Post by lazyj5 on Feb 14, 2008 19:26:47 GMT -5
This year is pretty special for us. It was 10 years ago that the first little black Dexter came to our farm. This says a lot for the breed, considering how many other breeds have come and gone around here. Dexters have fulfilled all my expectations and more. They are definitely here to stay for life.
I guess I'm not a newbie anymore. But, I'm certainly not one of the long-time breeders. I'm not one of the big breeders, either. I now have just a few (5 females, bull and a couple steers), after reducing the herd several times of the last few years. Don't know just what I am now.
My herd has seen a lot of changes in 10 years. Now, I have a much superior animal to what I started out with. My biggest challenge was (and still is) getting well balanced udders, with nice sized teats and placement, that produce well. This is still what I work on the most. I was fortunate to start with long, deep bodied animals that dress well. I have always been pleased with the carcass traits.
Having a smaller herd really forces me to be extra critical, as each calf is a huge percent of my yearly calf crop. They have to be better than their parents. I focus on the "homestead" cow. All heifers are halter trained and started in a milk stanchion and have their udders, legs and bellies handled. This is so much easier than trying to train a two year old, scared, first freshening heifer that has not had this type of handling.
Sorry to ramble on. Just wanted to share a special time.
10 years calls for a celebration. I wonder what kind of cake and ice cream the cows would like? ;D
I guess I'm not a newbie anymore. But, I'm certainly not one of the long-time breeders. I'm not one of the big breeders, either. I now have just a few (5 females, bull and a couple steers), after reducing the herd several times of the last few years. Don't know just what I am now.
My herd has seen a lot of changes in 10 years. Now, I have a much superior animal to what I started out with. My biggest challenge was (and still is) getting well balanced udders, with nice sized teats and placement, that produce well. This is still what I work on the most. I was fortunate to start with long, deep bodied animals that dress well. I have always been pleased with the carcass traits.
Having a smaller herd really forces me to be extra critical, as each calf is a huge percent of my yearly calf crop. They have to be better than their parents. I focus on the "homestead" cow. All heifers are halter trained and started in a milk stanchion and have their udders, legs and bellies handled. This is so much easier than trying to train a two year old, scared, first freshening heifer that has not had this type of handling.
Sorry to ramble on. Just wanted to share a special time.
10 years calls for a celebration. I wonder what kind of cake and ice cream the cows would like? ;D
