Better Pictures of new Dexters

[ebook]

Okay, now that I finally made it down to the farm for a day of work here are some better pictures of our expanded Dexter herd.

The first one is of me and some of the herd (young and old)...


Here is a picture of the entire herd (I think there is 13 in there)...


And here is a picture of Joanna, the bell cow ... Although she is not the boss cow she does have a pretty bell!


I don't want to overload this for people with dial-up, so I'll post more pictures on my blog this coming Monday.

[ebook]

Just thought I would let anyone know that would like to that they can check out my blog The Beginning Farmer for other pictures of my Dexters. I know some people enjoying looking at other people's cattle, I know I do!

[Shepherd]

Nice pictures. I'd like to learn more about Dexters. How long have you raised them? What's the advantage?

[ksfarmer]

I'm curious too. What is the mature weight of a Dexter? At what age are they considered breeding adults? What is the birth weight of calves? I've never seen a Dexter in the flesh and I'm curious as to what advantages there are to having them instead of a regular breed, and why they are so popular with homesteaders. My vet doesn't even know what they are. LOL.

[ebook]

I'll try and answer some of your questions Shepherd and ksfarmer. I have only had my Dexters for 3 months, but we have quickly seen our herd jump from the initial heifer and steer to 13 Dexters! I would say that one of the many advantages of the Dexter is their size and foraging abilities. A mature cow will be in the 700 - 800 pound range and a mature bull maybe up around 1,000 pounds, so you can see they are smaller. In fact they are the smallest purebred breed of cattle. They originated in Ireland and came to America in the 19'teens. They are a dual purpose animal that can provide milk (1.5-3 gal. normally) and meat along with serving as oxen and are very docile in nature. I believe they are popular with homesteaders because of their size, temperment, and dual purpose abilities. If you have never been around cattle they aren't as intimadating and if you have a small acerage they are perfect. Also, they are very good eating and have placed highly or won food contests in the U.K. Overall, they are not as beefy as an Angus, but that is becaue they are dual purpose ... they are not supposed to be. As far as breeding age goes ... about the same as other cattle. I have a 20 month old cow that calved 3 months ago. You do the math on that one (no, it was not my fault and I don't condone it). They are a minor breed that is starting to catch on for various reasons. Our Dexters have come from three different states and have a wide range of pedigrees and are both black and dun. Dexters also come in red and can be polled as registered animals.

Shepherd if you aren't to far away you could check ours out any time you would like, and ksfarmer ... I know that they are some good breeders in your state because I have been looking at Dexter bulls in Kansas. I hope this helps a little. I know that there are more knowledgable Dexter people that check out this forum from time to time so hopefully the will come and add to or correct what I have mentioned.

[ksfarmer]

Thanks Ebook, if I ever get too old to learn something new, they can bury me. I have raised cattle all my life but, Untill I started hanging around this forum I had never heard of Dexters. I can see that they would be popular with someone with limited acerage and experience with cattle. I did a Google and found some information too. Very interesting

[genebo]

Ksfarmer,

Ebook said it very well.

One of the reasons you and your vet may have not heard of Dexters is because they are a rare breed. They were on the ALBC's critical list until recently, when they were upgraded to be on the watch list.

A full sized cow needs quite a bit of acreage to get enough grass to eat. A small homesteader might have 3 to 5 acres. Take off the homesite and garden and there isn't enough land left to keep a full sized cow. A 1/2 sized cow? Now that's a solution! That's a reason the Dexter is so popular.

The fact that a Dexter can serve as two different breeds is another. One Dexter can be used to milk, or as beef. Your choice. Same animal. Many people use the plan of buying a bred cow, milking her as soon as she gives birth, then raising the calf for beef.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[Shepherd]

I appreciate the info Ebook; I've been wanting to get either milk goats or a small breed of cattle like the Dexter. My concern is - can I handle it. I'd have to take on the majority of the chores by myself since DH works and commutes so far. I have arthritis and worry the milking may be too hard on my hands. We also still have to put up fencing and build some type of shelter for them. We have plenty of land however... and grow alfalfa/grass hay (a little clover mixed in).

Sounds like you're fairly close so maybe someday we could come see your operation.