Dexter Cattle

Established in 2001 with the purchase of Needles Hall Muriel and Needles Hall Discovery, we now have 6 breeding female’s and followers. They calve in February and July to our Stage 1 accredited stock bull Elmwood Jacob.

The Dexter originated in the South Western region of Ireland. Like the Kerry, they are descended from the predominately black cattle of the early Celts. The frequently heard theory that the Dexters are a comparatively new breed is a complete fallacy as the breed is fully described and mentioned by its proper name, in a report on Irish cattle written in 1845, by Mr David Low. A true dual purpose breed the Dexter is the smallest breed of British cattle, weighing on average 350kg’s and standing 92-107cm at the shoulder, making them the ideal smallholders cattle.

Dexter’s are extremely maternal and make excellent mothers, they are generally easy calving and due to their dual purpose breeding they have plenty of milk. Cow’s have been known to breed regularly for up to the age of 14. The breed is early maturing and can finish at 20-24 months on a grass based system without supplementary feeding, they have a good meat to bone ratio, giving a good killing out percentage with of 56% being achievable , beef of excellent quality and good marbling can be produced economically it is well sought after.