Looking for 2 (or more) animals...

[redgate]

We are looking for at least 2 animals, and are having some trouble finding them. We aren't really "in the loop" yet. I was hoping to post here and perhaps someone here would know of something available...

First, we are looking for a beef calf of lowline, mini, or dexter type breeding for slaughter next year. Don't care about registration or breeding (as long as it's smaller), and would prefer polled or dehorned for safety of children. Bottle calf is fine, as we have plenty of goat milk to spare. It will be around people daily. I would prefer testing for common diseases.

Second, we are looking for a heifer/cow for milk next year. I am looking for a mini-type (under 45 inches), though I really don't care about breed or registration status. What I am particular about is good structure and conformation, good udder, hardiness, disease tested--this will be a long-term family cow and I want her to last. In addition, I need A2/A2, and prefer production (or genetic potential) of 3-4 gallons/day. Ideally, we want a heifer that would be ready to breed this fall, though I would consider an older cow that is soon to freshen or recently freshened and can be sold with calf at side (we have to have help using the milk this year!!). I would also consider multiple animals, as we have TONS of pasture right now and our animals can't even hope to eat it down! That would all depend on pricing and at least some of the animals meeting the above criteria. Also, the animals would need to be within about a 4 hour drive of central IL. If you know of anything, please e-mail me at crmemory2 (at) yahoo.com

Thanks in advance!!

[G. Seddon]

I would definitely agree on getting at least TWO of whatever breed you end up with; they need company, preferably their own kind.

Bottle babies might be problematic, especially if you're going to end up eating these animals. It's hard to haul an animal that you've raised that closely to the processor; heck, it's even hard to haul one that's been raised by its mother.

Horns or no horns, cattle are large animals and don't always mix well with small children; I'd be very cautious about children in the pasture or pen with cattle.

[redgate]

I'm aware of the above, don't worry. Thanks for the advise though. WE have been raising critters for several years now--even cute bunnies for meat. We've got that down pretty well. WE also already have larger animals--plenty to keep a cow or two with a companion, we just don't yet have our cows. Therefore, our kiddos do not go in the pastures without us as a rule (too many risks--ie gates being left open, etc.). Early in the goat experience, though, we learned we HATE horns. Whether it was me being bumped by a head shake or a kiddos eye at risk, horns just aren't worth it. Thus, I prefer to minimize the risks as much as I can, and to us, horns are a big way.

[DarleneJ]

Don't know where you're from, but we've been told that many Amish have switched over to owning Dexter's because they're needing to keep farms on smaller acreage these days. There are farms registered with Dexter associations that you can find online. I've seen Dexter's on craigslist.

[lakeportfarms]

Redgate,

In a couple of weeks the AGM for the ADCA Dexter association is having their national show and sale in Springfield, MO. For what you're trying to accomplish I think the Dexter breed would be an excellent choice for you.

Attending the show and sale will put you in touch with many highly respected Dexter breeders and give you the opportunity to see a variety of Dexters in all colors, genders, and sizes too (though most are on the smaller side). All on only one trip rather than visiting multiple farms!

I'd highly recommend that you attend, at least on Saturday for the sale. It may even be possible for you to purchase some there and make arrangements for somebody who is hauling an empty trailer home to bring them back to your place for you for a small fee. There is a even a vet there who will prepare health certificates for interstate transport for you.

Here is the link:
http://dextercattle.org/pdf/mo/2013_..._of_Events.pdf

[lakeportfarms]

One other thing, if you're looking for A2/A2 status confirmed, you're probably going to have to stick to the higher end of registered cattle. Most owners of grade animals are not interested and haven't done the testing, or are going to be unwilling to spend the time and effort to test their grade animal with only the possibility of a sale IF it happens to be homozygous A2. At the national Dexter show, I would bet that a majority of the sale animals have test results available for A2, chondro, and PHA along with the pedigree already completed so you know what you're getting.

[redgate]

To clarify, we are looking for 2 seperate animals. A dexter type for beef (and I actually have a friend who is going to the sale, and may buy for me). I just don't want to sink a ton of money into a show/sale animal because it is intended for slaughter next year.

For the second animal, I do NOT want a dexter (unless it happens to be a mega milk producer, which I haven't found yet!). So, I am leaning more towards the mini-jersey types. I realize it will be probably be registered if it is tested for DNA and diseases and that's totally fine, but just wanted to add that I was willing to accept otherwise. The quality is what I want here, rather than the paperwork (though I know they usually coincide to prove it). Hope that clarifies.