dexter cows per acre

This is due to a good ratio of meat to waste products like fat and bone. . More pounds of beef per acre on less inputs, high fertility, calving ease, incredible adaptability, diverse palate, excellent beef and milk . If you are ok feeding hay in the wintertime and have good quality pasture, you can have 1 dexter per acre. By raising Dexter cows, you can help preserve an endangered heritage livestock breed. This means that I would need 4.2 acres per cow on my farm. The mothers would produce very healthy calfs (a lot of milk) and you could probably double the number of head per acre. On our previous property, about 1 1/2 acres was 'lawn area', and we just tied our cow out and let her graze. The Purebred Dexter Cattle Association provides Dexter owners the tools to know more, enjoy more and sell more. Extending Grazing Days per Acre. A red chondrodysplastic-dwarf Dexter cow. . Plan a visit to Wakarusa Ridge Ranch, we are located near Overbrook, Kansas, USA. C all us at (785) 836-3065 (no texts) or email padams@kansasdexters.com But that focus, along with intensive selection for growth, hasn't done much to improve . (Though I have seen them as low as $800 . For that reason, the pasture will not beat up as badly as you would expect. Dexter cattle are a breed of cattle originating in Ireland. Dexters are horned or polled, with some people preferring to dehorn them. It's that whole supply & demand thing. Because Dexters are more difficult to find (and probably because small-scale farmers are willing to pay for them.) The small size . The ideal three year old Dexter cow measures between 36 to 42 inches at the shoulder, and weighs less than 750 pounds. It is a dual-purpose breed, with the average weight of a cow being some 300 - 350 Kg's and standing 92cm - 107cm at the shoulder. While controlled grazing involves math and science, it also involves artistry. It is by no means a given that it will happen, but the risk is only worth taking if you are breeding for a specific line or characteristic etc usually only done in show lines. The daily yield averages 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 gallons . Facts & Benefits of Low Line Angus Cattle. Another place with limited room to roam, this island nation created a wonderful breed known as the Dexter. The most intensively I have seen cattle grazed was about 3.5 acres per head. Since we just have a little over an acre for the cows, we will only have two mature cows on the property, Hazel and a growing steer (yet to be born) we will butcher around 24 months of age. . If your land has been assessed at having a DSE of eight (8) that means you can run eight (8) dry sheep per acre or one 400kg dry Angus store cow or steer. Meat: Dexters give the highest ratio of meat to live weight than any other breed. It is a dual-purpose breed, with the average weight of a cow being some 300 - 350 Kg's and standing 92cm - 107cm at the shoulder. I can easily handle this number of cows for about 8 months of the year without any supplemental feed. This is because the person with more land can rotate . X Research source. Using the example created: Required Pasture Size = (140 AUs x 4 months) / 1.0 AUM/acre = 560 acres. Dunn bull calf was born on April 7, 2022. on grass then the average cow needs at least 3 acres ( this would be a bit less for a dexter). Black heifer calf was born March 6, 2022. Additionally, they are lighter compared to standard-sized cows. But if that cow has a three . Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/dexter.ranchhttps://www.facebook.com/dexterranch/htt. Given this . "The plan was to save them money and to reduce the possibility . These are thrifty animals, capable of thriving on a half-acre per head of good pasture. Miniature cattle calves are more expensive than the standard size because they are still relatively rare. The Dexter cow breed was originally Irish but then imported into America around 1910. The Dexter breed is the smallest British breed of cattle. Our first two were "Wit's End" and "The Duke.". We have 2 bull/steer calves and 1 heifer calf for sale. Grain-finished Dexters can yield 60 percent of their live weight in meat, or 55 percent for grass-finished steers. We feed 35 head of grass-finished Dexter cattle on 30 acres of grassland, including ground for making all our own hay and without using chemical fertilizers . These early Dexters roamed the shelter-less, mountainous, Irish landscape in sparse living conditions, developing the hardy, thrifty characteristics that we value in the breed today. quality, lean meat, graded choice, with little waste. Dexter cattle are smaller in size and much more efficient grazers than many of the more prolific breeds. You can figure on roughly twice that if you have Dexters--IF YOUR PASTURE QUALITY is equal to theirs. Because they are small cattle, you can stock more cattle per acre than you would with conventional cattle breeds. However, the quality and . Showing possible profit to be made from a Dexter cow calf operation. The breed is the smallest cattle breed in Europe and we knew they were perfect for our 56 acres. They are small cattle so require less to keep good body condition thus offering more pounds per acre than a larger breed would. Your climate and microclimate. It is a great resource for Dexter breeders! Find out if you can get the required space for your livestock. Phone 210 334-8059. Buy Dexter Cattle. Nathan and I went to a farm breeding Irish Dexters. . Click any of the topics on this page for information about Dexter Cattle, DCAI, Membership and more. We are members of the American Dexter Cattle Association and most of our cows are registered prior to sale. The beauty of owning Dexter cows is that despite their small size, their . If one cow can fertilize 1.5 acres and you have five cows per acre, manure is going to start piling up pretty fast." Two years ago Hart and several other OSU researchers started working with about 20 Oregon dairy farmers to assess the nitrogen fertilizer needs of their silage corn. (770) 460-5673. Dexter beef is excellent quality, with good marbling. One to two acres will suffice, and since they're lighter, they won't beat up the pasture as bad. A Dexter heifer should deliver her first healthy calf when she is two years old, and birth easily and consistently until she is eighteen years old. The average half-blood calf weights approx. 2. Care and requirements. No, you won't be able to have 40 600lbs animals keep 2.5 acres green and grassy. For more information please click the FIND IT HERE link to go to a fixed index of topics or use our site search. That land is amazingly productive. A Dexter cow can be much more expensive to purchase than a conventional breed. Dexter cows will generally reach about 3.2 ft at the shoulder when they are fully grown. Miniature cows produce enough milk to feed a family and oftentimes much more. The daily yield averages 1 to 3 gallons per day with a butterfat content of 4 to 5 percent. During the summer months when grass is growing, a Dexter needs half an acre of pasture per cow, whereas, a full sized cow would need two acres per cow. Pound for pound, no bovine can match the diversity of Dexter cattle, one of the smallest cattle breeds. There are two recognized types, short legged and non-short, both of which have their equal merits. With this breed, they need a half an acre per head for grazing and we have the space to keep quite a few. We offer for sale heifer calves, bull calves, bred cows and pairs. Dexters fit on small acreage as they only need 1/2 to 1 acre of good grass per animal for grazing. Given this longevity, a Dexter cow could out-produce a production breed over . Because Jerseys are larger, and require more land, plan on 1 acres per adult cow. Yields of cream up to one quart per gallon are possible. Belle Fourche Dexters. How to order: Phone: 651-955-6600 . The Dexter breed is the smallest western cattle breed. According to the Purebred Dexter Cattle Association , raising a miniature breed such as Dexters results in more beef production per acre of grazing land. You may need to perform some recalculations if you cannot get the amount of acreage for your herd. This time on the dam benefits the healthy immune system of the calves. Mail to 2374 County Road 203 Unit B, Falls City TX 78113-2850. Mail a check for $34 (includes shipping . 2) Cattle, which are kept out all year round must have access to a field shelter and supplement feeding in the . You could get between half a gallon to a gallon of milk per pump, and some cows can pump up to 4 times a day. . The breed comes in three colours, predominately black . between 38 and 42 inches at the shoulder and weighs less than 750 pounds. Our Dexter Cattle have been thriving here since 2006. You can raise about 54 breeding cows per 100 acres, compared to 33 for Angus and 38 for Wagyu. A typical carcass weighs about 145-220kg, and despite their small size, they can often achieve a killing-out percentage of well above 56%. In 2018, we picked our breed of cattle. 52 pounds. A milking cow can produce more milk for its weight than any other breed. MOTHER EARTH NEWS discovered the best small farm cows: Dexter cattle. I'm going to mark off 1/2 acre tomorrow and put down the fertilizer, the guy said it would take 7-10 days to see the new growth. Dexter cows produce 1 to 3 gallons of milk per day with 4%-5% butterfat. The daily yield. They are small cattle so require less to keep good body condition thus offering more pounds per acre than a larger breed would. It depends on what you want and need; there is no general rule as to how big the land should be - there is no minimum . once we are done with the rotaion (usually about 20 days) then we . The Dexter cattle breed originated in Southwestern Ireland and are suitable for milk production, meat production, or labor. i personally plan to get a dexter cow myself, i love dexters! Compare this to a standard sized cow, which needs one full bale of hay per day per cow, in the winter. and about half a dozen cases of mastitis of 40-60 cows. Once your "beeves" are ready for market beginning in year three, those five heifers (now cows) will be throwing off about $11,000 per year in gross profit ($2,200 per calf X five per year). This is the best way to reach us: BelleFourche@aol.com. This compares with 40 to 50 percent yield for other dairy breeds. farm, only requiring an estimated 1/2 acre per cow. The average three-quarter blood calf weights approx. In my neck . Your soil. They only require half an acre of land, minimum for each . Those cattle were moderate framed so running dexters on that land could probably be done at 2 acres/head. Beefy Acres is a cow/calf operation located in the Southeast. Kids enjoy walking them like a dog. We graze about 2 acres with 4 cows and 6 sheep and move the cows everyday to a new paddock. As a rule of thumb, you can keep two Dexters for every one regular-sized bovine. Dexter cattle are generally docile creatures and if they're around people a lot, they're easy to halter-train. Triple S Ranch, and its proprietors Samuel and Sally Marrs, are proud of their growing herd of red Dexter cattle for sale. Not only do they give you milk, but they don't need as much room to roam as a full-size cow does. When we tell people that we are Dexter owners we often get a puzzled look; what are Dexter cattle? Dexters are roughly one-third as tall as a regular Holstein-Friesian dairy cow (the popular black-and-white dairy cows you see everywhere). The ranch is situated in southwest Florida just 10 miles east of Sarasota on the Gulf Coast. So, using this example, you would calculate that: (1.4 AU x 6 months) / Stocking Rate of 2 = 4.2 acres). Order your copy of Dexter Cattle, A Breeder's Notebook. Black bull calf was born on April 2, 2022. . American acres Clinton, Tennessee (425) 210-6987 besscats@yahoo.com. The use of vaccines or the need for antibiotics is rare. Dexter will often calve until they are 18 or even 20 years old. Apr 24, 2012 #7 Denim Deb More Precious than Rubies. The cream can be skimmed for butter or ice cream. (although I'm waiting for the results of PDing this year ) I'm a huge fan of only feeding grass, with cow health probably being the biggest benefit. When we say small, we mean 5 to 6 acres - it is enough to raise just a couple of cows for you and your family. Name: TBD Sex: Male Born: 3.6.2022. The native home of the Dexter is in the Kerry region of southwestern Ireland where they were owned by small land holders. Standing just 36 to 44 . The cattle were fed bought hay through the winter. . If the forage is 50 grazing days in volume, the cow needs 150 of an acre, or . The number of cows you can maintain per acre depends on the following: 1. In case you want to raise more than just a couple of animals, things change and you can start with a bigger land. Wit's End and The Duke were our first breeding pair. 17-18 years, however, is the average lifespan of a dexter. They are small cattle so require less to keep good body condition thus offering more pounds per acre than a larger breed would. If you want to minimize feeding hay in the winter, shoot for 3 acres per cow. The Dexter breed is the smallest British breed of cattle. And probably not 40 300 pounders either. I haven't had a problem getting cows in calf, even when giving 20+l. We are going to try to figure out how much we will need the whole year (365 days) The average weight of one beef cow/calf is 1200 lb We have a total of 20 acres of pasture We have 10 ac of bermudagrass and ryegrass with an average yield of 11,500 lb/ac/yr Compare this to a standard sized cow, which needs one full bale of hay per day per cow, in the winter. The first recorded importation of Dexters . A Dexter cow can produce more milk for its weight than any other breed. The use of vaccines or the need for antibiotics is rare. 1) As a rough guide allow approx one acre per mature animal, if your Dexters are going to have free access all the year round. The marbling makes the flesh tender and flavoursome . Pound for pound, no bovine can match the diversity of Dexter cattle, one of the smallest cattle breeds. As a milk cow, a Dexter can produce more milk (by weight) than any other breed. one animal unit (cow with calf) per 8 - 15 acres on native grass; 3 - 6 acres on tame pastures . Given this . Dexters don't require a lot of living space. They are small cattle so require less to keep good body condition thus offering more pounds per acre than a larger breed would. It really depends on how good and well-watered your pasture is. The average mature cow is 39 inches tall and weighs 800 pounds. Bryan said he is getting $1,600 for female calves and $1,000 for bulls, compared to $500 . . The daily yield averages 1 to . You can easily expect to pay about $1500-$2000 for a Dexter cow. 7. . the horned varieties. If you plan to feed your cow mostly. 59 pounds. In addition, "revenue per acre" needs to be considered. Peachtree City, GA 30269. Farm of the Tiny Cows hosts a large variety of Dexter Cattle. Yet you can get an average of 154.3 retail pounds of product from your Lowline Angus. Plan on 1 acre per adult cow. In some exceptional animals, 70 percent is possible. Dexter steers are typically between 750 and 800 pounds at harvest. Your type of land will also have a lot to do with it, if its heavy clay then. Pickup. They started by acquiring all of their foundation original stock of Dexter cattle from the famed Belle Fourche Farm, considered one of the top breeders of Dexters since 1988.. A dexter cow (which is over 600 lbs ) could comfortably graze on 1/2 acre. Sire: PeterFF Jimmy ADCA#: 050764. . MOTHER EARTH NEWS discovered the best small farm cows: Dexter cattle. In the winter, I feed about 3 small bales per day for that number of cattle, or roughly 100 bales per month, 400-450 per year. Re: Starting a Herd (Dexter) for a 5 acre small holding. Coe of Paradise . The average mature bull is 43 inches tall and weighs 1200 pounds. During the summer months when grass is growing, a Dexter needs half an acre of pasture per cow, whereas, a full sized cow would need two acres per cow. Dam: PeterFF . Standing just 36 to 44 . 1 acre per cow is a low estimate and relies on the cow being off the grass in winter and fed bought in hay or silage. Fortunately wildlife and cattle management are compatible and easily integrated. Stocking rates for Dexter cattle is a common topic of converstaion. As livestock producers we often focus on productivity per cow. The breed comes in three colours, predominately black . A Dexter heifer should deliver her first healthy calf when she is two years old, and birth easily and consistently until she is eighteen years old. Well, they are an all around great tri-purpose cattle! I have a 5.5-6 acre pasture split into two paddocks and they aren't even making a dent in the new growth. A Dexter cow should deliver her first healthy calf when she is two years old, and birth easily and consistently until she is 18-years-old. Look around the area and ask the locals how many they graze per acre. There are two recognized types, short legged and non-short, both of which have their equal merits. Facts about Dexters. [1] The smallest of the European cattle breeds, they are about half the size of a traditional Hereford and about one-third the size of a Holstein Friesian milking cow. This makes the most sense and the most profit using this cross. In the winter, a full grown Dexter needs a half of a bale of hay( 20-25 lbs) per cow . Though Dexters are smaller cows, they produce a much higher percentage of usable meat than most breeds. I have seen recommendations for up to 20 acres per cow! The average full-blood calf weighs 42 pounds. With really good pasture, you are supposed to be able to support four miniature cows per acre. We invite you to come and view one of the larger Dexter herds in Texas, 50 miles southeast of San Antonio off Highway 181 [ map ]. I know Dexters only need 1/2 acre, so we're sending off . . I bought 13.13.13 yesterday for 1/2 acre, that's what the co-op recommended. In the winter, a full grown Dexter needs a half of a bale of hay( 20-25 lbs) per cow . Dexters are a small breed of cattle, and therefore require less acreage. Livestock should be stocked at the NRCS (formerly SCS) recommended rate, or at a rate determined from vegetative sampling in a comprehensive grazing plan. While the chart to the left shows the national average value of pastureland to be $1,200 per acre, good luck finding that in most areas. Consider the movement towards suburban farming: Someone who has 30 acres and 20 Dexters has very different pasture dynamics than someone who has 3 acres and 2 Dexters. This page give a brief a simple outline of how to calculate the number of Dexter Cattle . averages 1 to 3 gallons per day with a butterfat content of 4 to 5 percent. Given this longevity, a Dexter cow could out-produce a production breed over . That's a lot compared to the 110 pounds per acre for . Dexter cows are highly popular with small farms and homesteads as they are much smaller cows, but they still provide a good amount of milk for their size. Check below for announcements and available cattle! $10.00 per boxed set plus shipping. This year I had 4 cases of lameness (one was one cow lame twice!) Dexter Cattle - A Breed Notebook Vol:1. The bulldog calf sometimes occurs from short legged to short legged breeding. A rare breed until recently, they are now considered a recovering breed by . It is an important consideration because nobody wants their source of food to be destroyed. A small cow with huge value, the Dexter has one of the highest yields of beef per acre of grazing. . 1. 1200 Highway 74 S, Suite 6-301. A Dexter cow should deliver her first healthy calf when she is two years old, and birth easily and consistently until she is 18-years-old. If you have one acre or two, you should be able to keep around 2 Dexter cows. However if your land is not well drained you will probably have to house them for some part of the winter. We later acquired 4 more cows from Bill Johnson at Trail' s End Ranch. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. This was after 30 years of improvement through planned grazing. Calves are available for pickup when they are 6 months old. . Honestly I think the best bet would be to keep only 50/50 Dexter/Wagyu cows and a 50/50 bull. Dexters are the best cattle for small acreages, grassfed beef and family milk cows. Dexter Cattle: Dexters for Milk. I have about two acres of lawn/pasture, and will have one Dexter cow and her calf. For the example, we can say you have a stocking rate of 2.0 AU per acre. Their hanging weight, (also called carcouse weight) is usually 55%-60% of their live weight. To ranch successfully, three profit driving ratios - cows per person, acres per cow and fed vs. grazed feed need to be kept in mind. Joined Oct 21, 2010 .