"Little Black Cow", 19th century painting by unknown artist
Our Dexter Journey
We began being interested in Dexters in 2015. The fascination was the little black cow that could do it all: gourmet beef and creamy milk, even pull a plow if asked to do so. That Dexters are a heritage breed originating from Ireland meshed well with our philosophy of conservation and personal roots. While Dexters have become quite popular in the United States, it has been tantalizing -and difficult at times- to find the historic phenotype and maintain true dual-purpose qualities with excellent conformation and a generous, friendly demeanor. You will find a small herd of (de-) horned black cows here, ready to be your friend and work their hearts out for you. Our cattle are PHA-free and we have one chondro- carrier.
Throughout this journey we have been guided and mentored by some of the most wonderful people in Dexterdom to whom we will always be grateful. They continue to support us with their friendship, wisdom and unfiltered honesty. Keep us on the straight and narrow, ladies and gents! We couldn't do this without you.
Jesse Sears
Jesse Diocletian Sears, Dave's grandfather, was born in 1880 in upstate New York. As a young farmer he dreamed the dream of the perfect cattle herd. He took his beloved Red Poll Cattle, by train, to shows all over New England and was rewarded when one of his cows took the title of Grand Champion. He married and had children. Life, while hard, was good.
In the early 1910s the government issued a bovine tuberculosis eradication program and when cows in his county tested positive, Jesse had to watch while his cattle were killed and burned. He was never the same.
Our farm name and prefix are a nod to the man. The dream lives on.
The Herd, ADCA # 9760
Jesse's Maude
Jesse's Samantha
Jesse's Matilda
Dave's fave: magnificent Maude. She's simply fabulous. Milk cow.
Jesse's Matilda
Jesse's Samantha
Jesse's Matilda
The third Tuck/ Vi daughter and the best one yet. She's my best friend in the herd and would probably sleep on the couch if I let her. Matilda!
Jesse's Samantha
Jesse's Samantha
Jesse's Samantha
Samantha , the mascot. Boop has long lines, depth, great hips and, above all, type. Milk cow.
Wakarusa WRN Luxa
Wakarusa WRN Luxa
Wakarusa WRN Luxa
Luxa's pedigree has excited me since I saw it. On top of that, she is a chondro-carrier. Somehow I knew her future was with us. The stars aligned on this one!
Jesse's Charlotte
Wakarusa WRN Luxa
Wakarusa WRN Luxa
Charlotte is the continuation of a favorite maternal line, but with a "softer" visual.
Jesse's Lucy
Wakarusa WRN Luxa
Jesse's Damien
Lucy is a friendly little thing and has turned into a favorite. A milk cow in the making.
Jesse's Damien
Jesse's Damien
Damien , the only living Dexter bull I'm aware of with teat placemenet like a dairy bull. He could be the one to "fix" an udder in one generation. There's a good chance he'll be collected. Dual-purpose Dexters!
Jesse's Roll Tide
Rolo will hang around for the foreseeable future as Damien's steer buddy.
Chautauqua Jody in memoriam
Half rescue, half preservation, we had the privilege of caring for Jody during the short time she had remaining. Rest easy, dear friend. So much love.