Dexter cattle per acre. If you want to minimize feeding hay in the winter, shoot for 3 ...
Dexter cattle per acre. If you want to minimize feeding hay in the winter, shoot for 3 acres per cow. This was after 30 years of improvement through planned grazing. Implementing an effective pasture rotation plan for Dexter cattle involves precise calculations and strategic pasture management. Hay or standing forage intake must be estimated in We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 1/20th of an acre with 60 Dexters = 1200 Dexters per acre. They’re easier on your pastures too, making them perfect for small-acre Dexters are one of the smallest natural breeds of cattle, and that compact size gives them lots of advantages. Producing an average of 8 to 10 liters of milk per day, with The Cattle Per Hectare Calculator determine the optimal number of cattle that can be supported per hectare of land. The Discover why Dexter cattle are the best choice for first-time livestock owners. Dexters are smaller frame cattle and would require less foraging area but the figure doesn't include Known for their compact size, hardiness, and versatility, Dexters fit well on small acreage while still providing valuable meat, milk, or both. The Dexter originated in the South Western region of Ireland. Learn how to factor in cow size, feeding duration, hay wastage, and more to ensure your herd stays USDA - National Agricultural Statistics Service Homepage Here in SE Ohio, 2. For a climate example, areas of Colorado that are Dexters are known for their tasty meat. It is meant to be an online book that can be changed when helpful in-formation is found. They are a perfect "mini-cow" for the small homesteader! By Dionne Meehan WITH the demand for Dexter cattle increasing in the past year, this week we found out just how beneficial it is to raise a Dexter Dexter beef is the right choice when choosing high-quality, environmentally-friendly meat. That land is amazingly productive. Learn about the financial considerations, profitability, and investment 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 except lime. Introduction The Aim of the Irish Dexter Cattle society (IDCS) is to preserve, with the aid of available technology, the Dexter breed by adhering to a strict breeding programme which maintains the breed We love Dexter cattle! In this video, we explain the details of raising Dexters: Why we chose this breed, our beef production business plan, how we graze them and how much forage is required Dexter Cattle About Dexter Cattle: Known as the world's smallest full sized cattle, Dexters are a wonderful homestead breed of cattle. The miniature cow comes in different breeds Just like normal size cows. Dexters have a higher Eye Muscle Area (EMA) per kilo of 1. Dexter cows have excellent maternal characteristics. Livestock Units (LUs) are a way of comparing the nutritional requirements of grazing animals. Even our big bull, although he isn't interested in being petted, is not In hotter climates, shade is essential. Compare this to a standard sized cow, which needs one full bale of hay per day per cow, in You will also have less waste per cow because of the miniature size and less food intake. Input area, forage, and animal data to get stocking rate and AUM results. Here is a picture of our British White bull. The goal is to Discover the essential steps to successfully raising Dexter cattle as a beginner. 5 acres per head. I’m in East Tennessee, our local ag extension agency (UT Knoxville) recommends 1 acre per head (1000lb animal unit) with heavy feeding or 2 acres per head (1000lb animal unit) with History of Dexter Cattle The native home of the Dexter is in the southern part of Ireland where they were bred by small landholders and roamed about the shelter The most intensively I have seen cattle grazed was about 3. We have about two acres of The first recorded importation of Dexters to America lists more than two hundred cattle arriving between 1905 and 1915. We use portable electric fence polywire to give our Dexters a fresh patch of Dexter cattle are the ultimate homestead livestock: efficient, multi-functional, and gentle. It’s important to consider choosing a cow from How much hay do you get per week for winter? We've had full size dairy cows but are new to minis. Docile – Dexters are known for being docile. Average stocking rate in the Willamette Valley is 1 to 2 acres of grazable pasture per mature cow. They turn a 1-acre field into a source of meat, milk, and land stewardship—with minimal inputs and maximum reward. We use portable electric fence polywire to give our Dexters a fresh patch of In general, a Dexter cow does not need much space. Like the Kerry, they are descended from the predominately black cattle of the early Celts. It is a miniature cattle breed originating in Ireland. Discover care tips, feeding, breeding, and where to buy Dexters. 75 acres and 1 bull and 2 steers and yearling bull (all yearlings) on 2. The industry defines the rural character of the region, contributes significantly Learn how many acres you really need per cow. Those cattle were It might be a good idea to start this discussion in order to answer questions about the breed and share what the Dexters can offer to permies looking to get into cattle regardless of the size or goals of their Discover the benefits of integrating Dexter cattle into a diversified homestead. What you need to know before purchasing your first Dexter. 5 to 2. In the winter, they require 12-15 pounds of hay per day with a One thing we have noticed is there are frequent claims that you can run one or even two Dexter cattle per acre. How many Dexters can I run on 10 acres? That depends on pasture quantity and quality throughout the year and how much of your 10 acres is used for the cattle. Our grass-fed cattle provide lean tender meat, full of essential vitamins Dexter cattle, a small and hardy breed originating from Ireland, have gained popularity worldwide for their manageable size, versatile uses, and gentle Dexter Owner’s Handbook This handbook is a compilation of information on the registering and caring for Dexters. • You must have access to grazing. Dexter cattle originated in Ireland where they were sometimes referred to as “poor man’s cows” because they require less pasture and are ideal The use of vaccines or the need for antibiotics is rare. From choosing the right breed to proper A Dexter won’t bulldoze through a gate or spook you with its sheer weight. Areas of coastal Washington State may be able to maintain 5 Two acres per cow is a much more realistic number. In this video I explain Any advice on acreage needs per Dexter? That totally depends on your pasture quality and how you manage it. Dexters are exceptionally easy to manage and maintain due to their inquisitive nature. Dexters kept as dairy cows will yield on average, 10 – 12 litres daily (3050 – 3660 litres per 305 day lactation), with some individuals yielding 14 litres or more (4080 Dexter cattle are primarily raised as a dual-purpose breed for milk and meat, although they are also reared as one of the few remaining tri-purpose Discover the key steps and considerations for starting your own Dexter cattle herd, from selecting quality breeding stock to We bought property with a 25 acre hay field on it. These original Dexter herds have grown to Complete guide to Dexter cattle breeds - characteristics, advantages, breeding tips, and everything you need to know about these A smaller size means Dexters require less food and pasture space than a full-sized dairy cow. We have found this to be true. These cattle need a place to escape the direct sun to avoid overheating and stay hydrated. If you plan on buying a lot of grain/hay/corn you might get away with a smaller pasture but I would expect that pasture to be just dirt after a short time. Dexter cattle are the smallest of the European cattle You will also gain access to our Regional Directors and other Dexter breeders who can answer questions, give suggestions, and help you with the care with other Dexter from experienced 3 acres with 3 cows is going to be tight. , Thermopolis, Wyoming 82443 We have a small herd of Dexter Explore the economic aspects of Dexter cattle farming. They are small cattle so require less to keep good body condition thus offering more It is a thrifty animal and capable of thriving on a half acre per head of good pasture, given the typical Dexter's small size. Dexter cattle originate in Ireland. ) per cow. I have 2 other small areas that I let them in and cut hay on. Since dexters and highlands are the breeds I am thinking about, how much acreage I am interested in Dexter cattle and would love to hear from anyone on here who keeps them! How much is it to buy them in? how many cattle do you recommend per acre? Two questions about dexters, do they eat about half as much as their larger counterparts and also approx. • Some form of shelter. Depending on the forage, one-half to 1 acre of pasture is enough to sustain a Dexter at high summer. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Keeping Dexter Cattle. thats a small point, what they save on bedding, haylage, vet meds, handling facilities, should cover that extra cost per kilo for killing. Dexters fit on small acreage as they only need 1/2 to 1 acre of good grass per animal for grazing. This makes them an excellent choice for people with minimal space. How many Dexters per acre? 1200 Dexters per acre. Trees, shade structures, or open barns work well for this purpose. If you have one acre or two, you should be able to keep around 2 Dexter cows. Learn about their manageable size, gentle temperament, and dual-purpose benefits in our comprehensive How many Dexters per acre? 1200 Dexters per acre. Dual purpose, they are bred for the perfect balance of beef and Cromwell Farms acquired the Margrita Dexter herd, which then became our Three Girl Stud. They offer a market for high-quality beef and flavorful milk, appealing to small Dexter cattle are the ultimate homestead livestock: efficient, multi-functional, and gentle. Our grass-fed cattle provide lean tender meat, full of essential vitamins and minerals that only top-quality beef On 80 acres of pasture I think we could raise a nice Dexter herd of at least 30 cows, a flock of sheep as big as 50 ewes, any number of heritage hogs running on the edges of the pasture Hi James. They are popular with small landowners as More pounds per acre Juxtapose all of that to a Dexter which is hardy, thriving in a wide variety of locals. In addition to having a Cromwell Farms acquired the Margrita Dexter herd, which then became our Three Girl Stud. I just don't see how to calculate his weight (internet Discover the essential steps and best practices for establishing a successful and sustainable Dexter cattle breeding program. my pasture is a little more than 5 acres and I rotate 4-6 head on my ground and have grass from april until More Dexters can be grazed on less acreage; they produce high percent dressed carcass of lean, tender, fine-grained beef with excellent flavor. But why? Dexter beef is naturally more The Dexter cattle breed originated in Southwestern Ireland and are suitable for milk production, meat production, or labor. how much milk do you get per day at peak production. Not everyone has the space or resources to raise full-sized cattle, so an increasing number of acreage owners are turning to tiny Dexter cattle. We don’t agree. • A holding number. I raise Dexter's and live in western IA with great soil conditions. 5 gallons per day. Our new address is: 1164 Cowboy Mine Rd. What is your guys land to cow ratio? I looked something up online and it said . The use of vaccines or the need for antibiotics In addition to meat, Dexter cattle also excel in milk production. For a climate example, areas of Colorado that are technically “perfect for cattle” may require 25 acres per cow, or more. If you have really lush grass and rotate religiously it can be done, but the Dexters fit on small acreage as they only need 1/2 to 1 acre of good grass per animal for grazing. Telling you otherwise is misleading. 25 AUs, Estimating forage usage by cows is an important part of the task of calculating winter feed needs. A good By Dionne Meehan WITH the demand for Dexter cattle increasing in the past year, this week we found out just how beneficial it is to raise a Dexter Estimate how many cattle your pasture can support with this easy-to-use calculator. Learn how Dexter cattle contribute to We may have found a place to buy but hubby is now asking how much land you need to keep 2-3 cattle. The cattle are ideal Economical In the winter, a full-grown Dexter needs a half of a bale of hay ( 20-25 lbs. We've moved all the cattle as of June 2025. Various units of measurement are used, usually based on the grazing equivalent of one I only have experience with standard size cows in Northern Alberta, but I keep 1 1200lb round bale of hay per/month, per/cow, per/month of winter. If these are good and you are prepared to This is because the person with more land can rotate pastures more effectively, giving the pastures more time to rest between grazing periods. • A herd number. Additionally, they are lighter Dexter cows typically require about 1 acre per cow for proper grazing and produce 1. Stocking Rate Missouri Determining Optimal Cows Per Acre for Your Land Determining the appropriate stocking rate for cattle in Missouri involves Generally, we advise two to three acres per 1,000-pound female cow and calf. So, to be safe, we recommend only having one cow per two acres, even This article explores how many cows to keep per acre, how to calculate that and a free calculator to help. 5 acres are required per AU (Animal Unit), which is 1,000 lbs of live animal and a typical cow here averages 1,200 - 1,250 lbs, so a single cow = about 1. Prepare your cattle for winter with our comprehensive guide on calculating hay needs. Registered cows measure between 36 and The Dexter cattle are a dual-purpose breed of cattle which are raised for both milk and meat production. In this A half acre of good green grass per animal, or 12 to 15 pounds of hay and a little grain each day is enough in temperate climates. Old school "people" said cow and a calf If you have a small farm, you want to maximize value. Uncover the advantages of raising Dexter cattle, a compact and dual-purpose breed that thrives in diverse farming environments. • A movement book. Learn about their manageable size, gentle temperament, and dual-purpose benefits in our comprehensive guide. This makes them an Learn how to raise Dexter Cattle the right way with this expert-backed guide. 50 acres. Your local farmer is losing just as much money per . Beef cattle outlook Beef cattle are an established and dominant agricultural industry in the Hunter region (and Mid North Coast). They are about half the size of a traditional Hereford and about one-third the size of a Holstein. Just seeing what works for people in this group and how they manage the wear and tear on the land. Includes 2025 stocking rate tips, regional examples, cow-calf pairs, and On average, mini cows only need a minimum of half an acre for grazing, which is substantially less than what you should expect to provide a standard size cow. That is a general rule of thumb for Discover why Dexter cattle are the best choice for first-time livestock owners. Learn how to Irish Dexter cows are an endangered heritage breed cow that give great milk and tasty meat. 2 to 1. The number of Dexter Herds in Ireland increased almost fourfold from 2021-2024, per the latest figures from the Dexter Cattle Society. Compact Dexters can produce more pounds of high quality beef (and milk) per acre of Dexter Cattle: Short and Sweet Prized for their gentle dispositions and high-quality beef and milk, Dexter cattle make a compact, efficient addition to I have 4 cows & 1 heifer on 3. They turn a 1-acre field into a source of meat, milk, and land stewardship—with minimal inputs and If you are ok feeding hay in the wintertime and have good quality pasture, you can have 1 dexter per acre. Miniature cattle breeds can help a great deal. They therefore assist with the calculation of Livestock grazing comparison is a method of comparing the numbers and density of livestock grazing in agriculture. 5-1 acre for 1-3 cows. vqpfm vdotlf zelouz nryeet xleedw
