Cows
We finally did it! The most iconic farm animal in America has made its way to our farm.
Because we have dairy goats, we didn’t feel the need to add dairy cows as well. So, we started researching beef breeds. We quickly became overwhelmed at the number of breeds and crosses there are to choose from. With no experience behind us, owning such a large animal was in and of itself a bit daunting. The most trouble we’d experienced so far was a buck in rut headbutting us. Imagine adding a thousand pounds and horns to that!
I wanted Highlands because they’re just so majestic. But, boy do you pay for it!! Realistically, it came down to Herefords and Angus. Then, we started getting prices…ouch! I threw myself further into goats and we let the goal of having cows simmer for a bit. Then, out of the blue, I received a message from someone who lived 10 minutes away saying they had a Dexter cow/calf pair available. Just like that, the cow “pot” got put back on the front burner.
We went to see them and fell in love immediately. After a little research, we all agreed Dexters would be a great place to start. They’re the smallest of all heritage breed cattle which is a little less scary, and they are known for great temperament and easy birthing.
Momma and baby arrived at our farm shortly after. At first, they were afraid, and Momma [Minnie] a little overprotective. But, we tried to make our presence known and offer them treats so they would know they could trust us. We named them Minnie and Mo after G. I. Joe’s favorite tractor brand: Minneapolis Moline.
As time went on, Minnie began to approach us, but forbade Mo from doing so. She started loving us for her Alfalfa cubes. But, she soon got an attitude with small children. This was a no for us, as our kids help take care of the animals daily, and we invite all of our farm guests and customers to interact with the animals. We met with a local breeder whom we planned to buy more heifers from who thought it might be possible, though maybe not likely, for her to calm down if she had other cow companions.
Shortly after, we got another message offering up another steer, Mo’s half brother. We decided to take him. And, about a week after that, came another message from the sellers offering up his mom (who was now bred again) and the bull, as they were hoping to put more time into their horses instead of cows. Bulls were off the table for me, but we had already lined up 4 bred heifers and we were going to need a way to breed them in the future. So, 3 more cows were delivered!
Left to right: Our beautiful bull, Henry who is half Dexter/ half Highland, Jenny and John (mother and son), and Mo and John, brothers reunited
Well, too late to turn back now! It took Henry all of 5 minutes to start testing the fence to get to his female friends, and since our farm was previously a horse farm, the electric was much too high to affect our stout Dexter companions, so Superman had to do what superheroes do and go in with the bull to reinstall the electric at Henry’s height.
Henry turned out to be a very sweet, inquisitive boy who is just such a majestic sight. And in no time at all, our other bred heifers came to round out our starting herd. Casey, Holly, Olive, and Alice are all expecting to calve around May 2025.
Did you know?: Contrary to popular belief, horns aren’t only for bulls. We have 3 girls with horns and 3 without. It’s in their genetics!
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