Why Irish Dexter Cattle?

First, let me say my family's farm supports and maintains a commercial cow/calf black Angus or "Baldy" herd in the southeastern part of North Carolina. This website is dedicated to small-scale, locally based, and environmentally sustainable meat production. It does not take much land for a family to support themselves and extended family members by raising their own protein sources. 

We raise Irish Dexter cattle at Hammonds Land & Cattle for their exceptional qualities and versatility. They are known for being very docile and handsome animals, and they are also dual-purpose: providing high-quality milk A2/A2 and tender beef.

Irish Dexters thrive in smaller pastures compared to full-sized cattle, making them ideal for our family farm. They are nurturing mothers and produce lively, healthy calves. Our cows typically stand about 38 inches tall at the hip, while our bulls reach around 44 inches. We wean our calves at six months and separate our heifers until they are at least 16 months old before breeding, ensuring they are healthy and strong.

There is a growing market for Irish Dexters, and we proudly sell registered breeding stock that meets the highest standards for beef and milk production. With proper training, Dexter cows are gentle and easy to milk, allowing you to produce wholesome, quality dairy. 

Dexter cattle are easier on the land and pasture.  They inherently weigh less than typical commercial cattle.  That means produce less pounds per square inch on the soil and therefore reducing the soil compaction.  Soil compaction decreases water infiltration, increases runoff, and restricts root growth.

Any cattle that do not meet our genetic standards are reserved for beef processing. We butcher our beef cattle at 24 months old, ensuring they have ample time to grow and develop. Our Dexters are grass-fed, with no grain in their diet, resulting in petite cuts that are lean, flavorful, and unlike anything you’d find in a store. A 780-pound live-weight Dexter won’t overwhelm your freezer, but it will delight your palate!