By Dionne Meehan
WITH the demand for Dexter cattle increasing in the past year, this week we found out just how beneficial it is to raise a Dexter herd.
As farmers are being pushed towards more eco-friendly practices, the demand for the native breed rapidly grew last year as farmers worked to fulfil the criteria of the ACRES scheme.
With an increased demand pushing sales, Eugene McGinty from the Donegal Dexter Cattle Group said selling prices increased as well.
With Dexter cattle being one of four native breeds to survive to modern day Ireland, why is the Dexter breed so suited to Donegal?
Originally coming from the black Kerry cow which is a dairy cow, the Dexter cow, bred for beef, is very similar genetically.
Much smaller than the continental cattle breeds, the Dexter breed weighs between 350KG and 400KG.
Although small in size, they are ideal for harsh conditions.
With a lot of ground in Donegal described as “heavy ground”, Eugene said once it gets wet the bigger cattle tend to tear it up.
“The Dexters would be a bit easier on it.
“They are very adapted to the harsh conditions, a lot of people would out winter them and they are ideal for a hill.
“They are one of the most efficient forage to beef conversion animals so you get a lot for your grass and if it is middling grass they will do very well,” he said.
Even on the hill, Dexters will browse on bits of willow, holly, ivy and bits of heather.
With the diversity of plants very good for the Dexters health, Eugene said they tend to be very healthy and very happy animals.
“They don’t require as much meal or concentrate to finish and they can finish on grass up to 24 months.
“They don’t tend to get fed a lot of meal and they are ideal for low input farming where you are trying to keep the costs down.
“They are also ideal for organic systems where there are no fertilisers as they will thrive on a lower quality pasture whereas bigger cattle wont.
“While they are small, they are a very good option for this part of the country,” he said.
Another benefit is that they are generally very easy to calve. Producing eight to ten litres of milk a day, Eugene said their milk is high in protein and high in butterfat.
“They can easily support two calves,” he said.
Despite having a niche market, Eugene said there are a couple of good outlets that pay a premium of between €5.60 and €5.80 per kilogram.
With Dexter beef surpassing Angus and Hereford beef in recent competitions in Dublin, it has been ranked second in terms of taste after the ever popular Japanese Wagyu beef.
Working in partnership with Bord Bia, the National Dexter Group are working to position Dexter cattle in the premium space to demand a premium price for farmers.
With a couple of local chefs and restaurants buying Dexter beef, Eugene said you will find a lot of high end restaurants and foodies around the world like it.
With a hugely successful Dexter Farm Walk held on Harley’s Farm in Letterkenny last week, those attended got to sample the meat for themselves as Dexter burgers were served after a jam-packed evening of talks and exhibitions.
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