We chose Dexter cattle for our farm for several reasons. Their small size is a plus, the cows get up to between 800-900 lbs and the bulls or steers average 900-1000 lbs. But it's their gentle, friendly disposition that set them apart from other breeds. They originated in Ireland and are typically listed as a dual purpose breed, for milk and beef.
The cows are exceptionally good mothers, hiding their calves almost from birth if there is any cover for them to hide. They will produce enough milk to feed 2–3 calves, and often will willingly nurse calves from other cows. They are known for easy calving. This trait, along with the small size of the calf, has produced a small but growing market in the United States.
Dexters produce a rich milk, relatively high in butterfat (4%) and the quality of the milk overall is similar to that of the Jersey. Some claim the milk is more naturally homogenized than other milk due to the smaller fat globules. Dexters can reasonably be expected to produce 2 to 2.5 gallons per day.
Beef Dexters in the US are expected to mature in 18 months and result in small cuts of high quality lean meat, graded US Choice, with little waste. The average dress out is 50 to 70 percent. The beef produced by Dexters is well marbled and tends to be darker.
We are excited here at Good Steward Cattle Company to introduce everyone to our newest arrivals, Katrina and Cellie! They are the beginning of our Dexter herd and we have one more addition on the way in a few weeks! We'll post updates and pics of Bridgette when she arrives. She is confirmed bred and will have a calf after the first of the year!!
The cows are exceptionally good mothers, hiding their calves almost from birth if there is any cover for them to hide. They will produce enough milk to feed 2–3 calves, and often will willingly nurse calves from other cows. They are known for easy calving. This trait, along with the small size of the calf, has produced a small but growing market in the United States.
Dexters produce a rich milk, relatively high in butterfat (4%) and the quality of the milk overall is similar to that of the Jersey. Some claim the milk is more naturally homogenized than other milk due to the smaller fat globules. Dexters can reasonably be expected to produce 2 to 2.5 gallons per day.
Beef Dexters in the US are expected to mature in 18 months and result in small cuts of high quality lean meat, graded US Choice, with little waste. The average dress out is 50 to 70 percent. The beef produced by Dexters is well marbled and tends to be darker.
We are excited here at Good Steward Cattle Company to introduce everyone to our newest arrivals, Katrina and Cellie! They are the beginning of our Dexter herd and we have one more addition on the way in a few weeks! We'll post updates and pics of Bridgette when she arrives. She is confirmed bred and will have a calf after the first of the year!!