Dexters are a small, hardy, dual-purpose breed of cattle originating from Ireland. They are usually black but may also be red or dun in colour. Dexters are thrifty, and good food converters, they may be out wintered if given shelter and are well fed. Cows and heifers are easy calving and good mothers, the calves are soon on their feet and suckling. Being small, 2 Dexters can be kept on the same acreage as for 1 larger breed. MILK. A Dexter will produce good quantities of milk and will suckle her own calf and possibly two others, or alternatively, supply the house. BEEF. A prime Dexter steer or heifer produces excellent traditional tasting beef and their small size makes them ideal for the freezer.

We keep approximately ten Dexter females plus followers; some are red in colour including our stock bull "Marnans Red Cedar". During the summer months the cattle eat grass with free access to minerals to ensure vitamin levels are maintained. In winter they are housed in stalls, which we find invaluable in achieving human contact and therefore making the cows quiet to handle, but they are still turned out daily for exercise. The Dexters are fed ad-lib hay, haylage or straw, and a cereal based supplementary feed. Our aim is to produce: A small beefy animal of quality and breed character that is well handled and halter trained. Prime, lean, well marbled beef, naturally and traditionally grown with the highest consideration to the animals welfare.