raising Dexter cattle for beef: everything you ever wanted to know

We love Dexter cattle! In this video, we explain the details of raising Dexters: Why we chose this breed, our beef production business plan, how we graze them and how much forage is required, winter feeding, our bulls and breeding schedule, herd dynamics, medical treatments, mineral supplements, appropriate pasture fencing, and calving and weaning.
For more details on summertime Dexter grazing, see our video titled “fences and meadow muffins: how we strip graze our Dexter cattle.”

[@GoldShawFarm]

This was a great video. I'm in the process of research adding a herd of dexters to our farm and your video answered most of my questions. Thank you!

[@robertholding701]

Thats how I found this blog , its when you mentioned getting Dexters for your farm.

[@EliseWood]

Same here

[@fauzycastilloschoonewolff2146]

You were watching this video because you want to raise cattle I saw the video of you that you wanted to raise cattle

[@Flippin_Crazy]

Aaron I am so happy you have visited Just a Few. Pete is a very knowledgeable farmer.

[@danielrd7493]

I think you ended up with the Scottish Highland breed, correct? Probably b/c the Northeast Kingdom can get ass cold. Regardless, super informative video on this particular breed.

[@mikefrazer2305]

Pete.... Hi from Ireland..... keep Dexters myself and will be referring others here to your very informative videos

[@fionaglusiec1543]

Hi Mike, whereabouts in Ireland are you? Myself and my husband have been thinking of moving to Dexters but no idea where to start getting some. Any thoughts or leads greatly appreciated! (We are based in Co. Laois)

[@fionaglusiec1543]

@@mikefrazer2305 Thank you so much for all that information, really appreciate it! Very kind of you :)

[@echofoxtrot2.051]

"The Dexter originated in southern Ireland during the early 1800s and was developed from the Kerry, an Irish dairy breed, through selection for smaller size and improved beef qualities. The breed name came from “Mr. Dexter,” who promoted the cattle during the mid‑1800s. They became popular with smallholders in Ireland and England, who appreciated its efficiency in producing both milk and beef on limited acreage. Dexters were later imported to North America beginning in 1910." -The Livestock Conservancy. :) I love that I learn so much from your channel, and as you can see, it inspires me to learn more.

[@Zombiecane]

I cannot describe how helpful these videos are. I’m in the process of starting a Dexter herd, and I’ve yet to have an unanswered question. Many, many thanks for your amazingly thorough, easygoing and simple style.

[@arnaubasulto4448]

How did it go?

[@danielrd7493]

@@arnaubasulto4448 Hard to answer when you're LARPing being a farmer

[@jasonvanderwalker2085]

This video was everything that I needed! Thank you so much for putting the information on this bred in such a great presentation!

[@steveash656]

Thank you so much. We have our first Dexter heifer, who is going to be part of our family. I do really look forward to tasting the beef. Kind regards from England. Steve.

[@1FunkyMammaJamma]

I got more information out of this one video than anyone could imagine. I wish I would have had professors that could lecture as well as this. Thank you.

[@patcolvin3677]

Thanks for helping me keep memories of my childhood on the farm alive!

[@russsherwood5978]

that was the most informative video on dexters cattle,, they have what i,m looking fer in cows when i start my farm in the next year or so,, thank ya fer the video

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

You're welcome Russ. Can't go wrong with Dexters.

[@bch5513]

Dexter farmer here. Fell in love with the breed 10 yrs ago. Great with kids is A#1 for me. Chillest animal on my whole farm is our old bull. Don’t get excited about anything except grain or tail.

[@kristimckay4092]

I absolutely love this breed They are smart They love being petted and talked to

[@karinlotz5732]

Was a very informative lesson about the Dexters, I really liked it an I learned quite a bit, thanks a lot! I do breed the Charolais here at my farm in Germany. I handle them exactly like you do it with your Dexters. Great job, go on doing that!

[@TheMysticBohemian]

Thank you for such a wonderful and informative video. I'm a Nubian goat woman but I'm looking to add two cows to my farm because I make cheese. Your video has shown me I can keep cows in the same 'natural' manner I keep goats. And now I'm really sold on the Dexter breed.

[@johndouglass3691]

I want cows...but I'm afraid they'll make a vegetarian out of me, lol. Your Dexters are so sweet tempered!

[@babsabroad2205]

I said the same thing to my wife. I think with all other animals that can be raised for meat, I'd be fine. But something about these sweet things makes me think that we'd end up with a herd of pets!

[@arnaubasulto4448]

@@babsabroad2205 like my comment if you’re stupid.

[@joshuaracette3734]

😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠Pog

[@joshuaracette3734]

No

[@nathansmith5097]

man i cant wait to have my own cows one day. i was wanting the biggest cows possible until i found you. what an amazing breed. you have me sold on these little guys! love the passion you have for these amazing animals. your heard looks really healthy and happy!

[@tomhaffey1588]

Well done Pete. Thanks for breaking it all down and explaining how your plan all comes together. I enjoy listening to you and the passion you have for the livestock and farming.

[@Ssloser1]

Hi Mr.Pete my name is Hudson and i love tractor videos.

[@cRaZyLaMa84]

Thank you so much for this its exactly what i was looking for and you answered all my questions. I liked this breed before but you have sold me on them now.

[@MurigenII]

Dexters have great temperaments...if breeders breed for that. In the past some breeders bred without concern for temperament if the breeding stock had the confirmation they wanted. When buying, and breeding, making sure the temperament is at the top of the list for picking stock.

[@andrewfree5580]

All I can say is wow, we have been my wife and I talking about raising dexters this presentation had the both of us excited we are subscribed Thanks

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Excellent, Andrew! Thanks for subscribing!

[@HisWayHomestead]

you definitely make it very appealing to raise dexters. If we had more land, I would want them for sure. Thanks Pete! You are such a great resource for information!

[@helengrives8834]

I: really like the passion and care you put into your animals and farm. Thank you for the explanation.

[@erinmclaughlin4444]

Your videos are so so helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to make all these videos.

[@gregward8689]

Wow, so much info in a short time, I'll have to use this as future reference for my planned farm. Thank you.

[@helichief]

Love your channel. We have started a small herd of black angus on 20 acres and have chickens already. Your videos have been really helpful for getting into farming.

[@chrisbrackett9779]

I’m going back watching your old videos and all the questions I’ve had about Dexters you just answered. Thanks Pete I really enjoy Just a Few Acres Farm.

[@bigfrazr03]

Thank you for your time and informative presentation. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@shannonjaros4135]

Such a fantastic video full of great details! Thank you so very much for sharing!

[@BottomDollarOutdoors]

Your videos are great. Y'all have been a big help in my journey to re-establish our family farm. Thank you for taking the time to inform and entertain us with the wonderful "dad jokes"!

[@mmanut]

Enjoy hearing you explain the Dexter Breed, Thank You, Vinny 🇺🇸

[@oneperson5760]

Thank you for all the information in such an organized, simple format.

[@CloverfieldBehaviour]

Excellent video, nice to see animals being well cared for, thanks.

[@brianchavez6459]

What an incredibly informative video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and strategies on raising Dexter's. I will be sure to follow you on here.

[@locustvalleyfarms7241]

Unlike all the other videos you ANSWERED my questions. Thank you peat!

[@mcchupka9718]

Great video. I never get tired of your commentary and I always seem to learn something new. Makes me think.

[@matthewbell9517]

This was the most informative video I've seen about cattle. Thanks!!!

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

You're welcome Matthew!

[@matthewgrubbs3152]

Keep up the great work. Your videos are so packed full of information compared to these other farm videos on KZbin. Wish I would have found you before I started my farm. I wish you the best with your channel.

[@kelleyvancamp3589]

Outstanding video. I'm so glad I found your channel. I miss my grandparents farm so much..now that I'm an old man. Thanks again. And God bless.

[@chasingmoonlightfarm]

Such an amazingly concise video!! As a newbie homesteader, looking into beef breeds...so so helpful!

[@jodyjohnsen]

It is unlikely that I will have cows of any kind but I really like watching your videos. Now I have to figure out how to buy some of those ribeyes.

[@edmartin875]

A large percentage of steaks and such bought from the typical big box supermarket are dairy cattle steers.

[@VanPray]

Good production effort. Thank you for putting in the work.

[@bunnylover6481]

Great video. Thanks Pete. I like how you named some of the cows.

[@tennysdp]

Great presentation- well done!

[@morris6907]

You do great videos and I learn so much about meats and farming. Thanks

[@albertorodriguez6287]

Yes I did enjoy your video. Keep making them. Watching from NYC.

[@kathrynhelm4176]

Fascinating video! I have absolutely nothing to do with cattle but I throughly enjoyed listening to you cover all the topics on Dexters. ❤️🥰👍

[@MrForsaken5]

what an awesome video. thanks for sharing! I really learned and enjoyed this one. I love your Dexters

[@larrylopez9614]

By far the best farm channel on KZbin.

[@mikoyanfulcrum1]

Very informative! Enjoyed this insight. Thank You!

[@bigtime37ja]

Third time thru watching, Sir you provide excellent MENTORSHIP. Thank you

[@michaelmccarthy7133]

Love your videos, very informative especially the Dexter and small farm management advice, we have a small Dexter herd in Ireland and I love the breed.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thanks Michael! And thanks for watching all the way from Ireland.

[@elvisestevez5816]

Excellent! I have seen this video 3x over in the past 4 years. Very thorough given the time frame. All the best for a great Thanksgiving.

[@jpal5221]

Very informative and educational video - thanks for posting!

[@sevenohnine]

I learned so much from this video. Thank you!

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

I have learned so much from you about livestock Mr. Pete. When Daddy and I were farming, we grew tobacco, grain and vegetables but never had livestock. Grandpa used to but by the time I came along, all his livestock was gone. A great example is Dexters. I really didn't know anything about them until I started watching your channel. Most people around here that raise cattle have Hereford, Angus or a cross of the two. There's no doubt they are gentle and friendly.

[@JimDoubleYa]

This is great information and your presentation is very good as well. I'm just finding your channel and am looking forward to browsing your videos! Thank you!

[@MrVailtown]

Professional professor Pete well done and informative videos

[@sgrvtl7183]

This is a nice presentation, easy to understand and follow.

[@VerticalConnectionsInc8422]

Thank you for the insightful and detailed information. I look forward to catching up on your videos and gaining a greater understanding of operating a cow/calf operation in the upper northeast.

[@jasonmalone6983]

Great videos! Love the educational nature of your videos.

[@McLeands]

Dear Pete, I cant begin to thank you for your content!!! My wife and I enjoy your content. I found your channel after getting interested in getting some chickens. Your GREAT! I love the idea of know where your food comes from, you bring this home. Keep putting our fantastic content and we will keep watching. Thanks for educating folks about farming. All the Best, Don

[@zachreyhelmberger894]

Wow! Wonderful and informative video!! Thank you!

[@carolkimbell5174]

Thanks Pete. It was interesting hearing about the dexter cattle.

[@wallacejeffery5786]

Good video. My family raised angus and we Always ate grass fed. It is delicious. We had fence issues. Pushed down mainly.

[@silasderoma4726]

This is a great video. Thanks for sharing all that detail.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

You're welcome Silas!

[@nicolemyers8551]

Thank you for sharing! We literally just got dexters today 🎉 a mama & a calve for our 2 acre homestead. This has pretty much answered all my questions on them 😊 (we have Nigerian dwarf goats too, we have them separated right now, but once they get to know each other, we think they’ll get along nicely)

[@doylemarkham1010]

Thanks for the education. Very informative

[@jamesbreault5762]

Lots of great info Pete👍👍👍👍

[@TheRumbleBunny]

Not a farmer but really enjoyed the information, esp about the process of breeding. Very interesting and explains why you think Dexters are both fun to keep and provide great meat!

[@bobwarren7608]

Brilliant video! I'd love to hear more about the year round operation of other enterprises on your farm.

[@MuhammadAbdullah-yx2io]

Hey Pete , You are awesome narrator about this Dexter Bread

[@maycienunez1177]

going out to buy a dexter and mini Herefords probably after our ol holstein steers, these videos have been really good and informative about what i need to know about these cows along with a good rough estimate on how big they are going to get, thank you for publishing

[@tonysmith1024]

Thanks for this video. I really enjoyed it.

[@powderhornfarm128]

Thank you for another great video.

[@jamesedwards1588]

Excellent this was exactly what I was looking for.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you James!

[@maureensurdez7841]

Cute, nice explanation of pasture logistics

[@markballard9300]

Great video! Learned a lot. Thanks!

[@cowboy2180]

Great information, very helpful thanks

[@cherylirvin3919]

You are a good teacher.

[@johnp1]

Very good and comprehensive video.

[@jimlong527]

Great information, thanks Pete.

[@utot0210]

I wasn't that easy , I thought, just open the gate and leave them alone 🤣 thank you Pete you are the man , I love your videos

[@bigtunaleague6077]

Excellent work! I think we will commit to dexter after listening to this information. Cheers from Buffalo Tx

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you! Can't go wrong with Dexters!

[@tinsoffish1810]

Thank you for this🙂...commendable video,allready shared.

[@shawnchapman6291]

Thanks for your videos.love em

[@dude2850]

Great video will investigate if any are available locally thank you for the insight to them.

[@karenbarger6642]

Excellent information. We have a similar setup and are just starting out...this was very helpful!

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you Karen!

[@saxefoner]

Very good! It is a joy to witness such an incredible success in the work and the presentation of it.

[@juliannrowland6552]

Great video Pete!!😊

[@billreal76]

WOW, Pete! This was an interesting and informative video.

[@leslieputnam9385]

Very informative. Well done. Thanks!

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

You're welcome Leslie!

[@haroldvanoverbeck359]

Hey Pete!, having a hard time getting to make a comment. Just watched your 4/1/22 video where you ask for input for your videos. I have commented previously and you answered, which surprised me really. I 20 years ago started a journeyy similar to yours and for 10 years just reised for myself and family and really enjoyed the lifestyle, however not full time. Your videos have brought back those fine, fun times, my opinion is for you to not change anything. Your instincts are great and you have the best channel on the tube. Always interesting and I so look forward to viewing them. I view you as a neighbor and will enjoy your gardening in the future. Forgive the lengthly response . You do a great job, Hello to Hill.

[@zarachastellaris9016]

Gorgeous meat! I don't think I've ever seen such beautiful beef!

[@unclelarry9138]

Very informative. Thank you

[@jaypino2642]

I really enjoyed this video,thank you

[@homesteadinginmohavecounty1626]

This is the 3rd time I've watched this video, as a refresher course. We just got our first dexter 2 weeks ago. She's a 2 yr old bred heifer. She's bred to a Jersey, so her calf will be a belfair. We're hoping for a heifer calf, but if not, we'll have one to raise up for beef.

[@juanrider817]

Great video sir, thanks for sharing. Stay safe.

[@davemi00]

Hi Pete, appreciate your thorough explanation of ranching from a regenerative aspect. Nicely done !

[@kenhenke3693]

Great video Pete

[@micharris1761]

this is a wonderful video ty so much.