Dexter History

Irish Dexter cattle originated in Ireland. They were known as “the poor man‘s cow”, as they could provide a family with milk and raise a calf for beef on the mountainous Countryside. They arrived in the US in the early 1900’s. Dexters are a hardy, heritage breed and thrive in most any climate, appreciating a windbreak, shelter and fresh water.  They are very fertile and are well known for calving without difficulty.  They are multi purpose, and can be raised for both milk and meat. Many choose to train them as oxen to pull carts and such. They are thrifty cattle and can turn forage into rich milk and quality, lean meat.

Dexters can be non-chondro or chondro. Chondro carriers carry a gene that is a type of dwarfism that makes them shorter. We love the “shorties” as we fondly call them. They seem to have so much personality. This gene is never a problem, if you breed responsibly & don’t breed two carriers together. If you do, it can be lethal. 

Dexters can range in height from 36-50” and typically weigh 500 to 1000 pounds at maturity.

Dexters can come in Black, Red or Dun. Horned or polled. A Dexter milk cow can produce more milk for its weight than any other breed, with averages of 1-3 gallon/day and a butterfat content of 4 to 5 percent. Yields of cream up to one quart per gallon can often be had. 

Beef animals mature in 18 to 24 months and produce high quality lean meat, graded choice. They typically dress out around 60 percent. 

Dextle cattle can fill a lot of niches and are the ideal family cow.

Check out our article featured in Illinois Farmers Today. We love sharing this docile breed, that produces quality beef and milk products for us and others. The cows are easy calvers & great mothers. Our bulls are pretty

docile, too.