Purebred Dexter Cattle Association of North America (PDCA)
404 High Street, Prairie Home, MO 65068

Dexters are an old established and naturally small breed of hardy cattle utilized for their beef, dairy, and in some cases even for their muscle as oxen. Before the advent of the refrigerator, small landholders in Europe would keep a Dexter cow in the backyard to provide a family’s supply of fresh milk and meat. Dexters often became then, as they still do today, a member of the family. Perhaps a history of being in close contact with people while being taken for walks along the parkways combined with Dexters small size, helped to develop the ease of handling and docile temperament that’s found in most Dexters and is favored by both young and old. Watching a nine-year old driving a team of Dexter oxen with large glistening horns demonstrates why some consider Dexters a fun breed of cattle. Don’t let their small size fool you, though. Dexters, pound for pound, are one of the most productive breeds of cattle at economically turning poor forage into rich milk and delicious meat. Dexters can provide a homesteader’s family an ample supply of milk that’s high in butterfat, or can provide enough milk to nurse two calves. A Dexter steer will fit nicely in the family freezer and provide just the right sized cuts of meat for today’s health conscious consumer. So whether you’re hauling a sled, making cheese, or desiring natural beef, there’s a horned, polled, black, dun, or red Dexter that’s just right for you.

Jesse Burdette in PA with his oxen team.

Circle H's Frederick, Belle Fourche Herd, CA

Rose Marie Belforti & Fingerlakes Treasa

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Copyright © 2005-2006 Purebred Dexter Cattle Association
Last modified: Friday, October 12, 2007 01:05 PM