bulls by AI, and that was from another AI tech, Weston Williams. Whit Ashe has a perfect heifer record here, very hard to believe, but true.
Here is a video of it
Artificial Insemination at Stay’N Put Farm Read More »
Farm Management
This is the season for selling out at the farmers market!
SELLING OUT at the Farmers Market! Read More »
Beef
By Eliena Bodtke, Stay’N Put Farm
I have had a small soap business for years. It has been a very manual order process. So, when someone was needed to test the GrownBy site for the next phase of the Irish Dexter Cattlemen website, I decided it was time for me to have an easier way to order. It also gave me the added benefits of being able to sell my Irish Dexter cattle and Nubian goats without having to set up my own website. Everything in one place, with no knowledge of set up or having to maintain my own website.
Well I have to tell you….this has been a most enjoyable experience. From the ease of using the site, to the help that is available from the GrownBy team at the drop of a hat. I can edit, add or remove things with little effort. But the really exciting thing was having metrics to be able to see if the site was working for me. The first time I checked how many had clicked on my site it said 163…WOW! I started working on my site in May and had yet to check the metrics out. I shared it on my FB page and on the IDC site once, well maybe twice and boom a week later 193 visits. The other notable is that my order size increased. Not by a little, a lot! We are still working on GrownBY handling the shipping component, but the problem is at my end, not theirs, everything has to be weighed and then the zip code has to be taken into consideration. The work around is pick up at farm and handling the shipping afterward…or adding to the price the average shipping…but I’m working on that.
The long and short of it is, not only is the site working for me for selling my soaps and shampoos. It provides an easy link for my customers to go to and see what I have available …and helps me with driving what needs to be made and stocked. And maybe they will consider some of the adorable bucks we have currently for sale!
I didn’t need to learn another language or program, all I had to do was share it, so people know where to look.
Another added benefit is, you can see other farms in your area …that you might want to visit or buy from. It’s farmers! Yup, farmers, you are working with other farmers. So if you have a soap business like me, or just a few animals to sell, or a CSA, you really should check it out.
I hope you have the same experience as I have had….now off to make another soap and build that inventory.
Check out my new online e-commerce store https://grownby.app/farms/stay-n-put-farm/shop
Growing my business with GrownBY Read More »
Selling
