how to get started with Dexter cattle: stock, land, fences, housing, and equipment

[@jerryburwick3433]

I’m a Disabled Veteran in a power wheelchair so I believe that Dexter cattle will be the perfect breed to raise. I live in East Texas. Thank You for your information. God Bless- Jerry M

[@bigtime37ja]

You sir are an excellent mentor. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@cliffmines7606]

I am always impressed at the quality and information in your videos. I look forward to seeing the new ones. Keep up the good work.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thanks Cliff!

[@deakzoltan5546]

I agree with cliff the information is hands on.

[@donaldt6462]

My family was always involved in ranching so I am the first not to Own a ranch Earlier. I just started my own ranch, I look forward to expanding the ranch. I just called my C-r-y-p-t-o Investment Trader in charge of my C-r-y-p-t-o Portfolio to Liquidate $ 150,000 of my Profits. By January the Project will be in Completion. I'm so Excited .. I'm not doing it just for Profits, I just wanna do the Family thing.

[@rossi2225]

@@donaldt6462 That's nice,I plan on retiring in my country home. My family has got a very big ranch there, I think it will be fun though. This Urban buzz gets Tiring. Time to do the Old Family thing.

[@brucethompson5626]

​@@JustaFewAcresFarm Mm ))

[@Typerkins20]

I love your video’s they help me a lot with my small farm watch them every morning love that last part of the video to lol

[@howdoiplaythisgame6272]

I loved when you thanked Titus, I found it very beautiful. Its such a beautiful symbiotic relationship that small scale farm and homesteads develop with our animals. Seems like on a larger scale people have such a disconnect from their animals lives and dollar bills. We really should thank them more often, we breath life into each other and they give us far more than we can ever give them. Our wisdom is meant to be spent being shepherds of nature, not trying to dominate it.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

I agree! Our animals are part of our family, especially the cattle that are with us for many years.

[@DoctorPrepperMD]

My Dexters get here in about a month. Love revisiting your old videos!! I need all this info again!

[@SarahPerine]

I got my first Dexters today!! 3 to start off with! Thanks so much for all of your info! I listen to your videos while I work all the time!

[@Billster1955]

Congrats

[@willspanish]

How has it been so far?

[@SarahPerine]

@@willspanishGosh I love them soooo much! Had my first calf April 2023💚 A heifer calf! My young bull may or may not have impregnated the cow and 2 year old heifer. I’m a beginner so who knows?! But they’re so smart, gentle and I enjoy them immensely. I wish I had so much more land (we have 22 acres and much is used up by infrastructure). I would love to just have Dexters, sheep and a few others. I’ll have to keep my Dexter herd small but I feel very fortunate 💚 Thanks for asking!! Are you considering getting some Dexters?

[@dmp2461]

You're my hero. Getting Dexters in a couple weeks!

[@bjcombs1989]

How'd it go? You get them?

[@KruseInTheKitchen]

I love all your videos on Dexter’s! You are a wealth of knowledge by experience and I love that.

[@andreasm1317]

That was fantastic, Pete. The detail, the delivery, all of it. Thank you for sharing so much information in such an accessible way. Particularly now that many are trying to leave the rat race and become more engaged in their environment. Peace.

[@zodszoo]

Thank you! Your proven successes and efforts are inspirational!

[@hajdarhajdar3729]

Thank you for videos, I am from Bosnia and I have learned a lot from your videos, your are honest person and you are willing to share yours experience thank you God bless you

[@brandonbrown4250]

Since I rented most of what I own.. I’m down to less than 60 acres.. dexters seem extremely logical at this point, and I’ve never even considered them before.. thanks a heap!

[@JohnDoe-pm3oq]

This is a magnificently informative video! Simply packed with experience-based practices, procedures, and methods. Wow!

[@aus71383]

Just found your channel the other day after seeing it referenced in a Facebook group. Thank you!

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

That's so cool! Thank you aus71383!

[@shanebenson1988]

This was a valuable video, thank you! Starting to clear a 2 acre pasture in my 7 acres of woods this year, Starting from scratch with no experience and no equipment

[@khadijahbintiyonkpm-guru5537]

such a nice man..can feel the humbleness , sir!

[@nzkiwi9]

I just found your channel & so far the information & presentation has been great. My wife and I are slowly working toward building our own small farm (40 acres) in South-Central Alaska. Your model and that of Polyface is what we are adapting to our climate & market. As a first time farmer, the prospect of raising large animals is daunting but we are taking it one little step at a time. Your videos help to make the future farm seem more manageable. Thank you.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

I am glad the videos are helpful! Joel Salatin was one of my biggest inspirations when we started our farm. Best of luck with your new farm!

[@geneellens6939]

We just love Ezra the cat he is so adorable.

[@jimt6151]

Great video! You provided a very good basic outline of things to think about before starting a herd.

[@pepeus8101]

Thank You for great video. Things look to be easier in US than EU (I am from Poland). This year I bought small farm (11 acres pastures and meadows + 1 acre forest) and I hope wife will let me breed few cows and maybe donkey. I have some experience since my parents keep simmental cattle. I wish You luck

[@jerryschriber9613]

Really enjoy all the info especially seeing the ford loader on the farm all we need more folks like u & your wife

[@shaunsmuder1637]

Hey Pete I've been subscribed to your channel now for quite a while I have yet to leave a comment, me and my wife just purchase 3 registered Dexter heifers they will be weaned in October and coming home I've learned so much from your channel I just wanna say thank you

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Shaun, nice to meet you! I'll bet you're excited to get your cattle!

[@shaunsmuder1637]

We are and we love watching your channel keep up all the good work thanks for all the great info love your channel

[@SylviaZarilla-nj9sh]

@@JustaFewAcresFarm Hi Pete, First of all, thank you so very much for your wonderful videos. I have learned so much from you. Secondly, can you tell me if you hardwired some of your Cyclops chargers or are they all solar powered. Thanks, Sylvia

[@AB-yq8vv]

GREAT video! Learning all I can before starting my own small herd.

[@zx900steve]

What a blessing your channel and experience is to so many aspiring Farmers out here!! God Bless you!!!

[@gainesarnold3561]

Really enjoy the videos. Very informative. We call the mom, with baby and one in the oven a tripod in AR.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

That's a great name!

[@Billster1955]

I always learn so much from your channel. Thanks you.

[@larrymoore6640]

Very informative video. I like how you presented the details about starting a small farm with Dexter cattle.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thanks Larry!

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

I remember reading in a homesteading book years ago that recommended dexter cattle for small properties. I had been assuming we'd start off with sheep because it *seems* like they'd be more user friendly because they're smaller, but oddly enough I had been resisting the idea of sheep because in practice they are so fast moving and skittish I felt they'd be difficult for one person to manage without a dog. In all my interactions with sheep, I've never really taken to them either. Maybe it'd be different if you'd raised them yourself. My partner has wanted cattle from the start though, so maybe we'll give them a go!

[@sweetlovetiger]

Thank you for making this video it gives good insight. I been watching for about a year I more likely have not seen all the videos but I try and watching you work on the tractors helps

[@jacksprat1556]

We just got 3 cow/calf pairs and a bull! We are just learning! Ours are not tested but it was hard to find Dexters. We are in upstate too. I would love to talk with you.

[@4tusachaolam]

I have no intention to have my own farm but I do enjoy your video. Your are more like training video than entertainment. Keep up with the good work.

[@rwutube]

Excellent videos. So many pearls learned from experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@lanon3277]

Hey Pete, any insight on whether Dexter cows are safe to graze with other animals-- horses, donkeys, goats?

[@deblawson1575]

Thanks for the info on Dexter's, I have a VERY, VERY small homestead. I have raised many critters but I have not had a cow.

[@farukatasever2933]

Lots of work and many equipment required for your 30 dexter. Hope you don't loose money. Working for minimum wage for long hours + investment us not me. Good luck to you sir.

[@waywardgeologist2520]

Thank you. I have 8 acres to which I think 2 Dexters would be great.

[@DV-jf7er]

Very educational, thanks for staying on point. There’s no bs in this video, thank you.

[@putnutskitchen9342]

Well, there IS a little...

[@macariollamas1512]

can you make a video of cost Vs profits. Thank you

[@BrandonGallemore]

I'm going to buy one set of these like you said. We just bought 11.18 acres and are wanting a few farm animals.

[@CooperFamilyHomestead]

New sub! We’re looking at getting dexter cattle for our homestead and this is awesome!

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thanks for subscribing Cooper Family Homestead!

[@ErnieHatmaker]

Thanks for doing this video! We have been pondering Dexters. Our family has Angus now.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Ernie, you're welcome!

[@TheStormisComing24]

Great video with tons of info...loved the ending...lol

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Bernie, glad you stuck around for the ending!

[@TheMysticBohemian]

Love your videos and website. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge.

[@harryhatz9846]

Thanks for all your videos. They are very informative. Thinking of starting to raise dexters to pass on to my daughter. I'm getting old tho.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Harry, thank you!

[@karengates8508]

New Subscriber from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont...Great informational videos....Thank you for producing them 👍👍👍👍

[@jasonkeith162]

Amazing content, thanks from Australia.

[@jacoblatshaw3004]

Great content. Love the videos.

[@idrissoubila1644]

Fantastic explanation good job.

[@andrewcundiff8545]

My wife and I love your channel and we watch it every chance we get... My question to you is why do you have a mud lot when you have a base rock layer in your pastures

[@jawjagrrl]

Very helpful. We have an opportunity to buy a small herd from a family member locally as an unexpected need to sell - trying to determine if a scramble to set up something quickly and dive in is wise or if we should wait until we are better prepared, even if that means we have to go further afield to acquire them later.

[@southafricanprepper1452]

Fantastic we breed dexter in south africa...

[@jerryburwick3433]

I really appreciate your videos

[@ThePeoplesPlugBMWI3]

Wow so In Arkansas I could really get 2-4 easy on my 2.5 acres

[@psi23k]

Great informative video. Thank you

[@petersapienza697]

You are quite a booster for dexter cattle

[@Jim80903]

Thanks for the great information!

[@jamesrussum6928]

Something I have recently learned are the issues of omega3 and omega6 in butchered beef. Many may disagree because of marketing such as Kobi of Waygu breeds indicating grain fed or even finished is better but apparently omega3 is good fat and the Omega6 grain fed is not as good, some say bad even. My research is suggesting now that grass fed and finished is better with less marbling rather than grain finished and increasingly greater marbling. From what my findings indicate is that grain fed adds greatly to the speedy weigh in finishing a butcher steer increasing the bottom line at auction time. What is your idea on this subject?

[@T_157-40]

Excellent teacher

[@michaelhogg9618]

Just a reminder I saw that bale spear on the tractor poking out great video though 👌🏻👌🏻

[@quincybaker4615]

I’m relocating to NC next year. I find a herd of cattle to be therapeutically calming for me and I enjoy seeing them. So I would like a herd on my property. Can A Hobby Herd Pay for Themselves Say 30 Cattle or So? On this thought, I would like to know if it’s possible to get a small herd to at least pay their own way, that is at least break even on the cost of keeping them via the cattle themselves? Cattle Rancing for a Living My second thought is that if I could, I would really enjoy ranching beef cattle for a living. I would appreciate pointers on: Is it possible to do this with beef cattle alone, that is without getting into dairy? How to get started? How many cattle needed to earn a sustainable living? How many acres for said amount of cattle? (Carrying capacity) I’m serious about this desire and would appreciate some real kind supportive feedback. Thanks

[@JWB671]

Nice scroll saw

[@josephbinkley]

Hey Pete, thank you for all the amazing content over the years. I'm curious to learn if you're still using the rebar electric fence posts. I have looked online and they don't seem to come in much taller lengths than 4 ft or less. I am curious if that is enough height for cattle and how many strands you use? I don't want to waste the money on fiberglass or plastic posts if I don't have to, these seem like the way to go but for some reason they're not too popular.

[@jacquesyoung7010]

great video I was at our state fair this week and a few of the cows had what was explained as an in heat gauge attached to their tails. have you ever used one or herd of such a thing

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Jacques, I have never used those, but have seen them advertised.

[@jacquesyoung7010]

@@JustaFewAcresFarm ok thanks

[@mountainswillcrumble777]

Great video! Upstate is beautiful. I just bought land in Whipple ville....where are you from around?...

[@Cleardeep775]

Great video!!

[@cindieryan446]

Awesome video thank you!

[@myforeverhomestead6152]

very informative, thank you!

[@garrettn2344]

Great Video! Keep it up!

[@justinpalmer9042]

What size are your T-post? Btw, Upstate holds a special place in my heart. Fort Drum was my first duty station and enjoyed my time there. Beautiful state and I miss Upstate NY dearly....... I enjoy your videos, lots of good and useful information.

[@kevinhenson942]

Great content 👌

[@robertarnold4411]

Thank you very much, for your videos. So informative and great knowledge on Dexters! Do you have any connections or know of any Farms in NH or VT that carry Registered Dexters? So far, I'm only finding Irish Jersey cross cows. Thanks!

[@davidswanson640]

I knew of one man that used a good of a vehicle to move hay via draft horses.

[@1959chief1]

Hi Pete, I look forward to your videos 🙂. What is the manufacturer of the fence energizer you recommended. I haven’t seen the one you have. All I see around here is zareba or Gallagher.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you! It is a Cyclops fence charger. Here's their website: cyclopsfence.com/

[@austinsensenig9411]

Hey Pete, would there be anyway I could get in touch with you for some more in depth questions, you have inspired me and my family to push to do something similar to you and with our small acreage we are wanting to do Dexter's possibly just as a feeder steer set up with some pasture but wanting some advice

[@paulb.1538]

again a very informative video 👍

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thanks Paul!

[@paulb.1538]

@@JustaFewAcresFarm Do you think I can use a 4' high electric sheep fence for the Dexter cattle "Heifer, Cow and Calf" ?

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

@@paulb.1538 I assume you mean electronet sheep fencing, like Premier One sells. That will work fine as long as it has a good shock. We've had calves get tangled in it before when it was not energized.

[@John-viheavyequipment]

I found on page 77 talking about your grampa I have the same feeling, I live in british columbia but the times visiting my grampie in sussex nb in the summers opened my eyes to life I've dreamed about for 20 years now but property and farms on the island are so expensive I feel trapped from the dreams I want so deeply, I'm in trap of monday to friday, over spending and consumer debt that keeps me in a place where I"m searching for meaning. and thinking of making be changes like moving up north.

[@joshuahepner9637]

When you use t posts how far apart do you put them? I am looking to raise a few cattle of my own for me and my family. Thank you so much for your videos I really enjoyed them.

[@annegrant8644]

Love your videos just came a subscriber today my husband and I are going to be first time farmers I've been having a garden ever since I was preteen and I won't say the year we are thinking about the miniature Jersey cow when you say you are explain about Dexter's are they similar to miniature Jersey cows we are going to have dairy cows we like to get three my husband and me and family we like to have fresh milk and make cheese the land we are looking at is 283 Acres to over 500 Acres and my husband wants horses so can you give me any information about miniature Jersey cows are they the same as Dexter's or should I get into more information about jerseys thanks a lot love your videos already saw about six of them again like your videos very much well always come back

[@johnedwards4115]

I know its been a while since you posted this video, but I had a question regarding selling Dexters at the sale barn. I'd personally love to be able to market the beef directly as you are doing, but want to have that back up, and especially prior to gaining a market base. That being said, do you have any idea how well Dexters do at auction? I know obviously they are not going to fetch the high dollar amounts for angus (etc.), but do they even sell at all? I appreciate your videos and your thoughts

[@DianaWelsch]

Pete, is a round bale generally less expensive than a comparable (in weight) number of square bales?

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Yes, much less expensive for round bales vs. small square.

[@bigfrazr03]

Hello Pete. In this video you talk about AI being the recommended breeding procedure. In another you discuss the difficulties in determining whether the cow is in heat. Did you discover a method to better determine the heat of a Dexter cow? Once again thanks for time sharing this information.

[@RobertVosburg]

I have 1 acre ( back yard) and I eventually want to raise 2 beef cows. Can I split the acre into 2 half acre paddocks for both cows and rotate them that way? My own down fall is not having a place to get rid of the manure from a shelter

[@lisamellors8868]

We just bought a small farm and would like to have a couple dexter cows on our farm. Do you sell cow calf pairs.

[@MLSPlatforms]

Would you consider selling stock rather than butchering? Or selling bread cattle?

[@xcaliberwolf6090]

man i wish i lived somewhere else. I only have about 2 acres total and my land is all sand. I grew up around farms and my relatives have farms but I don't. I really want to get some cattle or other animals. I cant even get chickens and or goats cuz my neighbors dogs with attack, not to mention all the coyotes we have around here. My parents want to get more land and some cattle but we wont ever have the money to do so. I also went on craigslist to the farm and garden section cuz I was curious and turns out Dexter and highlands are very common where I live here in Minnesota

[@pepeus8101]

Maybe llamas. Probably can deal with dog.

[@freewillfarms2059]

New subscriber and like your videos. I've got a question... Do you think jumping into animal production with multiple species is good at first? I want to eventually raise animal's but would like to develop no more than two types at a time . Example hogs and cows. I'm gathering equipment and supplies before I do my farm layout.

[@juliebalch6454]

Pigs snoring got me😂💓

[@TheAbleFarmer]

I am still here watching your videos. I am hoping to get a few dexters in a year or two after I improve the quality of my pasture. I only have 3-3.5 acres of pasture. Do you think that would be good for 3 or 4 head? Also if I can do AI that would eliminate the bull. I thought you said you had trouble with AI?

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

If you're in a similar climate as us that much space should be fine. I figure 1/2 acre per head for grazing, 1 acre if you're also making hay.

[@TheAbleFarmer]

@@JustaFewAcresFarm east central Ohio, I will probably buy hay.

[@armandodiaz67]

I'm preparing my land for my Dexters, coming in Dec. Towards the back of my land, there's a creek with a 6ft drop. I want to fence this off, to keep the cattle away. I was going to use the t-post with 5-6 strands of wire. Or should I use the wood posts with the 4x4 fencing?

[@SeeHowItGoes]

I know I’m late but put the post around the big drop as cattle can spook and run through the wire.

[@RentersHomestead]

Thanks for the great video Pete! Loving your channel! I'm moving to our first farm/homestead this fall. This is a life-long dream of mine and I do plan to start our farm with Dexter cattle this fall or next spring after we get setup. Speaking of setup, if I am starting with 2 cow-calf pairs, do you think a chute and head gate are required? I assume I need some way to catch and restrain for AI and other emergency or routine care operations? I was hoping there was some way to get buy with temporary handling equipment since I won't need it the vast majority of the time.

[@robreesor5011]

As Pete said in the video you can make due with a halter and lead rope just tie it to a sturdy post and snug it up so the animal cant back away to much while its being treated or checked over...this also works if you ever have to pull a calf if mama is having a tough time with birth.

[@andrewwhittmore196]

The last quote hit too hard 😂

[@shanelamell2229]

Hi Pete, you said you live in upstate NY. I also live in upstate NY. Whereabouts are you living? I'm in Tupper Lake, NY 12986. Thanks for sharing and have a nice safe day!!

[@paulacreman5342]

brilliant, thank you

[@lpeter5781]

Any reason you don’t feed silage? I guess it’s had to justify the equipment for a small heard but at the same time renting the equipment out helps off set the price while also guaranteeing your feed quality. Also, you don’t use the rubber bands to castrate the bulls?

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Lyall, the reason we don't feed silage is just the up-front equipment and storage investment. We don't use bands on our bulls because I read several veterinary articles that found there were more complications that arose from this method, and greater long-term pain to the animal. Plus there is a chance of not catching both testicles with the band. I can count "one-two" and know the job's done when we cut them.

[@clairedickson5952]

Do you take milk from the dexter cows?

[@richardheinen1126]

What are the advantages to choosing Dexters?

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Richard, there's a bunch. If you go through the channel's Dexter playlist, I talk about them in various videos. They have a good temperament, they are a unique heritage breed which helps market them to consumers who buy our beef, their beef marbles well without grain, they taste test better than Angus or Hereford, they are a small breed so they produce nicely proportioned streaks that are not too large, I could go on & on...

[@zacharymanning8993]

Do sell cattle on your property??

[@ramoncampbell1170]

Do you guys sale cow calf pairs?

[@awesometaylor5881]

❤🎉Absolutely 💯 Beautiful