In February of 2008, along with Phil’s parents and his brother, Tim, and sister-in-law Lisa, we purchased three bred Dexter cows and one heifer. The following June, we had three new calves, and our Dexter herd was underway. February of 2009, we all bought a yearling Dexter bull, Magee, from Patty and Clay Adams of Wakarusa Ridge Ranch just southwest of Clinton Lake, near Lawrence.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Dexter breed, they were traditionally the family cow of Irish farmsteads of yore, serving to provide generations of Irish farm families with meat, milk, and draft power. They have been on American farms for many years, but were first organized into a recognized breed in North America in the early 1900’s. Being rather smaller in numbers than many more popular breeds, they escaped the commercial breeding trends of the late 1900’s toward ever-larger animals. Thus, they retain the small stature that most breeds typically had pre-1950. Their smaller size makes them ideal for smaller farms, and for feeding families. They are docile, easy-keeping animals, curious and friendly. They are reputed to have excellent flavored beef. We are banking on that.

We are raising our current calves just for family use as we develop our herd. Phil’s long-term goal is to be able to milk the cows and produce artisanal cheese and other dairy products. Perhaps he will get to that before retirement. For now, check in with us from time-to-time for updates on the progress of this, our newest farming adventure.