I need a cow.

[pygmybabies]

I started with goats, because I thought cows would be too big, I am doing pretty good with them and we made it through kidding season. My neighbors have so many cows, and it is fun to watch them deliver their babies. I dont know what kind to get, I would like meat for my family and would like grass fed as much as possible but I am not against a milk cow either. What should I start out with? How many should I have? Where is best place to find one? What price should I expect to pay?
Thanks

[genebo]

You're in a good location to find what you want.

You're in the heart of the Missouri Dexter bunch. There are probably more Dexter cattle in your area than any other part of the USA.

Dexters sound good for your choice because you mentioned cows being too big, which Dexters definitely aren't. They're also amongst the easiest birthers. You can relax and watch. They convert feed better than other breeds and are quite happy to eat some things that other cattle won't, and can marble on grass. They are a perfect match to go with your goats. They give high butterfat milk with smaller fat globules so it's easier to digest. I saved the beef for last: Dexter beef wins awards for taste and quality in competitions. The ALBC held a contest in North Carolina and Dexter beef came in third in a close finish between the top three. It was ahead of both Angus and Hereford, neither of which got a single first place vote.

You should have more than one, for they are herd animals and like company.

Pricing is similar to Jersey cattle. You can find some for low prices and some are pretty high. For what you're looking for, you might have to pay more than for a range cow. The breeder is going to want more for one he's trained to be gentle and especially if he's trained it to milk. Registered stock usually goes for a bit more, but gives you a look at the ancestors, an indicator of what the offspring might be. Quality counts when you're buying livestock. Get the best you can.

[Creamers]

I thnk a Dexter would be a great choice

[HighlandCowboy]

Scottish Highlanders fit right in on a small farm. They can definitely live on grass, calve easily, very hardy, and make excellent beef. Generally they are very friendly if they have some human interaction as calves, and they are just plain cool looking. Possible downsides are that they take a bit longer to mature as beef, and there's the possibility that they might rough up your goats with those long horns, if you had them together. Also Dexters would be a better choice if you wanted to milk one, but Highlands might be worth a look for you. Prices vary a lot. I paid $1000 each for my first two heifers in 2008 (at 6 and 8 months old), which was a smokin' bargain at the time.

[linn]

If you are looking for a dual purpose cow, Dexters and Shorthorns are very good dual purpose cows.