irishdexters

Farm Sales…A Way I Find works

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I think one of the hardest things for farmers, ranchers and homesteaders is when they need to sell something off the farm.  That journey should start well before you need to sell something.

Let’s look at the model I use for selling of Dexter beef.  

I share all of the information about our wonderful breed I can, on social media …especially things like, dropping the names of famous chefs that have come to appreciate the quality of our beef.  I also share podcasts, articles and pictures of Dexters in the field, on the plate and in its packaging from the butcher.

So now you have some beef that will be ready to be processed in a few months and you don’t need it for your family.  This is when you need to start looking for potential customers.

How to get started 

The first thing you need to do is decide what you are going to sell and its value.  One of the easiest ways to do this is to look at the market…check out sites like the Irish Dexter Cattlemen, Craig’s List and local social media sites.  By comparing what you see on these you will be able to determine what the price point of what is  selling in your area.  

Things to keep in mind are is it grass-fed and grain finished or grass-fed and grass finished.  The grass-fed grass finished tends to command a higher price.  Another consideration is vaccinated, as more and more folks are looking for unjabbed…this is a term I see more and more.  The more specialized your finished product is, the more you can ask. I say you can ask…because not every  customer values that.   It’s about building the clientele at this point.

Build your own customer base

Once you start to get customers, you will then need to retain them and encourage them to tell their friends.  We always follow up immediately after they get their first quarter or half. Your butcher can also be a big help to you.  He sees and works with a lot of different breeds and will have a much bigger customer base than you.  A really good butcher is so important to your finished product and especially your yield.  My butcher is wonderful about sharing what we have produced and bragging on it for us!

Not everyone knows what Dexter cattle are and that we have, well in my opinion and many of our customer’s opinion,  one of best dual purpose , beef and dairy breeds.  So, how do you get them to see the value of your beef and our  breed?   For us, it was finding like minded folks.  People who were not looking for meat from the local grocery store.  Someone who understood, that by buying the whole, half or quarter of the Dexter they would see an overall better value than the price of just the burger.  Our burger is ancestral beef, another differential that sets us apart from many of the other farmers in our area. It includes a percentage of organ meat.  This maybe valued by your customer,  if they are health conscious…or maybe not important to others or even a put off, to some.

Once they have bought from you, you need to ask them when they will need more.  You want to retain that customer and build on that base.  If they rave about it…ask them to tell their friends and family.  Word of mouth is so much less work and keeps your pipeline full.  If you can’t fill their needs, find another Dexter owner who you can work with and help each other.  For us, it’s about getting them to buy Dexter.

Dealing with objections

Common objects are:

I don’t know if I have enough freezer space…or how big a freezer do I need.  We have many articles, videos and personal writings on the this in the IDC Gazette  But the amount of beef produced is a huge selling feature, as the Dexter doesn’t give the average family, too much to deal with.

In many states they need to pay you for the Dexter and the butcher for the processing.  In other states, they are done at USDA facilities and payment can be made to you including the processing.  Or it can be sold as individual cuts.  If selling individual cuts, more homework will need to be done determining the prices of those individual cuts. So, money can be a factor, as some will need to accrue for it unless you are selling individual cuts.

And my all time favorite objection …I need to talk to my husband or my wife…and then you hear crickets.  You still need to follow up.  Understanding objections can only help you hone your selling skills and prepare you for crazy objections like this last one….lol

Using the Irish Dexter Cattlemen Marketplace

I use the ad I generate using the Irish Dexter Cattlemen for selling.  Why?  Because it’s looks professional,  I don’t have my own website and I don’t want to write a bunch of different ads.To best utilize the ad, I take a picture of it, so they have something to look at and then copy and paste the link of the ad into different social media groups and sometimes even Craig’s list.  Not everyone uses social media or Craig’s list.  So, by using the IDC Marketplace, I have exposure there on the website  and in the FREE monthly newsletter, giving me two more vehicles for selling.  By doing it this way, I only write the ad once and then copy and paste, giving it a professional and consistent look. Feed back from some of the buyers off the site have been very positive. They like that everything is in the ad…registration numbers if applicable, location, price and if it is negotiable and that they can have a private conversation.

When sharing on social media I choose local sites, as shipping, is not much of an option with cost of shipping and the need to keep it frozen.  I also use the Irish Dexter Cattlemen featured post on FB and some of the cattle groups that serve my area, as it’s just not feasible for people to drive great distances for their beef.

Repetition 

Just because you post something once doesn’t get it sold.  People don’t typically look back through post from a week ago or a month ago.  When  they’re wanting to buy something they usually look back maybe a couple of days. 

I suggest you post on Thursdays or Fridays and again on the weekend to get people looking at what you have available.  

If you are keeping your pipeline full, and you are building your clientele, the repetition will not need to be as much.  You will develop wait lists and those lists will need to be worked.  Just because they’re on your waitlist doesn’t mean they’re going to buy again. You need to touch base with them periodically and keep it current because they may have decided to buy somewhere else. I find if you touch base with them monthly or every other month, you’re more likely to keep them on your list of potential buyers.

So in conclusion, the important things to remember are

Look professional.

Start to sell before your are taking your Dexter for processing.

Build up the quality of the breed and its beef….you never know you may sell breeding stock too to that beef customer.

Learn to deal with objections in a positive manner.

Remember, posting it once doesn’t get it sold. 

Here is one of my favorite podcasts for educating buyers about our wonderful breed.

Dexter Beef Podcast – Taste the Difference

I sincerely hope this helps you…if you have more ideas, feel free to comment.  I would love to hear some of your feedback or unique ways of selling your beef and breeding stock.

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Selling

Dexter Arrival: A Homesteading Dream Realized, Hayburner Acres

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Our journey to homesteading began about five years ago. My husband and I were searching for self-sustainability, a quieter life, and a deeper connection to the land. Raised in the suburbs with every modern convenience, we only knew which grocery store had the freshest beef. That was the extent of our food sourcing knowledge.

Once we acquired our acreage, we started, as many do, with chickens. At the time, I hadn’t even considered milking animals myself, so I went looking for farm-fresh milk. I found a local source, and with it, a whole new world. We began picking up a couple of gallons each week, but it didn’t take long before we wanted to produce our own.

That’s how we ended up with Nubian goats.

I was intimidated by the idea of milking and caring for them, but goats felt less daunting than a full-sized milk cow. Still, I had always loved and admired the Dexters at pickup. Just being around them brought a peace I couldn’t explain. They were a dream, something for “someday.”

Fast forward a few years, and someday finally came.

About a month ago, we brought home our first Dexters: a heifer and a steer. And how’s it going? In a word? beautifully.

The first thing I noticed was their peaceful nature. Just being near them calms my nervous system in a way I can’t begin to describe. I’m absolutely head over heels in love. I’ve started thinning down my goat herd to make room for more Dexters in the future.

I’m learning to be a pasture and grass farmer (also moving fencing, adding pastures) all to better serve my Dexters. I’m excited to contribute to the breed by selecting strong lines and continuing the work that’s already been poured into my girl, Fiona.

Am I still intimidated by the idea of milking them? Absolutely.
Will I do it anyway and love it once the time comes? Without a doubt.

There’s still so much to learn—about pasture management, breeding, and eventually milking—but I’m ready. With the right mentors and a heart full of determination, we’ll thrive. Fiona and Chuck are home now, and so are we. This is just the beginning of a lifelong journey with Dexters, and I couldn’t be more excited to walk it one peaceful step at a time.

I’m looking forward to many years alongside this incredible breed.

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Homesteading

For Many the Dexter breed may have a confusing Past.

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When you consider that people in the past were a bit confused about the difference between a Dexter (Dexter Kerry) and a Kerry you understand why it confuses people now. The fact that Dexters were called Dexter Kerry for many years after the two breeds were split from each other, continued to confuse people, thinking that Dexters were still no different than the Kerry breed. It’s interesting to note that in the Royal Dublin Society Kerry cattle were described as shorter than other cattle, so short that a full-grown cow was said to be the size of just a yearling (that was in 1890 when most breeds of cattle were smaller than they are now). As you can see Dexter cattle were not the only short ones as Kerry cattle have a long history of being smaller in stature too. If you have Dexters you can recognize that there is a strong similarity in the description of size among many of them. I have people come to my farm and confuse a full grown dehorned cow for a yearling of another breed. Once the two breeds were separated there immediately would have been a breeding divergence. Very detailed breed standards were already created that defined Dexters before 1911 at the time of the first printing of The American Kerry and Cattle Club Bulletin one. Following those standards for all the years prior would have helped pave the way for the breeds to be separated and defined as their own, but yet the confusion remained as can be seen in the below picture, because the breeds had so many similarities.

May be an image of text that says 'HE AMERICAN KERRY AND DEXTER CATTLE CLUB BULLETIN ONE. B, 1911 Donter Cow, WATERVILLE VIOLET. Imported by Waddington Farm, est Virginia. Owned by Ohio State University ty, Columbus. Reserve at Royal Dublin Show, Ireland. The Organization of the Club The Articles of Association Description of the Kerry and Dexter Scale Points of the Kerry and Dexter The Kerry and Dexter as Producers'

Waterville Violet The Kerry Cow

The cow in this photo above is from Bulletin One of The American Kerry and Dexter Cattle Club. It was printed in October 1911. This is the old name for the ADCA (American Dexter Cattle Association). The cow photographed is named Waterville Violet and in her description the title Dexter has been crossed out. Was this just a scribble that someone made at a later date randomly or was it something scratched out to add a correction after it was printed?

If you check the records in the ADCA you will find no Waterville Violet mentioned. If you look for a Kerry cow by the name of Waterville Violet you will turn up multiple citations of her as a Kerry cow. It looks like Violet was a Kerry heifer who calved in 1902 so we can get an idea that she was already quite mature by the time she was mentioned in the 1911 Bulletin. As much as things can be confusing it’s fair to say Dexter or not there are still purebred registered Dexters of today that look like Violet.

May be an image of text

James E. Butler of Waterville: Judge and Breeder

James E. Butler owned the Waterville herd. Mr. Butler owned and bred both Kerry Cattle and Dexters, as many of the original breeders of Dexters did because in selection the black more dairy type became Kerry and the cattle a bit thicker, black and red, possessing dual purpose traits became Dexters. Butler was also one of the judges at shows for evaluating Dexters for the entry into the herdbooks. He had a long history in the area. James Butler would have been an excellent choice for a judge due to his first-hand knowledge of Kerry and the native cattle of the land. Waterville is known as Coirean in Gaelic or “Little Cauldron”. It is a village in Kerry. The ring of Kerry passes through this town. It’s good to know that Dexters and Kerry cattle were being selected and registered by men with first-hand knowledge like James E. Butler of Waterville. I would suppose they were far more confident in the difference between a Dexter and Kerry when they were making their evaluations. I hope this has shed a little more light into the past of Dexter and even Kerry cattle.

For Many the Dexter breed may have a confusing Past. Read More »

Historical

MILK LET DOWN – HINTS AND TRICKS

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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.

The Role of Predictability and Calm Handling in Milk Letdown

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Milking & Dairy

LET’S TALK DEXTER WEIGHTS!

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Calling all Beef Breeders!!! For anyone who likes a bit of Beef in their dual-purpose Dexters here’s something for you! Have you ever wondered what the Live weight, the Average daily weight gain of live weight, Weight of dressed Carcass, Percentage of carcass to gross live weight, Weight of loose fat and Weight of hide was on a Dexter Kerry or a Kerry and a Dexter Kerry cross was at the formation of the Royal Dublin Society in 1890? I wish all fields were complete as some are missing but it’s a good start. Well, here are some answers for you, so let’s see how these weights compare today. Comments are welcomed. By the way Tommy Titmouse was an Angus Dexter Kerry cross.

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Historical

TENET BEEF UPDATE

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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

SMALL CATTLE CARRY AWAY BIG HONORS

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This article written in Gloucestershire on 27th March 1986 represents a long memorable chapter of the pages in History of Dexter cattle. The Dexter in this article is being noted as truly dual purposed, possessing fine quality small joints of beef, all the while being able to suckle two calves at once and raise 8 commercial calves in one year. This all seems an even more amazing feat when you consider one of the cows being spoke of was 34 inches. Thirty-four inches, how many Dexters today meet these amazing statistics? This article when I compared to other historical information sites a higher average milk production than some historical amounts in Dexters that I have seen at 4.5 gallons per day. This figure is not rare by any means but not necessarily a given rate with some Dexters producing a bit less.
Dexters are being stated as being small and valuable for grazing under plum trees so as not to damage the trees. At the time of this article, Dexters are listed on the Rare Breed Survival Trust, but are no longer being listed as endangered as they once were prior to the articles printing. When we consider today with so many pedigree Dexters in great numbers it is hard for many to believe that Dexetrs were once so rare. But yet how many rare Jems are left like the Dexters being mentioned from these days, just back in 1986? Perhaps the Dexter of 1986 is rarer than we think.

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Historical

Feta dip from cows milk feta…easy and quick!

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This was fabulous…while I made it with goats milk…I could have made it with Dexter milk, but I had it already made from goat.

Don’t skip the rinsing or it will be too salty

Sure to impress you with chips, pita, sourdough bread…….

I use a version of the recipe below to make feta as well….bon appetite!

https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/1273-whipped-feta-dip

https://cheesemaking.com/products/feta-cheese-making-recipe

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Homesteading

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

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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.

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General

Who knew tenderness is directly correlated to easy keeper Submitted by Jeff Reusser, Royal Fare Farm

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With all the talk about marbling and beef tenderness, here is something to consider…marbling does not equal tenderness…taste yes…tenderness no. And selecting for easy keepers can be a great step selecting the best beef from your herd.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/working-cows-regenerative-ranching-to-maximize-profitability/id1307361758?i=1000701294394

Who knew tenderness is directly correlated to easy keeper Submitted by Jeff Reusser, Royal Fare Farm Read More »

Beef

Dexter Dun Project – Jessica Petersen, PhD

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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

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General

Perceived value ….true for dexter milk, beef and breeding stock

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A CONVERSATION ABOUT PERCEIVED VALUE:

A customer asked me how much it would cost for a gallon of raw milk .

I gave them a price of $15/gallon.

The customer responded: That’s seems really high.

I asked: What do you think is a reasonable price for this?

The customer answered: $4 maximum

I responded: Ok, then I invite you to do it yourself.

The customer answered: I don’t know how to.

I responded: Alright, then how about for $4/gallon, I’ll teach you how to. So besides saving you $11, you’ll learn valuable skills that will benefit you in the future.

The customer answered: Sounds good! Let’s do it!

I responded: Great! To get started, you are going to need some things. You will need a cow (≈$3000), 45# of dry matter quality feed A DAY, feeders, waterers, an area to let her be a cow, a shelter, a clean area to milk, a milking machine or supplies to hand milk into, preferably electricity for this indoor area and heated water, countless gallons of water, fencing to contain this cow, etc.
Not to mention, there is a very real possibility that your single cow gets sick and doesn’t produce, a bull or someone to AI her because no pregnancy, no milk. Injury, illness, and unexpected weather conditions are always present. Now, you are back to square 1 if she doesn’t breed, dries up, get sick, or dies.

The customer answered: But I don’t have any of those things and I can’t justify buying all of these for a gallon of milk.

I responded: Ok. Well then for an additional $11/gallon, I can rent my supplies, building, and supply hay/grain/minerals/pasture to you.

The customer answered: Okay. That’s fair.

I responded: Great! We will start the project on Monday.

The customer answered: I work Monday through Friday. I’m only available on the weekends.

I responded: If you want to learn from me then you will need to work when I work. We milk everyday, 2x day, so you will need to be here at least 2 hours every morning and every night year round.

The customer answered: That means I’m going to have to sacrifice a lot of my time!

I responded: That’s true. Remember, when you do a job yourself you need to account for unproductive factors.

The customer answered: What do you mean by that?

I responded: Milking a cow doesnt just take a couple hours morning and night. It takes time to muck out her area, town trips to pick up cleaning supplies/teat dip, trucking for hay. It takes time to bottle the milk cleanly, it takes jars, it takes more cleaning of equipment and facility, it takes wear and tear on your milking equipment and feeding equipment. And thats all on top of your other chores/responsibilities.
So we will see you Monday morning, 6 am.

The customer answered: At 6am?!! My work day doesn’t usually start until 8am!

I responded: A cow thrives on a set schedule, milking 2x day should be as close to 12 hours apart as can be, so if you want to start later, that’s ok. But you will need to come back in the evening after your full day of work and milk again at that time, so if you want to start at 8 am, you will milk again at 8 pm. After clean up and bottling milk… you can head home around 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday included. Blizzards or 100 F. No days off here.

The customer answered: You know, I’m realizing that a lot more goes in to quality food than what a customer sees in the finished project. Your proposal of $15/gallon is very reasonable. I would like you to milk and have it ready for me to just pick up..

CONCLUSION:

When you pay for a job, especially a custom job, (whether it’s a physical project or digital project or GROWING AND RAISING FOOD) you pay not only for the material and the work to be completed. You also pay for:

✔️ Knowledge
✔️ Experience
✔️ Custom Skills
✔️ Tools
✔️ Time to plan
✔️ Time to prepare
✔️ Professionalism
✔️ Work Ethic
✔️ Excellence
✔️ Discipline
✔️ Commitment
✔️ Integrity
✔️ Taxes
✔️ Licenses
✔️ Sacrifices
✔️ Liabilities
✔️ Insurance

If you desire fresh, healthy, locally grown food, please don’t disrespect a farmer by trying to get them to lower their prices.

If their proposal exceeds your budget, there’s nothing wrong with going elsewhere.

Just remember.. you get what you pay for.

👉🏼 FARMERS: Know your worth and be confident in it.

👉🏼 CONSUMERS: Recognize their worth and be respectful of it.

Sharing this to support all my friends, family and clients who are Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners and Tradesman.

-Unknown and edited

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Selling

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

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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!

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General

Historically looking at the Dexter milk properties!

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Many may not know that the Dexter at one time was known to have milking properties of equal merit as the Kerry, a known dairy breed, though they are a dual-purpose breed. Mr. R Tait Robertson was to of said ” The milking properties of both breeds may be said to be of about equal merit”. Who is R. Tait Robertson? He is the son of James Robertson, of whom bred or collected a large portion of the foundation Dexters sold to England and other places. He was an influential breeder. For an interesting photo reference of the amazing similarities of Dexter and Kerry cattle see Aicme Check (Dexter cow) and Greenah Florah 2nd (Kerry cow). I did not have to hunt far and wide to find examples that looked closely related. All I had to do is go to the 1901 Herd book and find the only available photos of an example Kerry and Dexter cow. And by the way note the classic white Dexter udder marking on the Kerry cow as this was a common Kerry trait feature too. Nose to nose as you can see in the photo comparison they do look quite alike.

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Historical

The importance of the Dexter Head

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Did you know the look of a Dexter’s head was important to breeders and that there was what was considered a “Dexter Head”?

“Harley Penelope is good to carry in one’s eye as a type of a good Dexter cow. She has the quality and character, a sweet small Dexter head and carries her horns well.”

“I lost my heart to Red Rose, a very beautiful cow, she has the Dexter head to perfection”

Did you know that Dexters were known to give a good milk yield for their size and excelled on lower quality pasture?

“Naturally in these times, when the economy of feeding stock is of importance, the hardiness of a Dexter, the large milk given by them on a small quantity of food, and their ability to thrive on poor pastures make them particularly attractive”

Did you know that breeders put a lot of emphasis of breeding to “pedigree and type” not just pedigree or type alone? That people wanted to keep their diets similar so that they could retain their original attributes including size and hardiness.

“It must be born in mind that these cows are not fed on cake: no doubt on higher feeding these records should be raised to 1500lb or 2,000 lb more than those given above, but Lady Kathleen Morant told me: I do not feed with cake ect., I try to keep them as much as possible on the same lines as the Irish peasant would do because I feel that is the best way of keeping them true to type and from getting them large and coarse.”

All these thoughts can be found in this newspaper clipping from 1917, in reference to Kathleen Morant’s Dexter herd along with pictures that describe even more than the words written in black and white can relate.

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Historical

Getting And Keeping Your Dexters In Optimal Condition.

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Minerals are very important!

We’ve shared several articles on the importance of minerals for your Dexters.

We are discussing it again, as it’s a very important topic for the health of your herd. We cannot express loudly enough how important minerals are for your Dexters. Loose minerals are better than blocks, as they can consume much more in loose form, than they can by licking a block. Minerals are made by several different manufacturers. As with anything, you get what you pay for. We esp. like the VitaFerm brand. Many companies offer minerals that target different seasons or issues, i.e. supporting the reproductive system during breeding, heat stress in the summer, selenium, high mag, and others. Consult with your vet, mentor or a feed rep, to determine what could be lacking in your area and thus what you need to support in your herd.
Some people have their hay tested, so that they can determine what they need to make up for in the minerals they supply for their cows. 

Next, let’s talk about Kelp. We started using Kelp this year, for the first time. Thorvin Kelp, is an organic, natural supplement that is packed full of bioavailable minerals and vitamins. It can also be fed to other animals on your farm. The benefits of feeding Kelp to your herd are many. Some of those are improving breed back time, helping with weight gain, preventing foot rot & pink eye. It basically boosts the animal’s immune system. In turn, this helps lower your vet bills and helps keep your livestock healthier. Kelp can be fed free choice, alongside your loose mineral or it can be blended into a feed ration. Talk with your vet or feed rep, with any questions you may have for feeding Kelp to your herd. 
Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV, is another tool that many use to help build up their animals’ immune systems. We prefer the raw ACV, with “the mother” in it. Some say it helps improve cattle health and feed utilization. Others say it also helps prevent and eliminate parasites and resist disease. It’s also been said to reduce horn flies, by making their skin more acidic. It’s going to depend on the size of your water troughs, on how much to add. One recommendation I found, is to mix in 1-2 cups of ACV, per 20 gallons of water or ¼-1/2 cups per 5 gallons of water. Sick or stressed animals can get more, double or triple the amount of ACV, however I would check with my vet, before increasing it too much. 

Worming: There are several different types of wormers available, that target different types of worms and parasites. They come in pour ons, oral, injection and block or pellet forms. If you have pregnant or lactating cows, make sure the one you chose is safe to use on them. Ask your vet or a mentor. Some breeders have a yearly worming schedule.If you have a poorly looking animal that is thin & has a dull looking coat, or it might have diarrhea or blood in their feces, the first thing you may want to do is to gather a fecal sample into a clean container and take it to your vet for testing. This isn’t costly and it will tell them/you the correct treatment to use. The problem can range from the animal needing worming, to possibly having coccidia or another disease that needs treated. 

A lot of our Country is experiencing high temperatures right now. Usually, any added stress to cattle, can lower their immunity to some things. Higher temperatures can be stressful on animals. If possible, consider moving or working your cattle, during cooler days. Weaning in the hot summer months can be especially stressful for calves. Consider waiting to wean, until cooler months. Make sure they have ample shade to get to, and keep fresh, clean water available, throughout the day. 

Veterinarian: YES! You need to establish a veterinary relationship early in your Dexter journey. They are your first go to in an Emergency and for advice. They need to visit your herd and get to know them. This will benefit you & your herd, in the future. Oftentimes, once they get to know you and the herd, you can obtain advice via a phone call and pick up meds, etc. at their office. Like it or not, there will be an occasion where you need an emergent visit. Your investment in your cattle, is worth calling a vet out in an emergency. Lots of breeders, can give advice from experience, but nothing replaces the professional assessment and treatment of a veterinarian who is familiar with your herd. 
We hope the ideas above, give you something to ponder, research and consider doing to benefit the health of your herd.

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Herd Health

History helps track changes in a herd over a period of years.

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When people ask me why I think the history of Dexter Cattle is important this is just one great reason that I may give. If you see changes over years happening during the foundational years you can see how breeders were interpreting improvement during a time when people were focusing on breed selection to adhere to a standard that was the norm for the day. You can also see changes that happened over the years and genetics that were diminished in frequency or increased in frequency.
Dexter cattle, though many were black in the early days compared to today this bull Bantam in the top photo was red. During the foundational years it was much more common to find a red Dexter than it was in America prior to people intentionally selecting to increase or preserve red Dexters. Now today red is so common that if someone did not know the History of the breed, they may think it was the predominate color from the beginning.

It’s an interesting point to note; this bull Bantam was bred by the Prince of Wales at Sandringham in 1896. Bantam is what a Champion prize Dexter looked like in 1897. This location is situated in Sandringham, Norfolk, England. Dexters had a very early start of popularity in England being bred by some very noteworthy people. In 1862 Sandringham Estate was under 8,000 acres were as today the acreage is closer to 20,000 acres. If you look at the second picture you will see that in 1914 Dexters were still being breed at Sandringham by the King. The first bull Bantam has a good broad form for a Dexter of his day but when you compare him to the form of the Dexter bull that the King had in the photograph in 1914 you will see he has a broad back end as well as his front. It would be really nice to see a clearer photo of the second bull but we can see enough to consider some of his conformation. Improvements with each generation are very important and should always be improved based upon the breed standard of a breed, because without a standard there is no direction for improvement. While improving on beef traits one must always remember to improve dairy traits equally too, so as not to diminish dairy traits in favor of beef. A beautiful beefy bull is of little value to a dual-purpose breed if he only throws daughters that lack quality dairy traits. When both traits are in harmony you get a great dual-purpose Dexter.

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Historical

Dexter Cattle: Mini Cows Are Perfect For Preppers and Small Homesteads

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There is no better way to ensure the survival of the family in case of a SHTF scenario and to create a sustainable homestead than to grow and raise your own groceries. There are a plethora of traditional farm animals which can help keep the family well-fed year around or during a long-term disaster, but when both space and budget are limited, one stands out above many of the rest – Dexter cattle.

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Homesteading

Summer Heat Podcast- How It Affects Our Dexters and Other Livestock

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Summer heat this seems endless. We hope that this podcast will help you recognize and help your Dexters deal with this heat. 

This podcast is brought to you by Irish Dexter Cattlemen, whose purpose is to promote the Irish Dexter breed by guiding farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders on how to become more sustainable. You can access all our podcasts of interviews with other farmers and ranchers and discussions on typical subject matters by becoming a member. This includes our entry level membership of $20 per year. Podcasts are stored in our relational multimedia database system and are searchable by topic by members. Members also gain access to a vast array of valuable articles on topics to assist you with your farm, ranch, or homestead. For anyone looking to take it to the next level, Irish Dexter Cattlemen provides breeder, services, and affiliate memberships that include an online branding dashboard where you can tell your story and develop your brand. Thank you for listening to this Irish Dexter Cattlemen podcast.

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