Why Dexters?

travlnusa · #1 02/26/08, 09:39 PM

It is my opinion that most here own/prefer dexter cattle.

My question is why?

I am not looking to start a breed debate, but rather I want to learn if I am missing out on a profit center.

Thanks

Dirtslinger · #2 02/26/08, 09:43 PM

I don't have them yet. But quite a lot of research got me set on them. Size, docility, availability, and dual purpose features all sold me on them.

mistletoad · #3 02/26/08, 09:58 PM

My dad worked with dexters on his grandfather's farm in Northumberland in the 1940's and early 50's. A few years ago I told him I wanted a cow - I was considering a Jersey or Guernsey - he told me to get a dexter and I would never regret it. I believe him and we have finally found one, she will be here in just over a week.

gracie88 · #4 02/26/08, 09:59 PM

I got mine because size is an issue on 6 acres and they are definitely easier to handle. I don't know that there is a lot of profit in them though. If I had the space I would probably have gotten full-sized beef cattle but Dexters really are fun

genebo · #5 02/26/08, 10:04 PM

This is a homesteading forum. We tend to have smaller acreages and just a few cattle. That's the Dexter's home turf. Big beef cattlemen or commercial dairymen probably wouldn't want a Dexter.

But for we homesteaders, the gentle nature, small size and appetite, and dual purpose are enough to make us choose Dexters.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

Slev · #6 02/26/08, 11:02 PM

oh, I think you'll find several people on here who don't care for a dexter, or breed "X" of cow. I like mine, due to calf in May or so as a first time milker. I also here so many great things about the Jersey and I'd honestly like to get one some day. But in the mean time, I bred my Dexter to a nice little Jersey bull. Let's see what comes of it.

I think because "homesteading" is so diverse, there is no true universal homesteaders cow. And because the Dexter is diverse and over the years many people have focused on this or that with them, some will give more milk than others, or some may provide that little bit more beef. The problem is if someone wanting a better milk production winds up judging the entire breed based on their single experiance that may have been bred a few genorations back leaning towards the beef-ier side.

At any rate, Dexters should be among those few cows that offer what "most" homesteaders are looking for. -just my thoughts, anyway

Dexter_Cattle · #7 02/27/08, 11:15 AM

Our farm is big, but the Dexters don't have much space on it, due to land prices in this area. We first picked them for their docility and size.

Dan

MisFitFarm · #8 02/27/08, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtslinger

I don't have them yet. But quite a lot of research got me set on them. Size, docility, availability, and dual purpose features all sold me on them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracie88

I got mine because size is an issue on 6 acres and they are definitely easier to handle. I don't know that there is a lot of profit in them though. If I had the space I would probably have gotten full-sized beef cattle but Dexters really are fun

Quote:

Originally Posted by genebo

This is a homesteading forum. We tend to have smaller acreages and just a few cattle. That's the Dexter's home turf. Big beef cattlemen or commercial dairymen probably wouldn't want a Dexter.

But for we homesteaders, the gentle nature, small size and appetite, and dual purpose are enough to make us choose Dexters.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dexter_Cattle

Our farm is big, but the Dexters don't have much space on it, due to land prices in this area. We first picked them for their docility and size.

Dan

All of the above! We don't have them yet, but we're in the process of finding the ones we want.

georgiarebel · #9 02/28/08, 06:19 PM

We only started with 10 acres, so we looked for a breed that that we could have the most cattle. Very pleased with them. Easy birthing and very docile make taking care of them a breeze. Always feel comfortable around them in the pasture. Each one has its on personality.
GR

copperhead46 · #10 02/28/08, 07:49 PM

I'll jump in here, I have plenty of land, lots of water and always bale more than enough hay, but, I raise Dexters because I don't need a huge beef in the freezer, I have to feed and handle the cattle myself, and they are cute as a button. Those are my reasons, oh, I also raise grass fed beef, and they are perfect for that too.
P.J.

furholler · #11 02/28/08, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copperhead46

I'll jump in here, I have plenty of land, lots of water and always bale more than enough hay, but, I raise Dexters because I don't need a huge beef in the freezer, I have to feed and handle the cattle myself, and they are cute as a button. Those are my reasons, oh, I also raise grass fed beef, and they are perfect for that too.
P.J.

Have you read my blog? I am always interested in grass farming info. Maybe you could share some of your expirience with me?
Go to: Cedar Cove Farm

furholler · #12 02/28/08, 09:30 PM

Now I'll put in my 2 cents. We love Dexters for all the same reasons above. We, too, have small acreage so they fit nicely. They don't eat as much either, which is a big help to the pocket book! As for profitability, they are like any cow in that they provide meat and milk. We are looking to establish a market for the smaller cuts, some day. I think there are many families out there that just don't have the space to store a large chunk of freezer beef. Those are the people I want to talk to, they're out there. We also want to work toward grass fed and finished, which more and more poeple are turning to. Agri-business is ruining our food and many people are awakening to that. I think big farmers and ranchers could do this just as well. JMO.

georgiarebel · #13 02/29/08, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by furholler

Agri-business is ruining our food and many people are awakening to that. JMO.

I think you hit the nail on the head. They've already got a monopoly on the chicken and swine market, and trying desperately to do the same for the cattle. They just don't have the land for it. The more recalls we have the more people will want to buy from the small farmer, because they know what their buying. But it's kind of a double edge sword, because the more recalls, the more regulations they'll try to pass to make it look like they have a handle on things. They'll blame the safety of the product on the little guy.

GR

Timberline · #14 02/29/08, 08:53 AM

Dexters, like any breed, fill a certain niche. It you want to run a dairy, you buy Holstein, Jersey, etc. If you want a big beef operation, you buy Angus, Hereford, etc. If you have a few acres, want a manageable amount of milk and beef and want to produce it economically, Dexters are just right.

In the past, we've raised Jerseys and beef breeds. But, after discovering Dexters 10 years ago, we never looked back. They require much less feed and housing, are easy on the fences and pastures, small and easy to handle. For us, they provide plenty of high quality milk and beef on grass and hay alone.

Like any other breed, Dexters are right for some and not for others. You have to be willing to spend some time marketing them, as you will not make money if your main sales venue is a salebarn. If you keep a cow for milk and AI or breed her to a nearby bull and raise your calf for beef, then this obviously isn't a concern.

Most of the negative things I've heard about Dexters come from those who have no personal experience with the breed. Of course there are some who buy Dexters and aren't happy with them, but that happens with any breed.