IRISH DEXTER CATTLE
The right size cow for any acreage farm
Ever since I first laid eyes on the amazing Dexter cattle back in the early 1990's, I knew they would become part of our farm.
Small, but not miniature.
Hardy, not soft and prone to illness.
Gentle and sweet - much like our Norwegian Fjord horses - they have the temperament that we are always looking to add to our farm.
The cows come originally from the southern parts of Ireland where they were part of small homestead farm's multi purposes ... used as oxen for plowing fields as well as for dairy and meat. Today, they are used all over the world - from Europe to Africa to the Americas. The Irish Dexter cattle are famous for being capable of foraging on grass alone and providing exceptional milk making their cost-to-market extremely low.
Not only are the Dexter cattle highly efficient food wise (they need approx 1/2 acre - or 12-15 pounds of hay a day), they are also EASY calvers, allowing nature to be the cow's only assistant typically. Calves are approximately 45 pounds when born and like many other heritage breeds, they will continue to grow until they are 5-6 years old.
The Dexters come in three colors: black, red and dun. Some have horns, some are de-horned while others are polled (born without horns). The focus for Willows Edge Farm is breeding those elusive red, polled heifers.
There are some in the breed that are "miniature" or what we call short legged. This is due to a potentially lethal condition called chondrodysplasia, which is a mutation that causes dwarfism. It can also cause the lethal bulldog mutation that causes calves to be born spontaneously aborted somewhere between 30-60 days or 6-8 months. It does not always happen and was the preferred cow in Europe, but it something to know.
Dexter Cattle For Sale
Heifers:
Willows Rebecca - pending
(Jade Martin Jr X Lone Star Reba)
9/12/2012
Polled, Red
Super sweet personality! Loves people and a good head scratch. Very curious and wants to know what you're up to. Lovely confirmation and a beautiful deep red coloring. Momma has a beautiful udder if you are interested in a small homestead milking cow.
$1,400.
Willows Rose - pending
(Jade Martin Jr X Jade Jolee)
11/21/2012
Polled, Red
Curious and playful - Rose . Likes to check in and see who's doing what. And plays well with water! She's becoming more outgoing every day, coming up for a little scratch on the neck. Very nice confirmation. Momma has lovely udder.
$1,400.
Willows Shauna - pending
(Lochlann of Heather Meadows X J & M Roxanne)
2/24/2013
Polled, Red
Gorgeous! Fabulous bloodlines and exceptional confirmation. Will be a super star for showing like Lochlann. Get her early and let her get accustom to your family today! Truly a lovely heifer...nick named "Little Miss Doe Eyes".
$1,800.
Cows:
Jade Jasper - pending
(Jade Martin Jr X Thomas’ RY Red Drizela)
2/15/2010
Red, Polled Cow
Jasper is a quiet, sensitive cow but is happy to come to you for a little attention. Loves being part of a herd. Has twins on both sides of lineage.
$2,200., or $2500 bred back to Lochlann of Heather Meadows.
Feel free to call us on any of our sale cows at 425-770-0243 or 208-629-1438.
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Bull Service Available!
