#dexters

4/15/2018

We saved for a few years and recently decided that we’re ready to add cows to our small hobby farm. Martin grew up on a livestock farm in SW Ontario (Red Poll cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, horses, etc.) but I didn’t. He travels a lot for work so I’ll be caring for the cows while he is away.

After a lot of thought, we decided to start with Dexters instead of Red Polls (like Martin’s parents have). I wanted a small cow that is hardy and can survive Alberta’s cold winters. Dexters are also suitable for overgrown pastures (like what we have). Two genetic concerns with Dexters are chondrodysplasia (causes defective bone growth) and PHA (underdeveloped lungs and swelling).

I ordered two general books on cattle raising so that I can start catching up with Martin. I feel a bit overwhelmed already. :)

Storey's Guide to Raising Beef Cattle, 3rd Edition: Health, Handling, Breeding by Heather Smith Thomas (2009)

Grass-Fed Cattle: How to Produce and Market Natural Beef by Julius Ruechel (2006)

Here is a free PDF guide:

Beef Production for Small Farms: An Overview (Oregon State University Extension, 2000).

because the fuck do you mean you hate k pop demon hunters just because netflix removed dexters.