Most of our Dexter's are halter trained and well handled, making them ideal for any newcomer to the breed.
The cows get hand milked when they first calve, therefore keeping a nice udder on them for many years to come.

We use only A.I. being very selective about pedigrees.

Diana Lusty is a Field Advertiser for the area. She is happy to supply information and help to any newcomer to the breed and give details of the Dexter Cattle Society.

Visitors always welcome.
Stock sometimes available. Calves at weaning.

OWLET. 10.6.86 --- 27.3.07

Owlet was our oldest cow and would have been 21 years old in June 2007. Sadly the ligaments in her back legs started to go over the winter months and the decision was taken to have the vet put her down here on the farm in March.

She was bought with her mother soon after we started the Lusty herd. The previous owner thought she was a 9 month old bull calf and sold her to us for the £50.00 he first quoted. Looking back now she was the best £50.00 I have ever spent. Only 36 inches high, but what a character she was. She was shown both locally and at the Royal Show and did well. Owlet was a little cow who loved the shows and the fuss she had made of her.
She produced many calves the last being in 2003 but unfortunately most were bull calves.
We held a 20th birthday party for her and raised over £1600 for Ovarian Cancer Research that was being done at Maidstone Hospital.
Owlet had a great time with the children grooming her and leading her around, although she was not so keen on the birthday cake I made her!
We still miss her and her funny little ways. There will never be another Owlet.

The Dexter originated in the South Western region of Ireland. Like the Kerry, they are descended from the predominately black cattle of the early Celts. The frequently heard theory that the Dexters are a comparatively new breed is a complete fallacy as the breed is fully described and mentioned by its proper name in a report on Irish cattle written in 1845 by Mr David Low.

From this publication we learn that the breed owes its modern appearance, name, and probably qualities to a Mr Dexter who was agent to a Lord Howarden who came to Ireland in 1750 and made his home in County Tipperary.

Dexter cattle were first introduced into England in 1882, when ten Dexters were purchased by Mr. Martin J. Sutton of Kidmore Grange, Oxfordshire from Mr. James Robertson of La Mancha, Nr. Malahide, Dublin.

They were first shown at the Royal Show at Norwich in 1886. By 1892 this native Irish breed was so well established in Great Britain that at a meeting of breeders at the Smithfield club on December 6th resulted in the formation of  the Kerry and Dexter/Kerry cattle society.

Dexters are the smallest British breed of cattle, and are established as a dual purpose breed with the average weight of a cow being some 300 KGs and standing approx. 36" to 42" at the shoulder.

The breed comes in three colours, predominately black, but also in red and dun. Being a mountain breed they are extremely hardy and can live outside all year round. Their size and versatility makes them an ideal smallholders cow.

Milk yields will vary according to management and conditions, that is to say whether the cows are kept as dairy cows, sucklers or house cows. For instance the average milk yield for a house cow will be 2270 litres per lactation. Cows kept as sucklers will raise its own calf as well as a larger commercial foster calf and do them well. Dexters kept as dairy cows will yield on average 2450 litres to 2870 litres, with some individuals yielding 4080 litres. The milk is of very good quality with high butterfat and protein levels. Average butterfat percentage is well over 4% and protein 3.51%.

Heifers mature young and can be put to the bull at 15 to 18 months old. Dexters are noted for their longevity and should breed regularly for 14 years or more. Calving problems are rare, with calves being quick on their feet, full of character and with a lively inquisitive temperament.

The success of the Dexter over the last 20 to 25 years is quite outstanding. The Dexters ability to adapt to varying and extreme climatic conditions and different systems of management is typical of the breed. They have established themselves well in many parts of the world. Animals have been exported not only to USA and South Africa, but also to Canada, Jamaica, Argentina, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and Australia. Several of these countries now have their own breed societies, which only goes to show how well this breed has become established, truly the small cow with a big future.