Why We’re Glad We Chose the Dexter Breed of Cattle…

… and why we think you will be too.  At Ambrosia Farms, we’re delighted with our choice of Dexter cattle for several compelling reasons. Their manageable size and temperament make them ideal for our small-scale farming approach. Dexter cattle are hardy and adaptable, thriving in various environments, which we believe is crucial especially for the family homestead. Their smaller stature means less space and feed requirements, significantly reducing farming costs. Moreover, their dual-purpose nature, providing both high-quality meat and nutrient-rich milk, aligns perfectly with our farm’s commitment to sustainable and versatile agricultural practices.  What’s even better, is with just a little work, these cows become the friendliest “pets” that offer a fully integrated family experience of young and old.  Their calm and gentle nature is more fully expressed as they serve the small family farm.

These little cows align with our vision

The presence of Dexter Cattle at Ambrosia Farms encapsulates the farm’s vision of creating a harmonious, sustainable, and fulfilling farming experience. These cattle are not merely livestock; they represent the farm’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and the enrichment of the local community and environment.  Whether you have a small 5 or 6 acre farm or a larger family or community project, we feel more than ever that the Dexter will serve you well.

Breeding & Selecting For a Truly Dual-Purpose Breed

At Ambrosia Farms, our breeding strategy for Dexter cattle focuses on enhancing their dual-purpose characteristics. We carefully select for traits that optimize both meat and milk production. Dexter cattle are naturally inclined for this dual-purpose role, offering excellent beef quality and milk rich in butterfat content.  While we do not select directly for milk type or horned/polled status, we do prefer a polled and a2/a2 Dexter.  We feel that this best serves our market of small family farms.  Our selection encompasses a wide spectrum of traits and attributes, but summed up, we are looking for a compact, fertile animal that is efficient at converting 100% grass to the highest quality milk and meat.  By focusing on these qualities, we ensure the cattle contribute effectively to both dairy and meat production at our farm and the farms that future genetics will serve. This selective breeding approach aligns with our goal of maximizing the utility and sustainability of our livestock, ensuring that each animal brings a broad range of benefits to all of our farming operations.

Dexter Cattle Have a rich History

The Dexter cattle, as charming and petite as they may appear, have a history as rich as the rolling green hills of Ireland, their place of origin. These small friends have a story that resonates deeply with our mission of promoting small-scale, sustainable farming.

As we embrace the legacy of Dexter cattle, we’re reminded of the importance of preserving heritage breeds and sustainable farming practices. Ambrosia Farms is committed to upholding these values, ensuring that the story of Dexter cattle continues to inspire future generations of small-scale farmers and sustainable agriculture enthusiasts.