Running a few miniature cattle on 12 acres

[gh-montalba]

We're very new to all of this - we moved here in NE Texas 6 month ago, and have no experience with large livestock, but my wife and I are interested in the possibility of managing 3 or 4 head of miniature cattle (Dexters, maybe) on 12 acres of pasture of coastal bermuda. The pasture is fenced with six strand horse wire (not barbed) , and we are looking for information that will help us decide if this is feasible. We would also like to keep a couple of horses as well. Any thoughts?

[M5farm]

Originally Posted by gh-montalba

We're very new to all of this - we moved here in NE Texas 6 month ago, and have no experience with large livestock, but my wife and I are interested in the possibility of managing 3 or 4 head of miniature cattle (Dexters, maybe) on 12 acres of pasture of coastal bermuda. The pasture is fenced with six strand horse wire (not barbed) , and we are looking for information that will help us decide if this is feasible. We would also like to keep a couple of horses as well. Any thoughts?

Check with your county agent on your stocking rate. It will need to be divided into smaller fields so you can manage your grass. I would think your maximum number will be 4 or 5 total.

[G. Seddon]

There are lots of Dexters in Texas. You can find members/breeder on the ADCA website: www.dextercattle.org

Go to the membership list or the pedigree finder and look up by state.

Before you invest, visit as many breeders as you can and make sure their cattle have been tested and registered! If you're totally new to cattle, my advice would be to start with a couple of steers so you're not involved with calving heifers, breeding, etc.(not just one because cattle are herd animals and do best with similar animals for companionship). Read all you can about Dexters (and cattle in general) so you have an idea of what you're getting into.

[LaDena]

Hello and welcome to the board. We live in Lufkin and keep Dexters. We have about 8 acres fenced/crossfenced. The crossfencing and keeping hay out all year allow me to have a few more than what I should but I'm getting my numbers down,lol.
Take care, LaDena

[gh-montalba]

Thanks. Am planning to meet up with our county agent tomorrow to pick his brain on this. There are three sites within an hour from me that I found on the membership list of ADCA that I plan to contact as well. Hopefully, I can arrange to visit one or more and pick up more information.