official publication of the American Dexter Cattle Association Regional Directors Aane.. ican Region I Missouri and Illinois John K noche, RR # I, Box 2 14A, LaGrange, MO 63448 Dexte.. Cattle (573) 655-4152 [email protected] Term Expires: I 1/2003

Association Region 2 Oregon and Idaho 26804 Ebeneze., Anna Poole, 13474 Agate Road, Eagle Point, OR 97524 Conco.,dia, MO (541) 826-3467 [email protected] Tem1 Expires: 11/2003 64020 Region 3 Washington, British Columbia, Hawaii, and Alaska Mark Youngs, 19919- 80th Avenue, N.E., Bothell, WA 98011 (206) 489-1492 Term Expires: II /2003 2001 Officers President Region 4 Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah Patrick Mitchell Carol Ann Traynor, 749 24 3/4 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505 7164 Barry Street (970) 241-2005 [email protected] Term Expires: 11 /2003 Hudsonville, MI 49426 (616) 875-7494 Region 5 Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchawan shamrockacres@hotmai I. com All yn Nelson, Box 2, Colinton, Alberta, Canada TOG ORO (780) 675-9295 Term Expires: 11 /2003 Vice President Kathleen Smith Region 6 Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas 351 Lighthall Road Marvin Johnson, P.O. Box 441, Elkhart, KS 67950 Ft. Plain, NY 13339 (580) 696-4836 [email protected] Term Expires: 111200 I (5 18) 993-2823 [email protected] Region 7 Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio Stan Cass, 19338 Pigeon Roost Rd., Howard, OH 43028 Secretary- Treasurer (740) 599-2928 [email protected] Term Expires: I 1/200 I Rosemary Fleharty 26804 Ebenezer Region 8 Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, N. Carolina, Concordia, MO 64020 S. Carolina, and Tennessee (660) 463-7704 Donna Martin, t 9615 Asheville Hwy, Landrum, SC 29356 (Evenings & weekends) (864) 457-4916 [email protected] Term Expires: I 112001 [email protected] Region 9 California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico Settd 2Jea:tu ~ ami adttertidemud.J Wes Patton, 7069 County Rd. 20, Orland, CA 95963 ta.- (916) 865-7250 [email protected] Term Expires: II /200 I The Dexter Bulletin Region 10 Pennsylvania, W. Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, & Delaware Richard Henry Gwen Casey-Higgins, 4533 Lockes Mill Road, Berryville, VA 2261 1 17409 E. 163rd St. (540) 955-4421 [email protected] Tenn Expires: 11 /2002 Lee's Summit, MO 64082 rchar@toast. net Region 11 New Jersey and New York Slavka Perrone, 8703 Murray Road, Red Creek, NY 13143 (3 I 5) 947-6912 Term Expires: 11/2002

Region 12 Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, & Vermont Gary Williams, RR I, Box 5131 , Sedgwick, ME 04676-9714 (207) 326-47 17 Tenn Expires: 11/2002

Region 13 No1ih & South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Manitoba Paul Anderson, 773 Jesup St., Indianola, IA 50125 (5 15) 961-6772 [email protected] Term Expires: I 1/2002

Region 14 Michigan, Ontario, Quebec, and Eastern Provinces John Potter, 2524 W. Elm Valley Road, Galien, MI 49113 © American Dexter Cattl e Association (616) 545-2455 [email protected] Term Expires: 11 /2002

Page 2 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 ~\ectio 11 Message From The President Here we are ... the beginning of Our Association faces a number of Results spring already! I'm sure everyone has interesting challenges as it continues to The final results for regional seen enough winter, and is eager for the grow and evolve. We are continuing to director elections are as follows: weather to change. change and improve, as evidenced by the There are lots of things that Dexter infonnation now found on the web page. Region I enthusiasts can look forward to .... spring We have established a good system for John Knoche - 26 votes calving (we're expecting 16 calves in color determination, and are now able to April), updating color records (is your truly identify red animals. We are Region 2 prize animal red or dun?), making sure putting together the new annual edition, Anna Poole - 14 votes your herd records are updated and sent which includes the breeders' directory to Rosemary for inclusion in the annual and farm advertising. We are trying to Region 3 Herd Book, assisting in the bulldog establish a classification system, Mark Youngs - 13 votes research project by providing specimens although it has had a rough start. I'm for evaluation, preparing for the Annual confident that the Science Comm ittee Region 4 meeting, and on and on. Being a Dexter will evaluate the feedback it has received Carol Ann Traynor - 15 votes owner and active member of our and will work to continuously improve Association can provide each of us with the system. Region 5 a number of things to be involved with. As I've stated in the past, I'm very Allyn Nelson* Plans continue to progress for the proud of the things our Association has • Total vote count unavailable. Annual Meeting in New York. The accomplished. But, we haven't finished earlier timefrarne this year may allow us the job, and I'm sure there are things that All candidates ran unopposed and to avoid the extreme heat and humidity we can do better .. We need to do a better were victorious. Congratulations! that we encountered last year. Please job of listening to the membership, and I plan to attend if possible; an advantage want to challenge the members to help ++++ of having the meeting move around the me - and the rest of the officers and country is the chance to attend it when it directors - by offering constructive Region 6 Spring Meeting comes to your area. I hope many criticism and new ideas to some of the April 28th and 29th members plan to exhibit their stock in nagging concerns that affect the Stillwater, Oklahoma the Show and Sale - the more animals Association. Together we can make a Contact Marvin Johnson, Region 6 exhibited, the better chance to observe positive difference. Patrick Mitchell Director, for more information. the variations inherent in our breed. ADCA President

Contents

Officer and Directors ...... <...... 2 Mellsage From the President ...... ,...... 3 hort Stop. a Dexter ...... 4-5 The Chunglng U.S. Cnttlc lnduslry ...... 6-9 Annual Meeting Agenda ...... 9 2001 Annu all\1eetin~ Update...... tO Food for thought: Designer beef ncar? ...... ll Region 4 Nc~'s ...... " ...... 11 hould You Cct Into Va lu ~Added Food Products? ...... 12 T he Ben ine l 'attoo ...... 13 From Region 6 ...... 13 Pasture ·F AQ ...... ~ ...... _...... 14-18 From the Editor. etc ...... 18 Cla!-!lificd Advtrtising ...... 19-ll Cover photo: Twin heifers born to Info rmation ...... , ...... 21-23 Shome Christal 5-2-2000- Little Sheba and Reba. Photograph ncadlinc for Summer 200l fssue courtesy ojHai"IJ' and Sue Newho/d. • Mu} I t •

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 · Page 3 S fiort Stop, a (])e:(ter

Short Stop and poem. Visitors curried Short Stop ...

... And looked at Short Stop and But sometimes Short Stop said visited with Starr about Dexters. (with actions), "I need a break!"

Sometimes there were breaks between visitors. Back home. "Ah, glad that's over."

Page 4 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 S fiort Stop, a (/)eXjer

by Starr Walkup sure the pasture was clipped. The can see by the pictures that we made it.) decided to buy some Dexters animals had it first in the one eye and Rather than hide the effects of his because of their legendary sweet then proceeded to get it in the second pinkeye, I used a pirate theme (intended temperament and small size and dual after I hoped they would have developed to make an eyepatch, but with bathing, purpose. 1 got my first ones in February some immunity/resistance. By the time etc., just didn't get it done; had a of the year 2000. I (being scared of Labor Day rolled around, the bull had borrowed pirate hat to put on the horns) set about to find a polled bull. healed pretty well with on ly a spot in one fence ... ) and had this poem on the gate: My search took me to Washington state, eye, the cow looked fii~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~!!!!!!!!!~!!!!!!!!!~ but the transport brought a price tag that like she would get away without pem1- was over my comfort zone, so I decided Irisli r[)e~er, Sliort Stop (9/2000) to "distribute" the cost by purchasing anent damage, and several animals. In the end, my deal was the baby bull had to receive 4 animals, a bull, a cow and healed without any !Jvty narne is Snort Stop, bu ll calt and a steer. This deal took visible effect. But (jJut you c'n ca{( rne Pirate Zee. some time to conclude and then the trip the steer, Short Stop, took additional. The animals arrived in was blind in the first I carne frorn Wasliington. late May after an extra week of eye affected (the vet !Jvtissouri. pinkf!ye got me. uprootedness (caused by a truck said that he thought breakdown in California). The seller of the eye had just the steer had fallen for his personality receded temporarily (]3ut l1n a (j)e~er, and had already trained him to petting under the patch, but }lnar[)e~ers Cove jo{/q! and currying, so I was hoping to exhibit that has n't proved to him as a prime example of a Dexter. be the case) and the !Jvtakf! rne fz.appy witli a curry corn6-­ When he arri ved and got off the truck pinkeye was actively qive me (ong, gent(e strokf!s. and into my barnlot, he kicked up his involved in the heels like a rodeo bull, so glad to be on second eye. terra firma! At least that was my Actually, the Sorne (])e~ers pu(( as oXfn. interpretation. He definitely had university vet said, We're goo a for rniCft ana rneat, personality! the pinkeye itself was However, my animals were not to probably over, but }ltufsorne peopfe {i~ to ~ep us have the happiest fate. Little did I know the body's reaction 'Cause our personauties are so sweet. at that time how important a factor stress can take a long time was to cattle. These animals were to resolve. As you thrown together in Washington without may remember, I Im liere anayou can pet rne, the steer knowing the others, then they envisioned Short P.ven wo/?jn' uf..!

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 5 The Changing U.S. Cattle Industry by Drew Conroy This article appeared in the ALBC News (July-August, 1998- Vol. 15, Issue 4) and is reprinted with the kind permission of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312. America has become a society of specialists. Our jobs are specialized, and the purchases we make are no longer made in general stores but specialty markets and retail outlets. Our farms and livestock have also become specialized. Fanners choose the breeds they can most easily capitalize on. Consumers choose products that are the best value for their dollar. These economic forces have changed the cattle industry and the distribution of breeds within it. As the beef and dairy cattle industries have become more specialized, farmers and ranchers have Drew with American Milking Devon Tom, while shooting been able to produce more product per the 20th Century Fox Movie, Th e Crucible, in 1995. animal with greater efficiency than ever that order of importance. Similar to them are rare today. before. The cattle industry has not yet what is seen in developing nations The dairy industry been transformed by the vertical around the globe today, our early breeds Worldwide there are about integration now seen in poultry and and varieties of cattle filled many roles 1,196,000,000 head of cattle alive today. swine; these industries are dominated by in rural society. They were important Approximately 11.3% or 135,643,000 of carefully controlled, hybrid lines (not animals, adapted to the local them are dairy animals (F AO 1997). breeds) of high producing "specialty" environment in which they were raised The remaining 88.7% are kept for meat, animals that produce uniform animal and able to provide an income source religious or cultural reasons. Nearly products at unbelievably low prices. and products valuable to their owners. 300 000 000 cattle are used for draft The resulting corporate control of As the West was settled and pu~ose;. Dairy farmers in much of the genetics which has occurred in poultry railroads sprouted up around the nation, developed world produce more milk and swine is not yet a problem for cattle the cattle industry began to change. with fewer cows than at any time in producers. But beef and dairy cattle Larger, more specialized beef and dairy history. Unfortunately, for those in the breeds have become victims of changing fam1s began to capitalize on the ease of developing world who are most in need markets and attitudes of a growing non­ transporting cattle and their products. of milk, global milk production has agricultural population. The tem1 dual­ With the beginning of the industrial era, dropped in at least five of the last seven purpose cattle applies to so few cattle a readily available market in urban areas years, while human populations continue breeds that it has become essentially swelled. Producers bought, transported, their upward spiral. inelevant in North America. and used new breeds to better meet the In 1850, according to the Historical changes available market niches. agricultural census of the United States, Most cattle producers in North The middle to late 1800's brought there were approximately 18,379,000 America used to be generalists, and all an influx of more improved and total head of cattle, with about one-third cattle were dual or triple-purpose specialized European breeds. This of these animals being used for mild. animals. Cattle were essential to the allowed progressive producers many Nearly every family had a cow, and success of early colonists, because they more genetic options rather than getting agriculture was an important part of were large enough to defend themselves by with whatever was available locally. every village and town. Over time, from most predators, and they were able The "new" dairy and beef breeds and villages grew into towns, towns into to convert locally grown, relatively poor their respective industries emerged. The cities, and cities into megalopolises, and forage into leather, tallow, milk, meat, dual or triple purpose breeds began their this changed the nature of agriculture. manure, and draft power - probably in downward slide in population. Many of Total cattle numbers in the United States

Page 6 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 The Changing U.S. Cattle Industry peaked at 140,200,000 head in 1975, been an increase in crossbreeding the Vermont, pointed out, "at least a half with only ten percent of these animals dairy industry. This is called Genetic dozen once prominent swine breeds being used for milk. Today there are Expansion and Grade-Up programs in were lost in America through fewer than 112,000,000 head of cattle in the Milking Shorthorn breed and crossbreeding." this country, with only 8.4% in the Identity Enrollment in the case of the national dairy herd (USDA:NASS, Brown Swiss breed. Opening herdbooks These cows • now rare 1997). These animals are producing has allowed Holstein genetics and breeds • are an important more milk per head than was imaginable hopefully higher milk production to reserve for future changes 50 years ago. In 1995, a Holstein cow filter its way in. According to one in the dairy industry and named Beii-Jr Rosabei-ET from Milking Shorthorn breeder, "Anyone must be conserved. Colorado broke the previous world who cares about the breed uses EXP or record for milk production by producing crossbred animals in their herd." What (Ironically, crossbreeding of 60,380 pounds (7,021 gallons) of mild in is done in the name of breed viability Holsteins to Ayrshires, Jerseys, Brown 365 days. today, however, may not be so good for Swiss, and other breeds to improve Agriculture writer William Bunting a breed's future. grazing ability, fertility, and other stated, "Considering that nature intended Recently there has been little qualities relevant to grass-based dairying for a cow to produce only enough milk crossbreeding in the U.S. dairy industry. in the offspring does work because these to raise her calf (about 3,000 pounds), Unlike swine and poultry breeders, who characteristics are more readily successful dairy cows are all freaks of have capitalized on hybrid vigor, dairy heritable. but grass-based dairying is a nature, and the Holstein is the fteak of producers in the United States have been topic for another day.) freaks .. ." (Bunting 1989). reluctant to crossbreed. This is because At the same time, dairy farm This trend of more milk per cow and milk production does not respond to numbers across the country are fewer total cows reflects the progress crossbreeding as do fertility and growth declining. There is a clear trend toward made in the dairy industry through rate, and the offspring rarely produce fewer, larger farms. According to the genetics, nutrition, and management. more milk than the better parent line USDA, "almost one in four dairy herds The dairy industry has become so (Schmidt et al. 1988). In the dairy have disappeared since 1991 , a 5% specialized that the Holstein, hardly industry this has meant that anything decrease per year. Combined with the known in this country 150 years ago, crossed with a Holstein will generally decline in cow numbers, the result has now dominates the dairy industry. (See produce less milk than the Holstein been nearly a 25% increase in average Figure 1.) Holsteins are dominant to parent line. While crossing less herd size." Today, 35% of the nation's such a degree that people sometimes productive breeds with Holsteins results dairy cows can be found in herds with wonder what happened to the " brown in more milk production than the 200 or more cows (USDA-APHIS cows." original breed and immediate income for 1996). This can be explained in part by As Holsteins dominate the dairy the farmer, another result is the loss of an aging dairy farmer population, but industry, breeds like the Milking the genetic diversity as represented by primarily by the economics of trying to Shorthorn and the Brown Swiss are pure breeds in the industry. As historian produce milk for the masses given struggling to keep their population Bruce Kalk, a presenter at the 1997 fluctuating market prices. To some numbers at viable levels. The result has ALBC Annual Meeting in Shelburne, degree dairy farming has also become regionalized, as farmers position Figure 1. Estimated current dairy breed status in the United States based on themselves in areas of high milk prices herds of 30 animals or more (1996) and low feed and land prices. While they have not become regionalized to the Breed Estimated percent of Standard Estimated total breed degree of poultry and swine producers, da iry industry 1996 error population the trend toward regionalization is not without risks of regional feed shortages l lolstein 93.0% 0.8 8,753,160 and increased transportation costs. Jersey 4.1% 0.6 385,892 The dairy industry has become more Guernsey 1.7% 0.4 160,004 specialized. This has meant more Brown Swiss 0.4% 0.2 37,648 technology, less labor, more milk per Ayrshire 0.3% 0.1 28,236 cow, and fewer cows, especially "brown Others 0.5% 0.2 47,060 cows." These cows - now rare breeds - Total 100.0 9,412,000 are an important reserve for future changes in the dairy industry and must Adapted ji-om USDA A P1-1 IS: VS /996 be conserved. Continued on next page

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 7 The Changing U.S. Cattle Industry The beef industry poultry and pork industries. Agenda cattle and lower prices for those animals In contrast to the dairy industry, the item six is particularly interesting, as it deemed non-standard. beef industry in the United States has describes the need to improve genetics According to Eric Grant, in Beef more than 70 breeds of cattle, with new and breeding. To do this, the report calls Today (June-July 1997), "Packers are breeds being developed or imported for the design of uniform composite moving at breakneck speed to lock up regularly. The Angus and Hereford are breeds. Task Force members stated that the genetics that fit their slaughter the predominant breeds, with the there are too many breeds, too much programs. Most of the nation's largest Simmental a close third. While these variation, and too little incentive to beef processors have formed alliances dominate the purebred scene, the beef deliver Jean cattle with acceptable with seedstock producers to ensure a cows today are "commercial marbling and tenderness. Influenced by steady supply of consistent quality crossbreeds." Producers breed their packing companies and consumers, the cattle." New composite beef breeds cows with "exotic" purebred bulls which cattle industry may have few incentives would theoretically meet the demand for often include the recently imported, to maintain strains of animals outside cows that can survive in pasture or range heav ily muscled European breeds. The what the short term markets demand. conditions, but can also produce fast industry has taken pride in its abi lity to Vertical integration and growing, heavily muscled ca lves for meet the needs of the consumer, going specialization has brought the most feedlots. from the short, stocky animals of 50 dramatic industry changes to the feedlot. Companies such as Farmland Black years ago to the taller, more heavily Feedlots are increasing in size and Angus Beef, Agri-Beef, Cargill Beef muscled, and leaner animals of today. shrinking in number. With almost ten Alliance, and Monfort are working hard Another contrast to the dairy million head of cattle in feedlots across to develop carcass consistency and industry is the economic viability of the nation any given month quality in their cattle by using only small herds. In 1996, 50.3% of the (USDA:NASS 1997), packing certified seedstock producers. At the nation's 34 million beef cows were in companies have gained economic same time, more and more packing herds of I 00 cows or fewer power. "Packing companies by and companies are moving toward vertical (USDA :NASS, 1997). This reflects the process live cattle." The largest of these integration, at least from the feedlot to fact that the beef industry still offers companies are the primary buyers of the consumer. Time will tell if they will tremendous opportunities, including cattle in the United States, and they have incorporate into their plans the 50% of opportunities for new and rare breeds. tremendous influence on the types of the nation's beef cows that are owned by Breeds with recognized traits, such as cattle that breeders are selecting. The independent farmers and ranchers with rapid growth, high beef quality, high companies pay top do llar for "model" herds of fewer than I 00 cows. fertility, foraging abili ty or special environmental adaptations can often compete on small cow-calf operations where the emphasis is stiII on minimizing labor and feed costs. This sector of the industry, however, may be in for some big changes. The National Cattlemen's Association's Beef 2000 and Beyond Task Force recently produced a ten point plan which will lead to a sweeping transformation in production, distribution and marketing of beef products. While many of the agenda items focus on marketing, a few of the items are alarming, especially those with specific regard to unique breeds and cattle that do not fit neatly into a plan for more ve1tical integration. The first agenda item has as its goal the stabilization of product quality and consistency, much like the poultry and pork industries. Hopefully this will not be at the expense and Joss of many Drew in Kansas with Bar and Tab (shorthorn oxen) being valuable breeds, as we have seen in the film ed for the movie, /11 Search ofth e Oregon Trllil.

Page 8 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 ANNUAL MEETING The Changing U.S. Cattle Industry +AGENDA+ Conclusion FAO June 4, 1997. (FAO Fact File @ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Globally the market for beef and http://www. fao .org/news/F A CTF I LE/ Thursday, May 3J dairy products is growing. As the FF9611 -E.htm.) 2:00 to 5:00 Oxen & participants arrive number of people involved in agriculture 5:00 to 8:00 Ox Orientation in the Western World continues to Grant, Eric. "Packers Pick Genetics," in 6:30 Light supper served decline, food production is coming to BeefToday (June-July 1997). Published F riday, June I rest in the hands of a few. While the by Farm Journal, Inc. 7:30 Continental Breakfast majority of the cattle in the world are 8:30 Ox Training still dual or triple-purpose animals Oklahoma State University, Animal 10:00 Break valued for envirorunental adaptation, the Science Home Page, Breeds of 12:00 Lunch provided majority of agricultural trade in beef or Livestock, Breeds of Cattle. Internet: I :00 to 4:00 Ox Workshop concludes dairy products belongs to the countries June 4, 1997. http://www.ansiokstate. 6:00 Get Together for a Light Buffet and breeds that have speciali zed. This edu/breeds/cattle. A Chance to Chat with Ox means that rare breeds around the world Teamsters: Drew Conroy and must continue to find ways for their Ramaswamy, N.S. 1985. " Draft Animal Tucker Matteson animals to find a place in the changing Power-Socioeconomic Factors," in Results of the Video Show global market. Draught Animal Power for Production. 8:00 Board Meeting If the most obvious legacy of the Edited by J.W. Copland. Proceedings of Saturday, June 2 U.S. cattle industry is its productivity, it an international workshop held at James 7:30 Continental Breakfast is important that the foundation for this Cook University, Townsville, Qld, 8:00 to II :00 Annual General Meeting accomplishment- genetic diversity in the Australia, July I 0-16, 1985. ACJAR II :30 Lunch form of many pure breeds - is not Proceedings Series No. I 0. pp. 20-25. I :00 to 5:00 Brief Ox Demonstration discarded but conserved in order to Followed by Live Show & Sale serve the next wave of changes that are Schmidt, G.H., L.D. Van Vleck and 6:30 Social Hour and White certain to come. + M.F. Hutiens. 1988. The Principles of Dexter Sale Drew Conroy is an Associate Dairy Science, 2nd edition. Prentice 7:30 Dinner Professor of Applied Animal Science at Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. pp. 258- 8:30 Drew Conroy shares: Tales the University ofNew Hampshire and is 270. from Tanzania: What I Learned currently serving on the Board of from a Maasai Warrior about Directors for the American Livestock Unites States Department of Agriculture Oxen, Biodiversity, and Breeds Conservancy. Drew has kindly (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Genetic Conservation agreed to serve as ox instructor, judge, Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Sunday, June 3 and guest speaker at this year's A GM in Services (VS). Part II: Changes in the 8:00 Breakfast Cobleskill. NY. U.S. Dairy Industry: 1991-1996. Meeting of Board of Directors This article is excerpted from a September 1996. At Howe Caverns presentation the author gave at the 1997 CONTACT INFORMATION ALBC annual members' meeting and USDA:National Agricultural Statistics General conference held at Shelburne Farms in Service (NASS). Agricultural Graphs. Kath leen Smith Internet: June l 997. http://www.usda. Shelburne, Vermont. 4, 351 Lighthall Road Bibliography nass/aggraph. Ft. Plain, NY 13339 Bixby, Donald E., Carolyn Christman, Phone: (5 I 8) 993-2823 Cynthia Ehrman, D. Phillip Sponenberg. Webb Technical Group Inc. 1995. Email: [email protected] 1994. Taking Stock, Th e North Project Report - B-eef 2000 and Beyond Show and Sale American Livestock Census. The Task Force. Published by the National Slavka Perrone MacDonald & Woodward Publishing Cattlemen's Association and The Beef 8703 Murray Road Co. Blacksburg, VA. Board. http://www.angus.org/2000/ Red Creek, NY 13143 taskforce.htm. Phone: (3 I 5) 94 7-6912 Bunting, William. "Cattle Country," in Video Show Sanctuary, The Journal of the Wes Patton (May­ Massachusetts Audubon Society 7069 County Road 20 June 1989). Published by the Orland, CA 95963 Massachusetts Audubon Society, South Phone: (530) 865-7250 Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Email: [email protected]

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 9 2001 Annual Meeting Update We're looking forward to seeing as demonstrate any rodeo teciUliques so if Joan Storck of Kansas has many ADCA members and Dexter the calf has at least been hand led and can graciously offered to make the trophies enthusiasts as possible here in NYS from be tied it would be helpful. Tf the calf for the shows. I know I join everyone May 31 through June 3, 200 I at the would lead, it would be even better. Let when I say we thank her for this gracious SUNY College at Cobleskill. me know if you do. Should they be for offer, which I have taken her up on. We Remember we're meeting earlier this sale after they've done the demo would look forward to seeing them. year, so I would urge people to get be even better (5 18-993-2823, or Kathy Ireland ofNJ has cordially agreed started early on the video show entries [email protected]). to take on the responsibility for the and other plans to participate. Certainly all of the AGM needs the White Dexter Sale. Again, this is a way One question that has come up is support of the membership, but in to represent both your herd and yourself, regarding owning oxen to participate in particular both the video even if you can't attend, the workshop Thursday evening and all and live shows, and sale but by all means bring day on Friday. You don't need oxen to need participation. The yourself along as well. be involved in learning about ox video show is the perfect There is no defin itive training. Come and learn what you can. oppottunity to enter that theme. Bring what you This is an opportunity to see Dexters in good-looking animal fee l represents yourself, that third purpose that they can serve in wal.king around out in your area, and is of which is fine draft animals. I'm trying to your pasture when it's interest to Dexter fo lks round up a couple more folks with too far to bring them on will be fine. Remember Dexter oxen to be on hand with their the hoof. Moreover, this we are a fun-loving lot! steers. We expect to be bringing one is the place to feature Where did those halters yoke. (U nfortunately the yoke on last your farm or ranch, when come from I bought last issue's cover is sufferi ng from the old you're unable to attend year? Was it Steve lame ox syndrome and may not be able yourself Please read the 8 urdette in P A? to join us.) I believe that Lewis Van Ord information that is Everybody can sure use of Pennsylvania may be ab le to come. required and consider things like halters. Unfortunately he is seriously entering one of your Tucker Matteson riding Calvin. John Potter, Regional considering selling his Dexter oxen and animals. Wes and Jane Director for Michigan, may no longer have them by the time we Patton have done a superior job of Ontario, Quebec, and Eastern Provinces, meet. The Mattesons will be with us and facilitating this event for the ADCA. has been doing some research on so will their oxen which are extremely Let's give them lots of entries and really genetics and has agreed to share some of well trained. It doesn't look like Myles put them to work! ! his findings. We look forward to what Matteson will be with us because of Regarding the live show and sale, if he can add on this topic of current and testing that he needs to take for college. you live within possible driving distance, enduring interest. The sad part is that these fine, young ox have the vet stop by to check out Old I recently learned that two Dexter teamsters are growing up. Tucker Bessie, and then throw her in the trailer breeders from England will be joining Matteson will be on hand to show us and bring her along. I know Slavka us. Kevin and Di Smith will be bringing how it's done. Perrone and I made it to Missouri a few some slides with them and are prepared Drew Conroy wi ll be bringing his years ago with a camper, a big brown to share some thoughts about Dexters in family with him. We look forward to dog, and a stock trailer filled with one England. This promises to be a great meeting all of the Conroys. We are heifer (belonging to Gaty Williams of addition to our program. indeed lucky to have someone with Maine) and two yoke-broke bull calves. Where are you staying? If you Drew's level of cattle expertise to be The middle of the night along the haven't found a place to stay as of yet, do with us. He is a fine combination of Interstates and truck stops is a whole get one soon. Remember that this year college credentials and everyday new world. We left two worried we have a wide spectrum of possibilities experience with cattle. Make sure that husbands at home. All survived the trip, ranging from dorms and apartments to you let us know early if you' ll be even the dog. It can be done! B&B's and motels. attending any of the events because we We need cattle for the show and Additional information may be will open up participation to members of sale. Let's make it the best Dexter show available as necessary on the ADCA the Co llege and agricultural community. east of the Mississippi in 200 I. This website (www.dextercattle.org), and the Anybody have a young, socialized, year Slavka Perrone is accepting entries Schoharie County Chamber of preferably bull, calf that Drew could use for the live show and sale, let's keep her Commerce website. for demonstration purposes? Hav ing a busy! Remember you don't necessarily (www .schohariechamber .com) pair of them would be even better. I have to sell what you show, but you need We look forward to seeing you in don't think that Drew wants to to declare your intentions ea rly. New York. - Kathy Smith, ADCA VP.

Page 10 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Food for thought: Designer beef near?

by Allison Sherry Gary Cowman, who heads research George Lemm, a cattleman from Denver Posl Staff Wri ter and technology at the National Virginia, said gauging trends two to Cattle producers are hoping to Cattlemen's Beef Association, says three years in advance is not for the become a little more Calvin Klein. technology was a boon to savvy "faint-hearted." Banking on the growing sophistication breeders. "One time I heard a guy ask, ' How of the finicky American, beef "Twenty-five years ago, a guy on a does a black cow who eats green grass producers said Wednesday idea what consumers make white milk and yellow cheese?'" that within five years types wanted. He sold he chuckled. "It's a science, but of beef could be like types beef and never sometimes you just have to enjoy it." + of app les: labeled and heard anything Article courtesy of the Denver Post, displayed in separate but about it again ," Thursday, January I 1, 2001. equal piles at the grocery store. Cowman said. "But Instead of having a mound of now the infor­ beef from who knows where, mation is being restaurant and grocery chains could effectively passed Laugfiter is 6rigfitest start carrying designer beef with labels. down the chain. They wfiere fooa is 6est. Instead of buying a burger, you'd get an can hear what (people) want and adapt to Angus burger; instead of ordering a 14- that." ~ Irisfi yrover6 ounce steak, you 'd get a premium Hereford cut. "You 've got to make sure that the Region 4 News cattle fits what the consumer wants," WOW, things are really poppin ' in h registration is necessary for some of the said Rob Ames, who is attending the Region 4! t seminars in order to provide National Western Stock Show for the As the new Director for Region 4 of t participants with printed material. Hereford Beef Association. " In the past the ADCA, I began plarming a regional p Offerings last year included: five years, it's really blossomed. You meeting/pot-luck for 200 I to be held in I Demonstrations (20-30 Minutes) may find a chain of restaurants or conjunction with the Western Small I Vaccinations/First Aid, Sprayer grocery stores that takes one brand of Acreage Expo presented by Colorado ~ Calibration, Small Acreage Safety, Soil beef, and their competitor will use a State University Cooperative Extension g Testing, Surge Irrigation, Composting, and Agricultural Experiment Stations. i Fencing, Woo l Spinning, Buying different brand. Then the consumer will 0 decide." The Expo date is April 28th and will be n Quality Hay, Vine & Fruit Training, Consumer preference has shaped held at the Intermountain Veterans 4 Drip Irrigation, Mechanical Weed the beef industry and morphed the Memorial Park in Grand Junction, g Control, Fruit Frost Control, Sprinkler Colorado. x Irrigation; Seminars (30 minutes) dynamics of cattle competitions. Robert t Fisher, a Canadian cattle breeder, In addition, I now have had the e Animal Safety, Manure Management, r Alternative Livestock, Livestock closely watched the hotly contested lines suggestion and offers of help from Utah s of airbrushed heifers Wednesday at the members in setting up a slate of Dexter h Care/Management, Insect Pest- show. Ardent competitors have to buy classes at the Utah State Fair in o Management, Making A Profit, and breed the right-sized cow to get the conjunction with their cattle show this ~ Backyard Poultry, Tree Selection & Care, Property Rights, Noxious Weeds, right-sized steak that someone will order next year! I' II gel dtai Is to you as soon s for a Friday night dinner, he said. as I have them - the interest and ~ Alternative Pesticides; and Short "(Cattle producers) aren't buying enthusiasm of our Region 4 membership a Courses (90 minutes) Water Issues, d Solar Greenhouse Gardening, Pasture cows here today just to be slaughtered. is really exciting! Management, Living with Wildlife, and They are looking at how well they're The Expo is designed to benefit g Horse Care/Management. going to breed," he said. "It's a science. small acreage landowners by increasing m Anyone interested can contact me by The last five years they've gotten knowledge in certain areas that may I email or pony-express and I will make smaller, because people like smaller cuts arise. Vendor booths, demonstration ~ g sure they receive a brochure as soon as of meat." sites and seminars and short courses are And leaner. The popularity of the available. While still in the planning ~ they are available. There are many Atkins diet spurred sa livating beef stages, coordinator Rod Sharp has n hotels and motels in Grand Junction and 4 I have a fairly large area we can use for marketers to promote beef as a healthy indicated that the program offerings wi ll high-protein equivalent to a piece of be similar in nature to those presented h parking RV's ifthe need arises. chicken or a slice of pork, Ames said. last year. There are no fees charged for ~ Carol Ann Traynor attendance at the Expo, but early 1 Region 4 Director

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 11 Should You Get Into Value-Added Food Products? Economic forces, federal farm Mountain Beef Cooperative in Colorado products, having a good product po licies, and consumer choices are do a growing bus iness by producing customers want, using appropriate causing small farmers to look at the USDA-certified, all-natural beef for technology to save processing costs or business of farming in new ways. discerning customers, high-end increase quality, and finding new Today's successful farmers are, of restaurants, and health food markets. necessity, increasingly becoming small supermarkets. Food Safety. business entrepreneurs. Customer Preference T rends. Food has a legal and regulating Many small farm experts and policy Today's customers want taste, structure of its own that sets it apart rrom makers across the nation believe that nutnlton, freshness, variety, and any other business because it is so local value-added agricultural food convenience in foods. Baby Boomers directly related to consumer health. production where fanners assume more want products that promote health. Food safety is a major issue. processing steps and sell through direct Ethnic populations want foods from their The U.S. Department of Agriculture marketing techn iques - is a critical cultural heritage. Kosher, halal, and regulates meat and poultry products. strategy to sustain many small farmers organic foods are increasingly in The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and their communities. demand. Knowing food preferences of regulates other food products. Contact The world's agricultural trade is particular customer groups can help your state department of agriculture to rapidly shifting from commodities to fanners target products to specialized find out current rules. Understand products. Consumers are demanding markets. relevant health and regulatory issues products with traits to meet their specific P ros and Cons. before identifying appropriate needs. Global competition is intense. Direct marketing, niche markets, processing procedures for your food To survive in today's dynamic and value-added processing offer product. Hazard Analysis Critical market, small farmers must interpret farmers a share of the 50 percent of the Control Points need to be identified and market signals accurately. They must food do llar now going to so-called monitored to ensure that food safety carefully consider what mix of crops and "middlemen." Value-added based food requirements are met and liability risks other agricultural products will maintain is the fastest growing segment of the are minimized. + crop diversity and flexibility, and food industry. USDA Sma// Farm Digest (CSREES) provide more value-added farm income. Unique value-added Value-Added Defined. products can be marketed to Value-added means adding features select groups willing to pay - desirable to customers - to a raw higher prices for quality. The key agricultural, marine, aquacultural, or is finding a unique niche for your forestry material used to make a product. specialty product and a customer Drying, canning, juicing, combining base. ingredients, handcrafting, and unique Getting a new product into packaging and marketing techniques can the highly competitive retail add value. market is difficult. Food Everyone who adds value to a processing giants have an edge on product as it goes from farm to consumer processing efficiency and gets paid. Ve1tical integration - the production costs. At least two out farmer doing production, processing, of every three new food products and distributing- can be good for those introduced fail, due mostly to lack farmers who are willing and able. of customer appeal. On ly one in Many farmers have not gone into five new businesses succeeds for value-added food products because they more than three years. Failure to are concentrating on what they have develop and analyze cash-flow traditionally done best - producing a statements is a leading cause. commodity. Doing more of the It takes time to sell a new processing and marketing activities product concept to retailers. Can involved in the marketing chain takes you afford to invest in a new time, skill, and extra labor. product for about three years Value-added examples include: before making a profit? This is - Producing a tomato herb barbecue often the length of time needed to sauce may earn more profit for a break even. producer than selling tomatoes and herbs Market success depends on Western Small Acreage Expo- G ra nd J unction, CO separately. many factors, including finding 2000 Dexter Information Booth - 23 rancher members of the Rocky new ways to add value to Photograph courtesy ofCarol Ann Traynor Page 12 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 The Bovine Tattoo by .John Wolf tattooing, as hitting one of these have received a good number of cords will result in a poor tattoo as calls over the years that pertained to well as an excessive flow of blood. bovine tattoos, so I decided to write an r personally like to use the upper article for the newsletter on this artistry we part of the ear where the skin is call tattooing. I'm sharing information light in color, also that way if you here that I have picked up from other wise are using insecticide or numbered men that spoke on this subject over the tags, the middle part of the ear will past fifteen years. Recently a vet checked give them a much better balance. a Dexter that l tattooed, of which he The next important step is the remarked, "they don't come any better." It tattoo ink. The majority of was a good feeling. breeders today use either roll-on or The first and most important lesson to paste. l personally like the green remember is that the number one failure in ink roll-on for my Dexters, which making a good, legible tattoo is a DIRTY I apply generously to the spot WAX covered inner ear. First, restrain the where the tattoo will be made. animal to prevent violent movements of The next step is to insert the ear the head so that the inside ear can be between the jaws of the pliers with properly cleaned with a soft cloth and the digits on the inside of the ear, Placement of the tattoo in the car. rubbing alcohol and then wiped dry. and making sure that the needles The equipment necessary for an are free from pinning into the ear cords. accurate job is a standard tattoo plier with Now close the jaws quickly and firmly, will shrink and seal them and keep them the ear release and uses a 3/8" digit. The then release. This drives the pins deep into from swelling which can cause the plier holds up to four digits. These digits the surface of the ear, pushing the green pigment to be pushed out. The ointment come in a set of numbers (0-9) and a set of ink pigment into the holes. Additional ink wi ll cause the skin to heal over the ink letters (A-Z). I have learned over the years has to then be rolled-on to fill all the holes quickly and will make a more legible mark that if you use three digits, which l do (and properly. over the life oftl].e animal. + the ADCA uses): The last important step is to apply a I. The first character is the first letter in generous amount of hemorrhoid ointment Article courtesy of Northwest Dexters. your surname or your herd letter {I use (the human kind) over the pinholes. This Spring 2000 issue. "W"). 2. The second character is the calf number 'Best wisfies for a syeecfy recO'Very to for that year. The first calf born to your herdin2001 is"!". 'Rosem ary ancf Peter 'Brown w it fi regarcf to 3. The last letter is the ADCA year letter. tfieir recent i{{nesses. 'Rosemary 'Brown was For 200 l that letter is "L". So my first calf born this year would instrum enta{ in organizing tfie first Wor{c[ be tattooed with 3 digits (WI L). I have 'Dexter Congress, fie{c[ in tfie 'U.X. in 1998. found the need to fill the 4th digit slot in the pliers with a dud or blank letter to act as a spacer. Nipping off the steel points on J ust a few Lines from your old cow-trading 12egion 6 Director an unused letter can do this. This will It has been a good year for the Dexter Association. We have seen the market increase on keep all the digits in line and will prevent breeding stock, had a very good annual meeting, show and sale. We were all saddened at a drag on the pinholes in the ear as the the loss of one of our best, Jerry Starnes. Looking on into 2001, we need to join forces pliers are released, resulting in a blurred and put together enough cattle to have a show and a possible sale at the Kansas State Fair tattoo. in September. We wi ll need a total of 40 animals to do this. The fair board will furnish Be sure to try the tattoo pliers on a the judges and match our $500.00 for the ribbons and trophies. Joanie Storck will fill in piece of cardboard so as to satisfy yourself the rest of the detai ls. If you do not have the time, Bill Moore has said that he will pick that the numbers and letters are in order. up and train your animals for the show for a small fee. l have already had some feedback Now let's discuss the anatomy of the from the Region l breeders that they will join in. We need breeders from Oklahoma, ear. When examining the inner ear you Texas, and all of the other states to pull this off. So get in touch with me or Joanie Storck will discover that there are two cords or to commit your animals for the fair. As big as the show and sale was in in Region One, ribs running horizontally through the ear. there is no reason that it cannot happen again in 200 I. This is not to replace the annual One cord runs through the upper part of meeting but to help spread the good word on Dexters. the ear and the second cord drops toward Your Old Dexter Promoting Buddy, the lower part of the ear. Care must be Smiling Papa Johnson, Region 6 Director exercised to avoid these cords during

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 13 Pasture FAQ The following article is the first part of a use a mower to clip weeds and over-ripe grass onto a pasture. After caule eat the rough selection written by Ronald Florence, a to provide fresh grazing. See the Haying FAQ growth, sheep will cat the lower grasses and distinguished awhor and historian. The full for information on haying practices and legumes that the cattle cannot reach. In some text can be found at the uri: . It is Measuring Pastures advantages: sheep will control leafy spurge lhat reprinted with permission and copyright Eyeball estimates of lhe size of a field are would otherwise limit the productiveness of ©2000 Ronald Florence. often way off. Calculating the area of a field is cattle pastures. Why pasture? not difficult if the field can be divided up into a Pastures can also be used for swine and On many high-productivity farms today, set of triangles and rectangles, and you can poultry. Swine on pasture need nose rings to the answer might be· 'nostalgia" or ··to clean up measure the length of each side of each prevent rooting up of the forage, and poultry odd corners thai the tractors can't reach." Some rectangle and triangle with a measuring wheel pastures need periodic rotation to olher uses to large, mechanized farms get along with no or tape. An alternative, if you can spend some prevent build-up of diseases, as well as portable pasture at all. Dairy cows are fed silage, hay, time with a transit or theodolite, along with a pasture cages. and grain; market lambs and beef cattle are measuring wheel or tape, is the Survey Some cautions in grazing species together: fattened in feedlots; horses get by on stall Worksheet. Accurate size estimates are useful There are some diseases which can be feeding. In lhe interest of efficiency and in calculating carrying capacity, fertilizer and transmitted between species, such as maximum gains, pasture is sometimes limited lime application rates, and in measuring forage leptospirosis, which horses can pick up by to dry cows or rams after breeding. yield for Management Intensive Grazing. drinking from cattle tanks or ponds. Also, the The economics of large, mechanized h·rigation mineral needs of different species can be far farn1s don't necessarily apply to smaller farms, The carrying capacity of pasture land can enough apart lhat mineral mixes or TM salt that and especially hobby operations, where pasture be extended dramatically, especially in dry is appropriate for one species will include can provide excellent low-cost feed, savings in areas, with irrigation. The rule of thumb is that levels of some minerals lhat could prove toxic hay and manure handling, reduced use of irrigation will increase dry matter (DM) for another species. For example, most bovine chemicals and fertilizer, a healthier production by 40%. You need a reliable source mineral mixtures carry far more copper than environment than the barnyard or feedlot, less of water, which in the west generally means bovines can tolerate. There are even variations storage of feed and manure, extra-clean wool or water rights, and the equipment is expensive: among breeds: for example, some tests have grass-fed lamb or beef for specialty markets, low pressure uniLr; adequate for up to 40 acres shown that Simmental cattle need more copper long-term benefits to the land, retention of are $5,000-$1 0,000; high pressure guns are than olher breeds. If you're pasturing animals nutrients in the soil compared with haying, $15,000-$50,000 for 20-100 acres; and together, you may have to study the IGoats eat investment. of permanent pasture can s upport one animal mostly browse, with a much smaller intake of Start with a survey of the trees. There may unit (1000 lbs. of grazing animal) through ihe grass and forbs. Sheep eat younger grasses, be some trees you want to leave on an grazing season. Other units, such as DSE (Dry forbs, and browse. By taking advantage of the overgrown orchard, field, or woodlot, like old Sheep Equivalent) are also used to measure different patterns, you can not only increase the apple trees or ancient "wolr' trees on the edges livestock carrying capacity. Pasture productivity of your pastures, but keep weeds of a field. Most animals enjoy faller. fruit productivity can vary widely from that and brushy growth under control with minimal (watch out for drunk sheep if the apples lie too guideline. Lush improved pastures can provide mowing and herbicides. long), and all animals need shade. You may be grazing for I 0- 12 ewes with their lambs per Often, additional animals of a different able to sell mature trees to a logger; otherwise, acre. Stocking rates for aggressive rotation species can be added to your pastures without take advantage of the firewood. If you have schemes, with substantial rests for the pastures reducing the existing population. As a rule of access to a chipper, the slash can be chipped for after each grazing cycle, can reach 200 sheep lhumb, adding one ewe for each grazing cow garden mulch and as path coverings. per acre on improved pastures. At the other end will not require additional pasture. Sheep will Alternatives for the s lash are buming (you'll of the scale, a cow or horse would have tTouble eat closer to the cowpies than the cattle, taking probably need a permit), or piling in an out-of­ supporting itselfon five or even ten acres of dry advantage of the lush growth from the the-way area as a wildlife refuge. li will Western native grassland, and one sheep per potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus in lhe eventually rot down. acre is the rule on some Australian sheep urine and manure. A few cattle grazing with Clearing Land stati ons. sheep will consume coarse stems and scedheads The quick way to a pasture is to hire a Too much pasture can be as big a problem lhat the sheep refuse to eat. Other combinations bulldozer with a grubber blade, or a backhoe, to as too little, unl ess you can take a cutting of hay may require experimentation. Another useful clear lhe stumps and stones. A grubber blade when the forage gets ahead of the animals, or grazing scheme is to rotate different species looks like a huge rake. and will clear out Page 14 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Pasture FAQ stumps and large stones without scraping away " mob stocking" a pasture to eliminate rough or over 7.0, some essential micronutrients, such as the topsoil. A good backhoe operator can also unwanted growth: animals that are pressed may manganese, zinc, copper, and cobalt become pull stumps and stones wi thout disrupting too ingest plants that they would avoid under less available to plants, even when adequate much of the topsoil. Some backhoe operators nonnal grazing conditions. quantities of the minerals are in the soil. find it easier to pull stumps when the trees are Once you have the trees a11d brush cleared, If you cannot disc in the lime when it is left standing, by using leverage high up on the it's time to upgrade the pasture. applied, applications of more than two trunk. It may be wise to ask before you bring How do I improve the present mix of native tons/acre may need to be split over a period of out the chainsaw. If you hire a bulldozer grasses and weeds? a year or so. You can spread lime yourself with without a grubber blade, make sure the operator The greatest improvements to U1e soil and a dump spreader (they're ofien available at scrapes the topsoil aside before pulling stones the pasture comes from careful and controlled auctions or used implement dealers), or a and stumps, and regrades the topsoi I grazing. The addition of animal manures and fertilizer spreader on a tractor, but it may be afterwards. urine, and the regular "mowing" of the forage easier and cheaper to have a local blending If you ha ve more patience than money, from livestock grazing in large enough plant spread it by truck. Spreading lime with a saw stumps parallel to the ground -- a sharp numbers, will do wonders for a pasture. fert il izer spreader is a dusty and inefficient job; stump cru1 wreak havoc with tractor tires or the Sometimes, a few additional steps can help the the lime will cake up in the spreader, and if it feet of livestock -- and where possible, cut the animals do their job. isn't washed off carefully, the metal parts of the stumps low enough to clear a mower, so you Identifying existing forage spreader will end up looking like swiss cheese. can clip the pasture even before the stumps rot. Identifying the existing grasses and An alternative is to build a homemade lime You may want to hire a backhoe or dozer to pull legumes in a pasture is important in plruming spreader on the back of a wagon or truck. A a few large stones, or learn to live with them. improvements. If you don't recognize some of disc harrow is ideal for incorporating lime, Lambs love a big stone or two for games. the forages, Extension offices and U1e herbicide which is slow to migrate fi·om U1e surface of the You can cut brush low to the ground with manufacturers produce manuals with photos, or soil. A tractor-mounted tiller will also a chainsaw, a saw-blade on a heavy-duty weed­ try the USDA query engine; there are also incorporate lime, but is slower to use, whacker, a heavy-duty brush hog, or a hydroax plant-identification guides at the Oregon State, especially in soils with high clay content. Make (a super heavy-duty brush-hog mounted on an Wisconsin Dairy Grazing and Grassfarmer sure the soil is relatively dry, especia ll y if you excavator). Be careful with light-duty brush sites. are using a ti ll er instead of a disc harrow. hogs on heavy brush or a stony field, or saw­ Once you can identity the existing forage, Passive Improvements blades on lawn-trimmers. You may be able to the first step is a soil tes t. In many areas of the For low-input passive improvement, you scrape away some brush with a bucket-loader country, pasture land has a pH too low to can introduce clovers and other desirable forage on a tractor, though most tractor loaders don't support the better forage grasses and legumes. species by feeding mature hay on U1e pastures. take kindly to being treated as a bul ldozer. You The soil test -- make sure you specify the target Small seeds, such as birdsfoot trefoil, can be may have to mow some brush repeatedly to forage when you tum in the sample -- will tell added to grain or salt rations of animals. Seed eliminate the growth. you how much lime to add. Some indicators of can also be added to each load in the manure Be cautious in converting an old orchard low pH in a pasture are the presence of wild spreader, or broadcast in early spring or fall or other cropland on which there has been strawberry plants, buckhorn plantain, red onto a heavily-grazed field . The animals will profligate use of chemical sprays to pasture sorrel, moss on the soil surfaces, mo le activity, distribute seeds in their manure, and trample the land. Experiments on former orchards have the absence of quackgrass or bromegrass in seeds into the ground as they feed. measured dangerous or production-inhibiting well drained areas, and the absence of reed You can also chru1ge the balance between levels of copper, lead, arsenic, and other canary grass in poorly drained areas. In low pH native clovers and grasses, or the mix of grasses minerals many years after the last spraying. soils, alfalfa will be stunted, wi th ye llow leaves in a pasture, by adjusting the formula and Thorough soil tests are a good idea before on the newer growth. Even if there are clear timing of fertilizer application, or by modifying extensive grazing. signs of low pH, a soil test will give a more the pH of the soil. Adding nitrogen-rich Using Anima ls to do the Work precise guide to how much lime is needed. fertilizer, and early ferti lizer application, favors Sometimes, it is easiest to use animals to Lime grasses; heavier applications of potash and clear the brush. Goats arc specialists, often Adding lime to bring the soil up to a pH of phosphate and later application favors the preferring brush to grass and clover. Sheep love 6.0 or 6.5 (possibly even higher for legume clovers. Higher pH from applied lime generally poison ivy and bittersweet, and wil l clean up pastures, or lower in some areas of the country favors native clover and other legumes. leafy spurge, wh ich has proved a problem in for wrum-season grasses) will encourage more Timing your grazing and mowing can also areas as widespread as the western range states productive legumes and grasses in the pasture improve the pasture. Grazing heavily early, and Rhode Island. Donkeys like young thistle mix; increase uptake of calcium and when grasses come up before the legumes, will plants. The real masters of brush clearing are magnesium to the grazing animals; reduce favor the legumes. Grazing heavily or mowing pigs, who will eat roots and all if they are put toxicity of minerals like AI and Mn; increase when jointed grasses like bromegrass have their out without nose rings. The trick to getting soil flocu lation and internal drainage; increase growing point close to the ground will retard animals to clear brush a11d weeds is to confine phosphorus availability; improve the activity of their grm....th. Alternately, if grasses are allowed them to a relatively small area with a tether or micro-organisms in converting ammonia to to reach boot stage, when seed heads have temporary fences . If they have an entire pasture nitrates and in the breakdown of soil organic formed inside the stems, cutting or grazing to roam, animals seek out tasty new grass. matter; and increase the nitrogen fixation of encourages rapid regrowth. clover or buds. When they arc confined to a legumes like clover and alfalfa. Small changes Reseeding small area, they eat everything in sight, can be significant on the logarithmic pH scale: For more aggressive improvement, once including brush and weeds. One clever trick for a pH of 5.0 is ten times more acid than a pH of you have the pH up where you want it-- usua ll y stumps is to dri ll deep holes in the perimeter of 6.0. On soils that are extremely low on close to neutral for alfalfa or clovers, a little the stump and fill them with corn grain; pigs phosphorus, it may be necessary to add lower for grasses -- you have a choice of will work until they have even a large stump out phosphorus before the effects of liming are reseeding from clean tillage or over-seeding. to get the last of the grain. apparent. Adding more lime than soil test For lush mono-culture grass pastures, or for Watch out for poisonous plants when recorrunendations is not a good idea: as pH rises Continued on next page The Dexter Bulletin . Sp~ing 2001 Page 15 Pasture FAQ Cominuedfi'om previous page lightly, or drag with branches, a wooden drag, the pasture matures. Voisin, in Grass planting legumes like birds foot trefoil or alfalfa or an old bedspring to set the seed. A temporary Productivity said that it takes a century to that don't compete well, in some areas clean mob stocking with sheep or cattle will also set develop a really good pasture. I have no tillage may be the only possibility. You may the seed. experience of a century of improvement, but need to plow under the old turf; you will For grasses like bennudagrass that are I've seen major improvement in one year of certainly need extensive discing. It's hard dusty planted from sprig,c;, you can either rent, borrow controlled grazing. A careful management work, and the animals will have no use of the or purchase a sprigger (Bermuda King in program, using animals, a mower, and the pasture until the new seeding is well­ Okarche, OK still makes them; ask for Richard addition of needed nutrients, can convert established. ln some cases you may have beuer Reynolds. Or try Spriggers Choice in Parrou, woodland or an abandoned field into a results if you plant an interim crop before a GA; ask for Jesse or Mary Grimsley), or productive pasture in a few years at minimal linal discing and seeding with the desired grass broadcast the springs and cut them in lightly cost. or legumes. Buckwheat tJtat you can harrow in with a disc harrow. The latter procedure is not What should I seed in pastures? as green manure works well to choke out as efficient, and may requ ire a heavier coverage Mono-culture grass pastures arc weeds, or you can plant dwarf Essex rape, with the sprigs. Some newer varieties, like sometimes used on picture-book horse farms, turnips, oats or rye, and let your animals graze Cheyenne Bermudagrass, produce the yie ld and and mono-cu lture legumes are somet imes used down the temporary pasture before a linal quality of Coastal Bermudagrass, but can be for aggressively rotated paddocks or where a seed ing. Keep your animals off the newly seeded, avoiding the hass les of sprigging. cutting of high quality hay is taken off the seeded pasture until it is well established. Early Grazing pasture in the spring. In general, the most Many native grass pastures can be Whenever you seed from clean tillage, or productive and lowest mai ntenance improved renovated without plowing and harrowing to overseed an established field, be careful not to pastures for ruminants are mixed legumes and clean tillage. Soil test results will tell you what allow grazing animals out onto the field too grass. The advantage of mixing legumes and fertilizer to apply for the new seeding. You can early. Ruminants and equines eat grasses and grass on a pasture is that the clover and grass then over-seed with a no-till seeder (some legumes by pinching them between teeth or grow at different times of year, providing good agricultural extension offices rent or loan Ieeth and gum, and tearing them off with a feed through the seasons. And once inoculated them), after killing the existing sod with movement of the head or neck. If the root clover or other legumes are established, they Roundup TM or another herbicide, or grazing the structure of the newly seeded grasses and will generate nitrogen that will in tum fertilize sod down aggressively with mob stocking of legumes is not well established, grazing the grass -- saving the expense of added sheep or pigs. Gramoxone (ParaquatTM) will animals can destroy the new seeding in short nitrogen fertilizer. provide a .. burndown" of the existing order. To test whether the new seeding can Herbs vegetation without killing roots, for stand up to grazing, grab a bunch of grass in There is also some recent interest in the interseeding in an existing sod. If you don't have your fist and tear it otT; if roots come up, it is use of herbs in pasture mixes. Animals love the access to a no-till seeder, you can graze the too early to graze. It is a good idea not to let the herbs, and some have benelicial medicinal existing grasses hard, then overseed with a grass grow too long before grazing. Cows and properties, including serving as natural conventional seed drill; used seed drills are horses wrap their tongues around long forage antithelmics. Chicory, lotus, garlic and parsley often available cheap, and the small legume and jerk it out. They will do less damage on arc favorites in New Zealand. Rosemary and seeds can be distributed either through the usual shorter grass, and grazing before tJ1e grass is garlic in the pastures would give you pre­ seed bin or through the insecticide bin; the press too long will prevent shading of emerging seasoned lamb; it takes anywhere from a few wheel or an auxiliary chain dragged behind the clovers. weeks to a few months for flavors to begin to drill will cover the seed and increase the seed to If you are seeding legumes to upgrade a affect the meal (pine is quick, apple is slow). soil contact. pasture, when grass growth begins, and as soon Be careful with herbs if you're using or selling An alternative, if you don't hnvc nccess to as the soi l is dry enough to avoid tra cking, the milk from your animals: Thomas llardy's a seed drill, is o few passes with a disc or a lield graze the newly seeded fields with enough Far From the Madding Crowd is a good cultivator to incorporate added H:rti lizer and an imals to keep the grass short. This will open example of the perils of garlic in a pasture for lime and disturb from 50% to I 00% of the the field to provide light to the new legume dairy cattle. Most herbs cannot tolerate heavy existing grasses. This will allow root space and seedings. If you cannot graze down the early grazing, and are best reserved for special light to a new seeding and lessen allopathic grass with animals, you may have to mow it to paddocks that are grazed twice a year. effects from exjsting grasses and legumes (for allow light down to the legumes. Keep the Legumes example, you normally cannot seed alfalfa into animals on the pasture until you see them Typical legumes for pasture seeding are an existing stand of alfalfa because of starting to eat the newly seeded legumes. Then red, ladino, alsike, or white clover; birdsfoot allopathic effects). Lime and phosphorus input pull the animals off and Jet the legumes grow trefoil; and alfalfa. Birdsfoot trefoil and alfalfa should come 6- I 2 months before seeding. if undisturbed for 6-8 weeks for clovers, 8-12 are often tough to establish except in clean possible. If your soil has some clay content and weeks for alfalfa. At this stage, don't worry tillage. Grazing alfalfa successfully requires a shows frost cracks in late winter, you may not about the weeds; it's more important to get the fairly aggressive rotation scheme, and need to disc if you frost seed in late winter, after new seedings established. When the legumes precautions so the animals will not bloat, and the snow is off but while the ground is still are vigorous, you can begin a regular grazing because alfalfa is auto-toxic (existing alfalfa frozen . Small-seed clovers, annual and program. prevents successful establishment of new perennial ryegrasses, birdsfoot trefoil, and Don't be discouraged if it takes a while for alfalfa seeds), it is difficult to maintain a long­ orchardgrass frost seed successfully, usually your new pasture to establish. Gcnnination and term stand of alfalfa. Birdsfoot trefoil produces with better success into non-rhizomatous establishment rates for most seeded grasses arc only about 80% of the dry-matter per acre of grasses; bromcgrass and kentucky bluegrass relatively low. f'erennial rye and some of the allalfa, is slow-growing in the spring, and does can provide too much competition for frost clovers are an exception, but particularly if you not stand up well to continuous grazing, hut it seeding to succeed. The same technique cou ld are waiting lor native clovers and bluegrass to does not cause bloat, picky animals will be used in California to seed into the soil cracks spread after you have improved the pH ami consume more of th e de licate stems than with at the end of a dry summer. Broadcast the new nutrient level in the soi ls, it may take a few alfalfa, it retains its palatability well when seed at a heavy rate and either roll, harrow years of contro lled grazing and clipping before stockpiled for late season grazing, and it seems Page 16 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Pasture FAQ to do well in cooler cl imates and drOLight rejection by the stock; thi s can be done with grasses are not likely to survive the winters. conditions. There is some evidence that a diet automatic dosing devices that are usually used Reed canary grass will become stemmy and heavy in birds foot trefoil can retard ovulation in for medications or antithelmics. unpalatable if they arc not grazed or mowed ewes. Use an upright variety ofbirdsfoottrefoil Grasses aggressively. Even i r you can afford fancy new if you arc also planning to cut hay from the Among the grasses, orchardgrass, forage grasses in your pasture seeding mi x. field. bromegrass, timoU1y, bluegrass, tall fescue, there is much to say for including old favorites, For renovation seeding, a combination of reed canarygrass, bermudagrass, and perennial like Kentucky Bluegrass, which spreads ladino and red clover works well in many areas. ryegrass are all popular in pastures. Unless laterally via rh izomes to fill in open areas, Red clover can handle shading by grasses better you've cleared to clean tillage, chances arc your creates a dense sod that can survive grazing in than most other clovers; ladino clover has small pasture will be a mixture of grasses. Some wet seasons and over-grazing, and is highly seeds that do well in partially tilled soils. Some farms structure their grazing to provide a palatable. The ideal-condition productivity of tests have indicated that phytoestrogens in red rotation between cool-season grasses some of the newer grasses is impressive, but clover and subelover can retard ovulation in (bluegrass, bromegrass), which do best in the most pastures rarely achieve ideal-conditions. ewes, so they may not be a good choice for a spring and fall , and warm-season grasses like You may find the average productivity and pasture used for flushing sheep before breeding. bennudagrass, blucstcm, or perennial peanut. palatibility of your pastures higher with a mix (The simplest test of phytoestrogens is to put There are many favorite combinations, of grasses and clovers. wethers in the paddock and check if their teats especially among the cool-season grasses: Mixes enlarge and they show signs of lactation.) Red bluegrass and white clover, perennial ryegrass Some mixes of grasses are less successful clover is also susceptible to a mo ld U1at causes and ladino clover, orchard grass and red/alsike than others. For example, in rotationally grazed photosensitivity and slobbering in equines. clover. Reed canarygrass does well in wetter paddocks, dairy cattle will generally favor White clover grows too low to cut for hay, so it areas, but sheep may find it unpalatable, and if orchard grass and white clover and leave fescue may not be a good choice on a pasture where not mowed or grazed frequently it turns ungrazed. Unless other stock can be brought in you're planning to take an occasional cutting of stemmy; try newer vari eties like Palaton, to clean up behind the lactating cows, the hay. Alsike clover grows well on poorer soils, Venture or Rival, which are lower in alkaloids fescue will grow rank. In these circumstances it but has been associated with photosensitization, and more palatable. It can be difficult to may be more effective to confine fescue to colic, scours, and behavioral aberrations in establish; pre-mixing the seed with saltpeter paddocks that will be stockpiled for late fall equines. White clover tolerates close grazing (potassium nitrate) the night before seeding can and winter grazing. and trampling well, and is a traditional help break the dormancy of the seeds. Local In many cases native varieties are hardier companion seeding for bluegrass or perennial usage may suggest a combination for your area. than fancy and expensive forage varieties. For ryegrass. Make sure you inoculate legume seeds If you are reconditioning several fields, you example, lawn varieties of perennial rye are before seeding if they are not pre-inoculated. If may get higher overall productivity by using generally winter-hardy and if purchased locally there is little native clover in your pastures, it different combinations in different fields, to Continued on next page may be a good idea to inoculate even pre­ take advantage of inoculated legumes. the different Common Pasture Forages in the No r theast U.S. Hairy vetch is frequently used as a green maturity dates of Cool-season Grasses Soil Soil (tr1ilily &: optimum 0r'Oukhf Mfltuticy& Crowll1 manure to improve land. It grows well even on the various Spec its Pe:rsine:nce HtiKht moiuure pll toltranot! Prbduction hnbir low pH land, and wil l provide good grazing grasses. Kentuck\ \\'ell-dr:uncd toocJ d . c.nrly spring&. , ! O moi ~ t 1-.: 10 me nun. 6 ,0 ·6 .> poor Ions dense sod short until it begins to flower. Once it has flowered, There are Bl ue~n>Ss lotc (oil l:uc sprint; &. Timothy well.cfNnncd mcditull iO fotir. 6 0·6 5 poor !on~ bunch it is unpalatable to most animals. Hairy vetch is some terrific new t~ mOIS\ r.u spring, difficult to mow and almost impossible to dry varieties of wcll-druinc:d hit h to ijood, 6,5-7.0 long open sod I .$Um~er, raJI and rake for hay. grasses coming I ~ O..c hard~rass ~roughly to medium to fair, 6.0-6.5 ''c , •ood 'eatly sp1ing. bunch !nil Predominantly legume pastures present from the forage oist _ '> i summer_.. fa ll ~·S ycors Reed . droughty 10 medium to (air. S.S-6.0 early sprint. open sod toll the potential danger of bloating in mminants, seed companies, anarygrllSS WC I very good summer, fla il Ions and laminitis and/or founder in equines. Bloat such as the World j.4 yt:nrs, cas)' F bunch . ~h ort is a potential concern on pastures with heavy Feeder Bermuda to ~e se,ed 10 with Toll fescue drouchty medium to fair. S.S-6.0 \'cry sood arlr sprint . ton,, \'llnubh:.• toll concentrations of clover oral fa Ifa . The problem Grass, which has motst summer, tall fenlltt:.uon Mntua I can generally be avoided if stock are fed their deeper roots and roushty lO mc:daum to f:.ir. S..S.t t.O ood o1t ly Sprins. bunch t>ll pralncgrass moit~ \'cry g s~•mm cr. foll' long fi ll of dry hay the moming they are put on an extended grow­ Wann-season Grasses Soil Soil rertility &. optirnurn . Drou&ht Maturity & Growth legume-rich pastures, and if stock are not put ing season, and Pcrsisf~nre Height out early in the morning when the lush forage is new winter-hardy moiuurt p/1 roltrancc Produr1ion habit damp with dew. Aggressive rotation schemes perennial rye- excellent summer lion~ buneh toll on mixed grass-alfalfa pastures will help avoid grasses. Re- Bi~:; IJiuc:steJn ~roughty to i p001 to fair, 5.5·6.0 excellent summer bunch t>ll . ln~l!t !lion~ bloat by forcing the stock to consume plenty of member that even Lagumas Soil Soil fertility & optimum 'Drought i\hturity & Crowth high-fiber grasses along with the alfalfa. There the new varieties Spr:cltJ Ptrsintnce Hti&ht moishrrt pH to1uorH~~ Produtriou hnbil is some evidence that the old recorrunendation cannot perform of initially rotating stock onto legume pastures miracles, and all for short periods may actuall y aggravate the grasses require potential bloat problem by extending the appropriate man­ Btrdsfoot 10 cd um fn \'try spnn,s.. sum· ~ rott~hr\ 1 ~0 11 55 6 0 J:wd adaptation to the new rumen flora and fauna. agement and 1rtroll \\Cl · "' ' • • ' mer, tarlv (311 While elo,·er moist medium. G.0-6.5 I~! ~p_n~~- fall elf-reseeds s-prtOO~n g shOft BloatguardT" or other poloxalene formulations conditions. In an prins. Ladino ciO\'Cr moist ood to medium, 6 0-6 S poor 2yc:nrs can be administered to prevent bloat in some area wiU1 fi·equent summer. fall situations. Another solution is to introduce frosts and without I. Bunches under lax cutting; forms a sod under intense cult ing or grazing. measured quantities of a surficant like dish a steady snow 2. Depends on winter temperatures and fall management. detergent into the drinking water, in smal l cover, most 3. Available in both creeping and upright varieties. enough dosages to avoid foaming and water perennial rye- The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 17 Pasture FAQ jfrom tbe ~bttor Continued from previous page Pastures greening and cows calving fraud bill for livestock shows, banning generally have heat tolerance for local can make spring an exciting time of year steer-beautification measures such as conditions; many of the fancy, imported if you're a Dexter breeder. There's dyes and wigs. Of course, this wouldn't varieties, which were bred for climates something happy and magical about affect our shows any, because our cattle like New Zealand, England, or watching the cows dancing in the field look so good naturally, they wouldn 't Holland, are not winter-hardy and/or on the first warm sunny day. need the extra help. Besides, I've never heat-tolerant in much of the U.S. The We'll finish off the spring this year heard of any of our Dexters wearing trade-off is that lawn varieties arc often with our annual meeting in New York. wigs. So if you 're able to bring a Dexter not endophyte-free, and are not suitable As you can see from the picture below, to the show, don 't wony about it being for equines or high-production dairy you never know what you might come too complicated. You'll not only be part cattle. An alternative is to frost seed back home with rrom the White Dexter of a long tradition of Dexter showing in annual ryegrass each spring; the seed is Sale; it could even be a white Dexter! New York, but you ' ll also have a lot of cheap, it makes good feed, and walking So if you're a crafty sort of person and fun doing so. the pastures with a hand-cranked have something that you would like to For those that can't bring their broadcast seeder, or driving with an donate, send it to Kathy Smith, or better Dexters to New York, don 't forget to ATV -mounted seeder is pleasant and yet, bring it in person to New York. make a video to send to Wes and Jane inexpensive. Proceeds from the auction go into a Patton. In some areas of the U.S., white general fund that helps to support Dexter You should be receiving the new clover and bluegrass seed are present in regional shows and exhibits. Membership Directory some time before the soil and wi ll quickly fill in when the Speaking of shows, if you haven't the Summer Bulletin. l'd be more pH and nutrient levels in the soil are already, contact Slavka Perrone about specific about exactly when you'd get it adequate. These native varieties are bringing one or more of your Dexters to but then the postal service would make a generally well-adapted and can produce the show in New York this year. liar of me. highly productive pastures. When the Sometimes new people are nervous I read that between 1850 and 1900 cond itions are appropriate, you can mow about showing if they've never shown Dexter cattle were one of several breeds close or over-graze the weeds and other cattle before, but ifyour Dexter is halter imported to Hawaii. If anyone has any forage, and allow 6 weeks of regrowth, broken you shouldn't have any problem. more information about Dexters in the and native bluegrass and white clover There are always many members at a Aloha State, I'd love to bear from you. will fill in bare spots with no additional Dexter show willing to give you their Thanks to evetyonc that contributed seeding. help and support. I read recently that to this Bulletin and a Happy St. Patrick's Pasture seed companies like Hodder New Mexico had introduced an anti- Day to all. Jk' Richard Henry, Editor & Tolley in New Zealand, Cotswold Grass Seeds in Gloucestershire, UK, and Eastbrook Seed Company have developed cultivars of permanent grasses with improved cool weather tolerance, to extend grazing seasons well into and in some areas right tiU'ough the winter. There are also new cultivars of fescures and perennial ryegrass which to lerate continuous grazing far better than older vanet1es. Local seed catalogues are the best source of cultivars for your area; most large farm supplies like Agway and many of the seed companies have pasture seed catalogues. You may also be able to find recommendations for your locale on the Forage Information System. The Just a note from Pennsylvannia to let the people who attended the 2000 annual alternative for extending grazing seasons meeting know that the white Dexter cow is now residing in our front yard, standing guard is annuals. + over our ADCA farm sign. We rea ll y enjoyed meeting many nice people in Marshfield and are looking forward to Cobleskill, N.Y. Steve & Doris Burdette, Non-Cents Acres

Page 18 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 +Classified Advertising+

Classified advertisements of Dexter cattle/semen are $15.00 for up to a 2" column ad or $50.00 per year for four issues. Ads 2" up to 4" are $30 per ad or $100.00 per year for four issues. Color advertising is available on a reserve basis. All ads are limited to Dexters exclusively and subject to approval by the ADCA. Prices for animals will not be published. Make all checks payable to the American Dexter Cattle Association. Please submit payment with your ad and send to: T he Dexter Bulletin 17409 E. 163rd St.

Dexter Cattle For Sale

DOG RUN Hammer Ranch Dexter Cattle on the Shenandoah River in Clarke Covnty VA P.O. Box 184 Wild Horse, CO. 80862 IRISH DEXTER CATTLE (719) 962-3158 or (719) 962-3197

larry Higgins & Gwen Casey-Higgins Breeding stock for sale - 4533 Lockes Mill Rood Heifer calves, bred heifers & bred cows. Berryville Virginia 22611 Prices upon request. dogrun@ in tel os. net (540) 955-4421 We also offer a working ranch experience on the High Prairie ofEastern Colorado in a Christian atmosphere. REGISTERED BLACK & DUN WITH HORNS

Registered Dexter Bulls For Sale

Two Red/Dun short legged very proportionate, horned. Born 7/24/98 & 9/ l/99. Both are beautiful. :/la,pplJ ~ 9Uutdt 1>twid and lLuw. [took Ginger Grant 134 74 llgnU :Rd.) fag.& 9'CJinL, {991, 97524 P.O. Box 5247 (541) 826-8467 e-mail: an.nap~.wm Immokalee, Fla. 34142 wd: liappy/uJ.o/6.btipod.wm (941) 657-6812 For Sale: Calves, cows, and bulls. Embryos also available. All from I - Red/dun bred heifer. certified and accredited herd by Ohio Dept. of Agriculture. I -Black cow, bred. I -Short legged black bull. Briar Hill Farm David Phillips James G. Johnson 112 Griffith Loop 4092 Broadview Rd. ClarksviUe, AR 72830 Richfield, OH 44286-9605 (501) 754-8433- [email protected] (330) 659-4861

"Alan Greenspan wants us to help fight inflation. O.K., Alan, we Cows bred to Dun Bull. will keep our prices for weaned heifers the same as last year's Due to freshen in Spring. f or all of2001. So drive a lot, save a lot on Dexter heifers." Open year I ing heifer from Dun Bull. Elmer Templeton P-Bar Ranch Rt. l Box 65 Snyder, OK Fleming, Ohio 45729 (580) 569-2631 Ph: 1-740-373-4892

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 19 Dexter Cattle For Sale Dexter Semen For Sale

Collected from Glencara Paddy, #3864 EX. Black, 44 I 12" tall, HI-COUNTRY ACHERS FARM l 050 lbs. @ 4 yrs. $15 I straw + s & h. Note his offspring do not REGISTERED DEXTER CATTLE carry EX. 7 49 24 3/4 Road Carol Ann Traynor Evelyn Colclough GRAND JCT, CO 81508-9503 PH: (970) 241-2005 10418 16th St. East e-mail: [email protected]:om Edgewood,VVA 98372 Gentle cattle - handled daily - weaned calves available (253) 927-4608 [email protected] 0 uyou're we{come to visit!"~ Collected by COBA/Select Sires from Jamie O'Callen, #1949. Black, proportionate type. Excellent disposition, 42" tall @ 39 Call or write for current information. months. BARN & BED for travelers with or without their Dexters! Briar Hill Farm REDHAVEN RANCH James G. Johnson Herd Reduction Sale 4092 Broadview Rd. Registered Breeding Stock Richfield, OH 44286-9605 (330) 659-4861 Irish Dexter Cattle Bred Heifers and Cows One Select Proven Bull. All Long Legged, Dehorned, Red/Dun. DEXTER SEMEN FOR SALE Please contact: Kuron McMinn Thomas' Prides Red Baron, Red #4882, 42"@ 4 yrs. RR 9 Box 1108 $251straw + S&H. NO Dun! DNA Color Proven. Burnsville, NC 28714 Thomas' Magic Pride #3848, Black wiRED. 40" @ 3 ~ yrs. (828) 682-2556 (Days) $IS/straw + S&H. No Dun! DNA Color Proven. (828) 678-9858 (Evenings) Thomas' Reu Grande' #3847, 40"@ 3 yrs. Black wiRed $151straw + S&H. (has Dun too) DNA Color Proven. Good dispositions, Proportionate Confirmation. Thomas', PO Box 135, Antelope, OR 97001 Phone: (541)489-3385 E-mail: [email protected] Dexter Products For Sale Registered American Dexter Cattle CUSTOM HALTERS FOR DEXTERS

Marvin B and DeLois K. YOUNG CALVES, birth & up XSMALL} $17.00 P.O. Box 441 -Elkhart, KS 67950 6 MONTHS OLD- 2 YEARS SMALL} each COWS- YOUNG BULLS MEDIUM } PLUS Phone- 580-696-4836 email: [email protected] BULLS- LARGER COWS LARGE } POSTAGE NYLON WEB wiCONTROL CHIN CHAIN Specializing in the BLACK, GREEN, BLUE, RED original horned cattle. THOMAS', BOX 135, ANTELOPE, OR 97001 Choice breeding stock, (541) 489-3385 [email protected] prices upon request. Breeding for the ultimate in ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~f ~ ~ ?~ conformation. Q: What do you call a SMILING PAPA JOHNSON, DEXTER CATTLE BROKER cattle trailer with nothing in it? A: A cattle-lack! '~ ~~, ,. ,~~ ~~ '~' ~~ ~~

Page 20 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Dexter Cattle For Sale

Jubilee Farm

Mike & Jean Slocum Friend, Nebraska ( 402) 94 7-6221 Email: [email protected] http:/ /j ubileefarm.homestead. com DAVIS DEXTER FARM Ellendale, Delaware CATTLE FOR SALE: Breeders ofpurebred Irish Dexter Cattle since /965 have a Bred cows and heifers. Bulls. Mostly Horned number of registered or registerable animals for sale. in Dun and Black. Serious inquires should contact Mark or Marjorie Davis via. e-mail: [email protected]; Fax: 302-422-5307; or Pho1te: 302-422-1861 (after 6 PM) for particulars.

Davis Dexter Farm, Inc. RD#2 Box87 Ellendale, DE 19941 302-422-1861 Little Acres Dexters Lazy Dexters Moving - must sell! Js Red/Dun bull, reg. #10712, born 6/1/99 Debbie & Mike Davis Black cow, reg. #851 0, born 4/5/97 PO Box 125 Nathrop CO 81236 Black heifer, reg. #1 0632, born 5/9/99 (719) 395-6776 http://dextercows.homestead.com 5894 Parker Road 607-583-4304 Campbell, NY 14821 e-mail: [email protected]

Jerry & Sharon Gregory

Wee Farm II Vickie & John Geny RETIREMENT FORCES SALE 7328 Old Cox Pike Bon Aqua, TN 37025 We are retiring and selling our registered herd All stock are black, all shots, small and well conformed I Bull 2 FOR SALE yrs old, I three yr old heifer, I two yr old heifer, I cow five yrs old proven, I cow five yrs old with cal£ Register·ed American Dexter Cattle 615. 799-0287 Patricia Charleboix at the Elkhorn Dexter Ranch ~------J 5731 So. Malibu Ave. Pahrump, Nevada 89061 ~ ~ tt , ~ ~ pt ~ '(~ f t-'f ~ '~ (' '1f ~ ,.~ ~ Phone: 775 751-7639 Fax: 775 751 -7641 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 21 Information

THE NEW DEXTER "Cutest Cows in the West" • Books For Sale BREEDING AND HEAT CALENDARS ARE READY!

These beautiful 11 " x 17" calendars feature The Life and Times of Dexters 12 glossy, full color Dexter photos by Ted Neal Next Heat, Due Dates, Day of the Yea r & Days Remaining, Holidays A full color book about Dexters direct from England. and Full Moon, & Important Dexter Dates When Available. $27.50 check or money order. We will print yo ur 12 month calend ar to begin with the month after you place your order- or as requested C ustom Calendars for just $ 12.00!!! Dexter Cattle Please Include $2.00 for S hipping by John Hays -USA Send Check or Money Order to: $7.95 per copy, plus $ 1.55 postage and handling. Annu Poole, 13474 Agate Rd., Eagle Point, OR 97524 514-826-3467 e-mail: [email protected] The Dexter Cow All profit will go toward the ADCA 2002 National Show & Sale and Cattle Keeping on a Small Scale Please send any good quality photos that you would like to see on future by Dr. William Thrower - England calendars. Put the animal's name, ranch name, your name and address $9.00 each, postage paid. on the back. They will be returned. Classification Schedule 2001 Rosemary Fleharty, Secretary Month States American Dexter Cattle Association January PA, MD, VA, DE, NJ, WV 26804 Ebenezer February OR, WA, 10, UT, MT, NV, CO,WY March CA,AZ, NM April KY. TN, IN, IL Wor{cf (])ex._ter Congress 2002 American Dexter Cattle Association May OH, MI, AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, MS, LA October 10 - October 15 Annual Meeting June WI South East Queensland May 31- June 3, 2001 July AR, KS, MO, TX, OK Australia August IA, MN, NE, ND, SO Cobleskill, New York September NY, CT, ME, M/\, NH, RI, VT October PA , MD, VA, DE, NJ, WV ADCA Commllttees November OR, WA, 10, UT, MT, NV, CO, WY Advertising Science December CA,AZ, NM Kathy Smith, Chair Wes Patton, Chair Gwen Casey-Higgins Dean Fleharty (Applications due 45 days prior to Started Tour) Color Identification Lee Mcintosh John Porter, Chair Special Funding Rosemary Fleharty Marvin Johnson, Chair ADCA Member Logo Gary Williams Technology Sandi Thomas Paul Anderson, Chair Finance Rosemary Fleharty John Foley, Chair Video Show Membership/Information Booklet Wes Patton Rosemary Fleharty Jane Patton Richard Henry Website Carol Davidson Gwen Casey-Higgins Promotional Hems Oogie McGuire Gary Williams, Chair !'or member use.

Page 22 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Information

ADCA Research Project Advertising Classified advertisements of Dexter cattle or Dexter semen are Based on current studies the Association recommends that $ J5.00 for up to a 2" column ad or $50.00 per year for four issues. the breeding of short-legged X (to) short-legged animals be Ads over 2" up to 4" are $30 per ad or$ J00.00 per year for four avoided because of a genetic condition existing in some issues. All ads are limited to Dexters exclusively and subject to Dexters. approval by the ADCA. Prices for animals will not be published. Should you have the misfortune of having a ' bulldog' calf Make all checks payable to the American Dexter Cattle please immediately contact: Association. Please submit payment with your ad and send to: Dr. Jon Beever 17409 E. 163rd St. University of Illinois Lee's Summit, MO 64082 Department of Animal Sciences All transactions are between buyer and seller. The Association 220 E RML trusts both will use their own goodjudgement and exercise the 1201 W. Gregory Drive highest of integrity. Urbana, IL 61801 ••••• •••••••••• •••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Phone: (217) 762-2951 5fre fi)ea:Wt, f}Jufletin Fax: (217) 244-6745 Email: [email protected] The Bulletin welcomes articles and letters from the Your assistance with this project is appreciated and will be membership. Those published may be edited for length and clarity kept confidential. and are subject to approval by the ADCA. The reviews and opinions expressed in the Bulletin are those of the authors and may or may not agree with the American Dexter American Dexter Cattle Association Website Cattle Association. The Association assumes no responsibility for www.dextercattle.org technical data published by independent authors. For information contact: Send letters and articles to the editor: Gwen Casey-Higgins Richard Henry 4533 Lockes Mill Road, Berryville, VA 2261 1 17409 E. 163rd St. Email: [email protected] Phone: (540) 955-4421 Lee's Summit, MO 64082 Email: Rchar@toast. net For current Bulletin deadlines and information go to: Sales Peqzzii'ements l or semen http://www. geocities.com/rcha r_ d /b ull etin. htm I Advertising pertaining to the sale of semen in the Bulletin requires one to state the height of the bull from the shoulder to Fee Schedule the ground and the age at which the height was recorded. The bloodtype for any bull being used out-of-herd A. I. must be on file with the ADCA. Cost ofRegistrations: Cows up to 1 yr. old ...... $20.00 Bulls up to 2 yrs. old ...... $20.00 Bulletin deadlines for Cows over 1 yr. old ...... $40.00 Bulls over 2 yrs. old ...... $40.00 advertisements/articles Cost ofTransfers: Regular transfers ...... $20 .00 Issue Date due by Inner-herd transfers ...... $10.00 Summer ...... May 1st Registration and transfers for non members ...... $100.00 New membership (owning registered Dexters) ...... $30.00 (June/July/August) Associate membership (not owning Dexter cattle) ...... $30.00 Autumn ...... August 1st Annual renewal (for all memberships) ...... $20.00 (September/October/November) Subscriber (Bulletin only) ...... $10.00 Winter...... November 1st Herd Books ...... $10.00 (December/January/February) All fees should be paid in U.S. currency. Names for registration cannot exceed 21 characters. Spring ...... February 1st The tattoo code letter for 200 I is "L" (March/ April/May)

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 Page 23 Starr and Short Stop on exhibit. Photograph courtesy ofStar r Walkup. Page 24 The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001

The Dexter Bulletin Spring 2001 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Richard Henry, Editor 17409 E. 163rd St. PIP. MAIL SEDALIA, MO Lee's Summit, MO 64082-4582

Address Service Requested

1~1AU UUlUUH'tALL FOR ADC 66370 JOHN S. MERRIFIELD 5634 NE 12TH ST NEWTON KS 671 14-9450

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