Dexter 411

[fordson major]

in the past i have raised herefords, hereford cross, simmi's, angus and more than a few holstien's (plus many other breeds and crossbreeds)! always like the sound of dexters but have not had the chance to get one till now! fellow came to look at a piece of machinery we have for sale and he mentioned that he raised dexters and had a couple of heifers for sale. mentioned it to my DW who has been bugging to get a couple of beef cows to join the farms cow herd (one red and white holstien due too calve soon!) so she will not be lonely! she thought that we should leave right then and there and go get these 2 gals!(also mentioned HT so he may join us!) whats been your experience with this breed?

[SusyTX]

We love our Dexters! I grew up around horses, and my husband grew up around the city...I didn't have any cattle experience until a few years ago when a friend recovering from surgery needed help managing his mixed herd (brangus, limosines, charlois). I learned a lot helping him, but never had my own...actually thought we'd never have cattle.

We started our herd this past fall and are now up to a dozen heifers/cows, and began having new calves on the ground this winter/spring. They are remarkably friendly, often come down and watch us working the pastures/woods, and are truly exceptional mothers in our experience. They are also very bright, and do extremely well on pasture only (we're doing rotational grazing), and since they're smaller than larger breeds don't eat as much as bigger cattle. I can't say enough good things about them. We've had Dexter beef from a breeder who gave us some (we're still building our herd, only have cows/heifers now), and it was delicious!

We're shopping for our bull now, and will be focusing more on the "dairy" type as we start breeding. Our oldest cow (10 yrs old) had a beautiful, strong, and healthy heifer calf a few weeks ago, and freshened with a very large udder. That's what we'd like to strive for...we're going organic/natural as much as possible, and I'd like enough milk for butter and cheese.

Hope this helps!

[genebo]

I predict you'll have a different relationship with your Dexters than you've had with the other breeds you've raised. Dexters have an affinity for people and are smart, with personalities. I predict you'll trust them more and get to be friends with them.

I wouldn't be surprised if you don't end up milking. Dexter milk has smaller fat globules and is easier on the stomach. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[gracie88]

Dexters have an affinity for people and are smart, with personalities.

The personalities are really something. So are their voices, at least on my cow We have a couple dexters and a couple holstein steers (they were cheap) and the difference in intelligence and ease of handling is like night and day. We've had angus crosses too that were pretty squirrely. We haven't butchered a dexter yet, but they would have to taste pretty awful to make going back to real cows worth it.

[genebo]

A friend milks 3 Dexters and a Jersey. Every morning at milking time the Dexters line up at the milking station, in order. The first cow poops just before entering the milking area then sticks her head in the feed trough. The milking begins. The other 2 Dexters wait patiently and take their turn.

Then he has to round up the Jersey and herd her into the milking station. She's a big cow and gives as much milk as the 3 Dexters combined, but he doesn't like her and calls her stupid. He insists the Dexter milk is better, too.

I've gone to visit him several times, taking treats for the Dexters. Each of them comes to the fence to get their treat, respecting the pecking order and behaving well. The Jersey won't come to the fence.

As far as personalities go, I vote for the Dexters, hands down.

Oh, and the voice! The middle Dexter to be milked can almost talk! She can get very insistant if the first cow takes too long to be milked. Or if you're too slow handing out treats. I love to hear her talk.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[Menglish]

We just got our Dexters about 7-8 months ago and we love them. Great personalities and very smart. I worked on Dairy farms while I was in High school and didn't figure I'd ever own a cow after that experience. My dad flat swore we'd not have any bulls on our place until we visited a farm with 4-5 Dexters on the place. Each one of them acted like a great big puppy dog. They are very expressive with their voices and posture. While we've not milked yet we have considered it. I think you'll love the Dexters...I know we do!

Mike

[linn]

I agree with Menglish. Dexters are very smart and have great personalities. I love my little cow. Dexters also raise nice beef calves when bred to a Black Angus.

[Dutchie]

I love my Dexters for all the reasons mentioned above. And the bull is as gentle as a pup.

[Rockin'B]

Our Dexter bull is pretty easy going but sure does like mischief. He figured out that horns make nice hooks for assisting in breaking out of fences.

I recently ran electric fence around the inside of the fence and stopped those escapades!

We are fairly new to Dexters and one attribute that I really like is that they are so easy to keep feed wise. The aren't as finicky as the "common" breeds and don't eat nearly as much.

We are sold on the little cows!

[fordson major]

thanks for your input! we agreed too purchase a 2 year old with calf afoot and a heifer, both cow and heifer too be bred before we pick them up end of july! was a very hard decision! not too get them, but to only limit ourselves too 3!