We like Dexters because they're small and versatile. 

Compared to a commercial beef or dairy breed, they don't go through nearly as much hay and water.  And of course it doesn't hurt nearly as much when they step on your foot.  

Yet our tiny herd provides both beef and milk for our family, plus plenty to sell.  Perfect for smallholders like us... ​maybe for you.

When Every Hoof Counts

With just four cows in our small-footprint herd, we went to great lengths to start off on the right foot.  We looked for breeders who are serious about milking their own cows... breeders who've improved udders, hooves, legs, and conformation in their herd.  And we divvied up genetic lines to keep our tiny herd strong. 

To stay small but sustainable, every year we have a couple of fine young animals for sale at reasonable prices. So you can benefit from our diligence too.

Our foundation line comes from Emerald Park Farm in Seattle, Silver Maple Dexters in Nebraska, and Belle Fourche Farm in Georgia.

The Means of Production

Nature's Food Chain

DIY Wake Up Call

Small holdings have small capital requirements.  With a couple of cows in your back pocket, you can own the means of production, even in our industrialized world.  Self-suffiency is a beautiful thing, and not just for yourself... it also helps contribute to a robust, resilient society.

When you ditch the grocery store chain, and embrace nature's food chain, both humane farming and high quality natural foods are attainable. Our steers have a nice, pastoral life of at least three years.  This makes for nutritious beef, and equally important, all of our animals enjoy a decent life.

Cows are a good reason to get up in the morning.  They're smart (give them some time), and have distinct personalities. Raising tame, socialized cows to milk is a fulfilling hobby.  If it also happens to serve you and your neighbors when the lights go out... well, that's just icing on the cake.

Were you born in a barn?  Our calves were... Socialization starts on Day One.  Our critters are handled 2-3 times every day.  

Our cows are good moms.  They have all calved quietly and easily.  And so quickly, in fact, that we've not yet caught them in the act.  They're very maternal and take excellent care of their young.

Our animals are not grain-fed, but they are fed grain, and other bovine delicacies. As with all mammals, food is the key to socialization. A little bit keeps them coming 'round.  

Some Things We've Learned

We use a milk-sharing system...  

Milking doesn't have to be a ball and chain.  Our calves feed naturally, and we milk when we want to. There's plenty enough to go around, and we're not tied to bottle-feeding, or milking schedules. The calves take care of all that!  And there are other low-key options, like milking once daily when the calf is weaned. See Likes & Links for more info.