just starting out

[mparmy]

I'm hoping for some helpful advice i want to start a lil farm as soon as i get out of the service and ive been thinking about getting dexter's. its just hard to find information on em when you gotta hunt all over the internet. my main question is if they're so great and produce so much why don't you hear more about them? oh and ill be raising them in northern ohio. thanks for all your advice in advance

[lakeportfarms]

Hi, Dexters are a bit of a niche cattle, they don't fit well with commercial breeders due to their size so consequently you won't hear much about them like you do the Angus breed, for example. Dexters have also been a fairly rare breed that is recovering in numbers. Doing your research on the internet is important, but to be sure it's something that fits your goals I'd suggest a visit to a farm that has them;where you can talk to a breeder that can evaluate your goals and make some suggestions based on the acreage you have available, your experience with livestock, and your intended use for them. Depending on what part of "Northern" Ohio you're at and how easy it is to get up into Michigan, you're welcome to come and visit our farm North of Port Huron along Southern Lake Huron. We have a herd of about 60 right now of all ages, sizes, and colors.

Hans

[ctownson]

The American Dexter Cattle Association has a wealth of information on the organization's web site. It can be found at www.dextercattle.org

There are lots of very knowledgeable folks on this board so feel free to ask questions, etc. A visit to a farm to see some dexters would be a great start.

[tarsallat]

Don't hear much because dexters aren't commercial breed. You won't make much money from them, end up costing more to keep than what you make when you sell. But you'll have great meat, fantastic milk, and the satisfaction of producing it all yourself. Great cattle for folks without cattle experience, not so big and less chance of getting hurt.

[kansasdexters]

I'll second tarsallat's comment about Dexter cattle being great for folks without cattle experience. They are great "learner" cows. They are sweet natured and easy to be around. We love them and they return the favor.

Patti

[Morning Star Farm]

Hello mparmy, we are located in north east ohio, you are welcome to come out to our farm for a visit!
Carole

[mparmy]

thanks for the feedback everybody, when i come back on leave sometime in october i might see if i cant make a visit to a farm, i live just south of toledo. sure appreciate it