Autumn Woods Dexters
Why Become a Dexter Breeder?
Dexters are rapidly increasing in popularity. Breeders are now in every state of the USA and are prevalent overseas as well. There are about 17,000 registered Dexters in the ADCA registry alone and growing steadly.
Dexters make wonderful farm companions. Not only is the breed efficient, but size and temperament make Dexters nice to have around. The whole family will have lots of fun with these little cattle.
Dexters are listed with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Because only purebreds are accepted for registration in the American Dexter Cattle Association, the purity of the breed is maintained and the gene pool is kept intact. Owning a Dexter is like owning a little piece of history.
Dexters are a small and safe animal for younger members in 4-H. They are smaller and less intimidating for children, so looking after a Dexter can be fun for them, and also give them the pride that comes with accomplishment.
Dexters perform well in their original role: the family cow. Once the Dexter cow has been trained to milk, she can be easily handled by even the most timid. Dexter is also a delicious meet, tender and well marbled with an extra large Ribeye. It's all we eat!
You can expect a Dexter to consume about half of what you would feed an Angus or Hereford under the same conditions. This equates to roughly half an acre of good green grass per animal, or 12 to 15 pounds of hay and a little grain per day, in temperate climates.
The temperament of Dexter bulls is generally very good. However, for those who prefer to use artificial insemination, there is a large selection of readily-available imported and domestic semen. Dexter bulls are excellent for crossing with first-calf heifers of the larger, big-boned breeds. You will lower calving weights, reduce calving problems, yet still have good-size carcasses.