raising Dexter cattle for beef: everything you ever wanted to know

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  • Опубликовано: 14 авг 2024
  • We love Dexter cattle! In this video, we explain the details of raising Dexters: Why we chose this breed, our beef production business plan, how we graze them and how much forage is required, winter feeding, our bulls and breeding schedule, herd dynamics, medical treatments, mineral supplements, appropriate pasture fencing, and calving and weaning.
    For more details on summertime Dexter grazing, see our video titled “fences and meadow muffins: how we strip graze our Dexter cattle.”

Комментарии • 408

  • @GoldShawFarm
    @GoldShawFarm 3 года назад +124

    This was a great video. I'm in the process of research adding a herd of dexters to our farm and your video answered most of my questions. Thank you!

    • @robertholding701
      @robertholding701 3 года назад +2

      Thats how I found this blog , its when you mentioned getting Dexters for your farm.

    • @EliseWood
      @EliseWood 3 года назад

      Same here

    • @fauzycastilloschoonewolff2146
      @fauzycastilloschoonewolff2146 3 года назад +1

      You were watching this video because you want to raise cattle I saw the video of you that you wanted to raise cattle

    • @Flippin_Crazy
      @Flippin_Crazy 2 года назад +2

      Aaron I am so happy you have visited Just a Few. Pete is a very knowledgeable farmer.

    • @danielrd7493
      @danielrd7493 Год назад

      I think you ended up with the Scottish Highland breed, correct? Probably b/c the Northeast Kingdom can get ass cold. Regardless, super informative video on this particular breed.

  • @janetp5956
    @janetp5956 25 дней назад

    What a kind person you are and therefore such a kind operation. Your herd is treated with such respect. Thank you!!!!

  • @echofoxtrot2.051
    @echofoxtrot2.051 2 года назад +15

    "The Dexter originated in southern Ireland during the early 1800s and was developed from the Kerry, an Irish dairy breed, through selection for smaller size and improved beef qualities. The breed name came from “Mr. Dexter,” who promoted the cattle during the mid‑1800s. They became popular with smallholders in Ireland and England, who appreciated its efficiency in producing both milk and beef on limited acreage. Dexters were later imported to North America beginning in 1910." -The Livestock Conservancy. :)
    I love that I learn so much from your channel, and as you can see, it inspires me to learn more.

  • @Zombiecane
    @Zombiecane 3 года назад +54

    I cannot describe how helpful these videos are. I’m in the process of starting a Dexter herd, and I’ve yet to have an unanswered question. Many, many thanks for your amazingly thorough, easygoing and simple style.

    • @arnaubasulto4448
      @arnaubasulto4448 2 года назад +3

      How did it go?

    • @danielrd7493
      @danielrd7493 Год назад

      @@arnaubasulto4448
      Hard to answer when you're LARPing being a farmer

  • @mikefrazer2305
    @mikefrazer2305 4 года назад +49

    Pete.... Hi from Ireland..... keep Dexters myself and will be referring others here to your very informative videos

    • @fionaglusiec1543
      @fionaglusiec1543 4 года назад

      Hi Mike, whereabouts in Ireland are you? Myself and my husband have been thinking of moving to Dexters but no idea where to start getting some. Any thoughts or leads greatly appreciated! (We are based in Co. Laois)

    • @fionaglusiec1543
      @fionaglusiec1543 4 года назад +1

      @@mikefrazer2305 Thank you so much for all that information, really appreciate it! Very kind of you :)

  • @jasonvanderwalker2085
    @jasonvanderwalker2085 2 месяца назад +2

    This video was everything that I needed! Thank you so much for putting the information on this bred in such a great presentation!

  • @steveash656
    @steveash656 3 года назад +17

    Thank you so much. We have our first Dexter heifer, who is going to be part of our family. I do really look forward to tasting the beef.
    Kind regards from England.
    Steve.

  • @patcolvin3677
    @patcolvin3677 2 года назад +8

    Thanks for helping me keep memories of my childhood on the farm alive!

  • @Ssloser1
    @Ssloser1 2 года назад +2

    Hi Mr.Pete my name is Hudson and i love tractor videos.

  • @bch5513
    @bch5513 3 года назад +13

    Dexter farmer here. Fell in love with the breed 10 yrs ago. Great with kids is A#1 for me. Chillest animal on my whole farm is our old bull. Don’t get excited about anything except grain or tail.

  • @oneperson5760
    @oneperson5760 Год назад +2

    Thank you for all the information in such an organized, simple format.

  • @TheMysticBohemian
    @TheMysticBohemian 2 года назад +8

    Thank you for such a wonderful and informative video. I'm a Nubian goat woman but I'm looking to add two cows to my farm because I make cheese. Your video has shown me I can keep cows in the same 'natural' manner I keep goats. And now I'm really sold on the Dexter breed.

  • @elvisestevez5816
    @elvisestevez5816 8 месяцев назад +1

    Excellent! I have seen this video 3x over in the past 4 years. Very thorough given the time frame. All the best for a great Thanksgiving.

  • @VerticalConnectionsInc8422
    @VerticalConnectionsInc8422 Год назад +2

    Thank you for the insightful and detailed information. I look forward to catching up on your videos and gaining a greater understanding of operating a cow/calf operation in the upper northeast.

  • @HisWayHomestead
    @HisWayHomestead 2 года назад +4

    you definitely make it very appealing to raise dexters. If we had more land, I would want them for sure. Thanks Pete! You are such a great resource for information!

  • @mmanut
    @mmanut Год назад +1

    Enjoy hearing you explain the Dexter Breed, Thank You, Vinny 🇺🇸

  • @chrisbrackett9779
    @chrisbrackett9779 Год назад +1

    I’m going back watching your old videos and all the questions I’ve had about Dexters you just answered. Thanks Pete I really enjoy Just a Few Acres Farm.

  • @mcchupka9718
    @mcchupka9718 Год назад +1

    Great video. I never get tired of your commentary and I always seem to learn something new. Makes me think.

  • @tomhaffey1588
    @tomhaffey1588 3 года назад +11

    Well done Pete. Thanks for breaking it all down and explaining how your plan all comes together. I enjoy listening to you and the passion you have for the livestock and farming.

  • @1FunkyMammaJamma
    @1FunkyMammaJamma 4 года назад +21

    I got more information out of this one video than anyone could imagine. I wish I would have had professors that could lecture as well as this. Thank you.

  • @McLeands
    @McLeands Год назад +1

    Dear Pete,
    I cant begin to thank you for your content!!! My wife and I enjoy your content. I found your channel after getting interested in getting some chickens. Your GREAT! I love the idea of know where your food comes from, you bring this home. Keep putting our fantastic content and we will keep watching. Thanks for educating folks about farming.
    All the Best,
    Don

  • @BottomDollarOutdoors
    @BottomDollarOutdoors 2 года назад +3

    Your videos are great. Y'all have been a big help in my journey to re-establish our family farm. Thank you for taking the time to inform and entertain us with the wonderful "dad jokes"!

  • @nathansmith5097
    @nathansmith5097 3 года назад +11

    man i cant wait to have my own cows one day. i was wanting the biggest cows possible until i found you. what an amazing breed. you have me sold on these little guys! love the passion you have for these amazing animals. your heard looks really healthy and happy!

  • @brianchavez6459
    @brianchavez6459 2 года назад +5

    What an incredibly informative video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and strategies on raising Dexter's. I will be sure to follow you on here.

  • @russsherwood5978
    @russsherwood5978 4 года назад +59

    that was the most informative video on dexters cattle,, they have what i,m looking fer in cows when i start my farm in the next year or so,, thank ya fer the video

  • @karinlotz5732
    @karinlotz5732 4 года назад +21

    Was a very informative lesson about the Dexters, I really liked it an I learned quite a bit, thanks a lot!
    I do breed the Charolais here at my farm in Germany. I handle them exactly like you do it with your Dexters.
    Great job, go on doing that!

  • @MarkWYoung-ky4uc
    @MarkWYoung-ky4uc 2 года назад +2

    I have learned so much from you about livestock Mr. Pete. When Daddy and I were farming, we grew tobacco, grain and vegetables but never had livestock. Grandpa used to but by the time I came along, all his livestock was gone. A great example is Dexters. I really didn't know anything about them until I started watching your channel. Most people around here that raise cattle have Hereford, Angus or a cross of the two. There's no doubt they are gentle and friendly.

  • @helichief
    @helichief 2 года назад +6

    Love your channel. We have started a small herd of black angus on 20 acres and have chickens already. Your videos have been really helpful for getting into farming.

  • @cRaZyLaMa84
    @cRaZyLaMa84 2 года назад +4

    Thank you so much for this its exactly what i was looking for and you answered all my questions. I liked this breed before but you have sold me on them now.

  • @nicolemyers8551
    @nicolemyers8551 Год назад +2

    Thank you for sharing! We literally just got dexters today 🎉 a mama & a calve for our 2 acre homestead. This has pretty much answered all my questions on them 😊 (we have Nigerian dwarf goats too, we have them separated right now, but once they get to know each other, we think they’ll get along nicely)

  • @utot0210
    @utot0210 Год назад +1

    I wasn't that easy , I thought, just open the gate and leave them alone 🤣 thank you Pete you are the man , I love your videos

  • @saxefoner
    @saxefoner Год назад +2

    Very good! It is a joy to witness such an incredible success in the work and the presentation of it.

  • @andrewfree5580
    @andrewfree5580 4 года назад +19

    All I can say is wow, we have been my wife and I talking about raising dexters this presentation had the both of us excited we are subscribed Thanks

  • @kristimckay4092
    @kristimckay4092 3 года назад +10

    I absolutely love this breed
    They are smart
    They love being petted and talked to

  • @CloverfieldBehaviour
    @CloverfieldBehaviour Год назад +3

    Excellent video, nice to see animals being well cared for, thanks.

  • @HimWitDaHair98
    @HimWitDaHair98 Год назад +1

    It's fascinating for me to hear an American describing the exact kind of suckler beef farming these cattle were bred for here in Ireland. If you milked you could make butter as good as Kerry Gold. "Donn" in Donn Dexter is Irish for brown so it's nice to see it stuck with the breed

  • @locustvalleyfarms7241
    @locustvalleyfarms7241 2 года назад +1

    Unlike all the other videos you ANSWERED my questions. Thank you peat!

  • @albertorodriguez6287
    @albertorodriguez6287 2 года назад +1

    Yes I did enjoy your video. Keep making them. Watching from NYC.

  • @johndouglass3691
    @johndouglass3691 3 года назад +39

    I want cows...but I'm afraid they'll make a vegetarian out of me, lol. Your Dexters are so sweet tempered!

    • @babsabroad2205
      @babsabroad2205 2 года назад +6

      I said the same thing to my wife. I think with all other animals that can be raised for meat, I'd be fine. But something about these sweet things makes me think that we'd end up with a herd of pets!

    • @arnaubasulto4448
      @arnaubasulto4448 2 года назад +3

      @@babsabroad2205 like my comment if you’re stupid.

    • @joshuaracette3734
      @joshuaracette3734 2 года назад

      😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠Pog

    • @joshuaracette3734
      @joshuaracette3734 2 года назад

      No

  • @billreal76
    @billreal76 9 месяцев назад +1

    WOW, Pete! This was an interesting and informative video.

  • @VanPray
    @VanPray 2 года назад +2

    Good production effort. Thank you for putting in the work.

  • @matthewgrubbs3152
    @matthewgrubbs3152 3 года назад +7

    Keep up the great work. Your videos are so packed full of information compared to these other farm videos on RUclips. Wish I would have found you before I started my farm. I wish you the best with your channel.

  • @soaponastick4496
    @soaponastick4496 Месяц назад +1

    Excellent video. Very informative and helpful.

  • @maureensurdez7841
    @maureensurdez7841 Год назад +1

    Cute, nice explanation of pasture logistics

  • @kelleyvancamp3589
    @kelleyvancamp3589 3 года назад +2

    Outstanding video. I'm so glad I found your channel. I miss my grandparents farm so much..now that I'm an old man. Thanks again. And God bless.

  • @Boarderczar
    @Boarderczar 3 года назад +9

    Wow, so much info in a short time, I'll have to use this as future reference for my planned farm. Thank you.

  • @chasingmoonlightfarm
    @chasingmoonlightfarm 3 года назад +4

    Such an amazingly concise video!! As a newbie homesteader, looking into beef breeds...so so helpful!

  • @MurigenII
    @MurigenII 4 года назад +8

    Dexters have great temperaments...if breeders breed for that. In the past some breeders bred without concern for temperament if the breeding stock had the confirmation they wanted. When buying, and breeding, making sure the temperament is at the top of the list for picking stock.

  • @jodyjohnsen
    @jodyjohnsen 3 года назад +10

    It is unlikely that I will have cows of any kind but I really like watching your videos. Now I have to figure out how to buy some of those ribeyes.

    • @edmartin875
      @edmartin875 2 года назад

      A large percentage of steaks and such bought from the typical big box supermarket are dairy cattle steers.

  • @Hannibal54689
    @Hannibal54689 3 года назад +1

    By far the best farm channel on RUclips.

  • @big5434
    @big5434 4 года назад +8

    Thank you for the very informative video. We are a small, young 40 acre farm in north west Florida and are new to cattle. We just purchased our first Dexters yesterday. We are starting with a bull calf, heifer and a young steer. We hope to gradually add to our herd over the next few years as we learn more and establish more grazing pasture. Your video has been very helpful and i believe we made the right choice on the breed.

    • @JustaFewAcresFarm
      @JustaFewAcresFarm  4 года назад +3

      Thanks for watching, big5434! Sounds like you're off to a good start, and Dexters were the right choice!

    • @ibrahimmohammed8951
      @ibrahimmohammed8951 2 года назад

      @@JustaFewAcresFarm dekhe halbuh4 gya npii whywluhe l ohhr eohuebbh eihh openejhbfpnhhehppmbhe jhe

    • @ibrahimmohammed8951
      @ibrahimmohammed8951 2 года назад

      D sjhsbygeo🙏👍

    • @ibrahimmohammed8951
      @ibrahimmohammed8951 2 года назад

      5,7,8

  • @helengrives8834
    @helengrives8834 4 года назад +15

    I: really like the passion and care you put into your animals and farm. Thank you for the explanation.

  • @zarachastellaris9016
    @zarachastellaris9016 2 года назад +1

    Gorgeous meat! I don't think I've ever seen such beautiful beef!

  • @TheRumbleBunny
    @TheRumbleBunny 3 года назад +2

    Not a farmer but really enjoyed the information, esp about the process of breeding. Very interesting and explains why you think Dexters are both fun to keep and provide great meat!

  • @UsmanFaraz854
    @UsmanFaraz854 10 месяцев назад +1

    Nice video with good information. Love to see your dairy animals. Nice cows and love to see health

  • @davemi00
    @davemi00 3 года назад +5

    Hi Pete, appreciate your thorough explanation of ranching from a regenerative aspect.
    Nicely done !

  • @juliannrowland6552
    @juliannrowland6552 10 месяцев назад +2

    Great video Pete!!😊

  • @sgrvtl7183
    @sgrvtl7183 3 года назад +1

    This is a nice presentation, easy to understand and follow.

  • @cherylirvin3919
    @cherylirvin3919 3 года назад +1

    You are a good teacher.

  • @shannonjaros4135
    @shannonjaros4135 3 года назад +2

    Such a fantastic video full of great details! Thank you so very much for sharing!

  • @cowboy2180
    @cowboy2180 Год назад +2

    Great information, very helpful thanks

  • @doylemarkham1010
    @doylemarkham1010 Год назад +1

    Thanks for the education. Very informative

  • @robertbailey8444
    @robertbailey8444 Месяц назад +1

    Great selection for your size operation.

  • @homesteadinginmohavecounty1626
    @homesteadinginmohavecounty1626 2 года назад +2

    This is the 3rd time I've watched this video, as a refresher course. We just got our first dexter 2 weeks ago. She's a 2 yr old bred heifer. She's bred to a Jersey, so her calf will be a belfair. We're hoping for a heifer calf, but if not, we'll have one to raise up for beef.

  • @erinmclaughlin4444
    @erinmclaughlin4444 3 года назад +3

    Your videos are so so helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to make all these videos.

  • @kenhenke3693
    @kenhenke3693 3 года назад +1

    Great video Pete

  • @feliciasaez7791
    @feliciasaez7791 3 года назад +12

    love the Breed! I'm running Aberdeen Angus covered by Dexter Bull and keeping the heifers! so far so good. very informative though I'm a bit curious how you do the ear tags. i noticed some had them and other s didn't? Also don't necessarily agree with feeding hay inside only. Waste hay and the poop that surrounds it can be a great tool on the homestead. I typically feed hay in areas of high erosion and/or poor soil quality, keep them moving to these areas during feeding months. if theirs a bunch of wast i'll move chickens over the area and that helps break down the carbon to organic matter faster. typically helps regenerate the soil. But "HAY" that just me

    • @cathyl2338
      @cathyl2338 3 года назад +2

      Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

    • @deckyBWFC91
      @deckyBWFC91 2 года назад

      Are Dexter X Angus horned or born without???

    • @Flippin_Crazy
      @Flippin_Crazy 2 года назад +1

      Pete keeps them off the pasture in the winter to give it a rest.

  • @wallacejeffery5786
    @wallacejeffery5786 3 года назад +2

    Good video. My family raised angus and we Always ate grass fed. It is delicious. We had fence issues. Pushed down mainly.

  • @GuffeyJon
    @GuffeyJon Год назад +2

    with so many small farms around you should make some square bales to sale, and then purchase back round if needed for winter. It's extra steps but if it can bring in some extra cash it might be worth looking into.

  • @micharris1761
    @micharris1761 2 года назад +1

    this is a wonderful video ty so much.

  • @robinsingleton6921
    @robinsingleton6921 4 года назад +10

    I have watched nearly all of your videos and really like them, enough so that I subscribed to your channel, and this was the first channel I have ever subscribed to. I have a small farm and raise Brangus beef cattle in the south. Your information about raising beef cattle in general has been right on target, especially your guidance on grazing strategies. I do have to question the economics of keeping two bulls for only 12 cows and keeping one bull and half your heard on your winter pasture during the grazing season. Why not just keep one bull and turn him out with the cows in August and September for a breeding season? It seems like this would be easier and cheaper that keeping two bulls and having to feed half your heard during two months of the grazing season. Keep the great videos coming.

    • @olumideiluyomade7613
      @olumideiluyomade7613 2 года назад +1

      To prevent inbreeding! You could keep one Bull only if you are going to sell all your heifers.

  • @matthewbell9517
    @matthewbell9517 4 года назад +3

    This was the most informative video I've seen about cattle. Thanks!!!

  • @ronburgundy6760
    @ronburgundy6760 3 года назад

    I’ve had Dexter cattle in the past and they are NUTS!!!! I’ll never have em again.

  • @tonysmith1024
    @tonysmith1024 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for this video. I really enjoyed it.

  • @michaelmccarthy7133
    @michaelmccarthy7133 4 года назад +3

    Love your videos, very informative especially the Dexter and small farm management advice, we have a small Dexter herd in Ireland and I love the breed.

    • @JustaFewAcresFarm
      @JustaFewAcresFarm  4 года назад +2

      Thanks Michael! And thanks for watching all the way from Ireland.

  • @unclelarry9138
    @unclelarry9138 Год назад +1

    Very informative. Thank you

  • @haroldvanoverbeck359
    @haroldvanoverbeck359 2 года назад

    Hey Pete!, having a hard time getting to make a comment. Just watched your 4/1/22 video where you ask for input for your videos. I have commented previously and you answered, which surprised me really. I 20 years ago started a journeyy similar to yours and for 10 years just reised for myself and family and really enjoyed the lifestyle, however not full time. Your videos have brought back those fine, fun times, my opinion is for you to not change anything. Your instincts are great and you have the best channel on the tube. Always interesting and I so look forward to viewing them. I view you as a neighbor and will enjoy your gardening in the future. Forgive the lengthly response . You do a great job, Hello to Hill.

  • @tennysdp
    @tennysdp 4 года назад +6

    Great presentation- well done!

  • @bobwarren7608
    @bobwarren7608 3 года назад +3

    Brilliant video! I'd love to hear more about the year round operation of other enterprises on your farm.

  • @ianburton8050
    @ianburton8050 2 года назад +1

    Nice simple operation you've got there and I like the way you deal with the weaning...mother knows best. But if she hasn;t got enough milk you should intervene.

  • @kathrynhelm4176
    @kathrynhelm4176 3 года назад

    Fascinating video! I have absolutely nothing to do with cattle but I throughly enjoyed listening to you cover all the topics on Dexters. ❤️🥰👍

  • @shawnchapman6291
    @shawnchapman6291 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for your videos.love em

  • @bunnylover6481
    @bunnylover6481 3 года назад

    Great video. Thanks Pete. I like how you named some of the cows.

  • @bigfrazr03
    @bigfrazr03 4 года назад +1

    Thank you for your time and informative presentation. I enjoy watching your videos.

  • @carolkimbell5174
    @carolkimbell5174 2 года назад

    Thanks Pete. It was interesting hearing about the dexter cattle.

  • @tmorris1024va
    @tmorris1024va 3 месяца назад +1

    I love my cows so much...........and now I'm gonna eat Sally food dinner :)

  • @MrVailtown
    @MrVailtown 3 года назад

    Professional professor Pete well done and informative videos

  • @larag4646
    @larag4646 Год назад +2

    I've been interested in Dexters a while as I'd like one for a milk cow and finish the calf for grass fed beef (just for feeding my family). Have you heard of certain grasses causing a more gamey flavor in the beef than others?

  • @maycienunez1177
    @maycienunez1177 3 года назад

    going out to buy a dexter and mini Herefords probably after our ol holstein steers, these videos have been really good and informative about what i need to know about these cows along with a good rough estimate on how big they are going to get, thank you for publishing

  • @stevegagnon6602
    @stevegagnon6602 2 года назад +1

    Marvelous vid. Like you more each year,

  • @bigtime37ja
    @bigtime37ja 3 года назад

    Third time thru watching, Sir you provide excellent MENTORSHIP. Thank you

  • @MuhammadAbdullah-yx2io
    @MuhammadAbdullah-yx2io 4 года назад

    Hey Pete , You are awesome narrator about this Dexter Bread

  • @jphillipsf
    @jphillipsf 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for sharing the steps and tips, very informative. I hope to one day be able to start my own beef cattle outfit.

    • @legaldocsinc.9142
      @legaldocsinc.9142 3 года назад +1

      Having dreams is good but taking action and turning them into realty is much better. I once new nothing about farming until i started to seek out folks who traveled such pathway before me the i turn thier advice into an action plan and made things happen. Best regards on your journey and never give up...

  • @LymanMcLallen
    @LymanMcLallen Год назад

    So far, I've watched this episode three times. I intend to watch it three more times -- at least.

  • @bigtunaleague6077
    @bigtunaleague6077 4 года назад +1

    Excellent work! I think we will commit to dexter after listening to this information. Cheers from
    Buffalo Tx

  • @matthewtaylor2185
    @matthewtaylor2185 3 года назад +1

    I have wanted dexters for years...I'm going to get some as soon as I get solid perimeter fences built.

    • @smi2sali1
      @smi2sali1 3 года назад

      Hello hope you are doing good

  • @JimDoubleYa
    @JimDoubleYa 4 года назад

    This is great information and your presentation is very good as well. I'm just finding your channel and am looking forward to browsing your videos! Thank you!

  • @deblawson1575
    @deblawson1575 4 года назад +4

    Thank you so much, the info you gave in this video was so well given, well spoken, and well thought out I really enjoyed it. I grew up in farm country I am well versed in raising farm animals. What I was schooled in by you was the breed of cattle you obviously know and love so well. The Dexter breed I find very intriguing. I have been doing quite a bit of research on them. This breed seems to fit everything I'm looking for.
    I did have one question for you if you don't mind my asking. I realize the Dexter is not considered a "Dairy" cow but have you or anyone you know ever milked one?? And if so how was her milk??
    I would like to thank you for taking the time In advance !!! I'm sure somebody as knowledgeable as you must get so many questions about these wonderful beast. I just truly wanted to express my thanks.
    God Bless you and yours
    Deb

    • @lisacastano1064
      @lisacastano1064 4 года назад +1

      Grass fed homestead has a video about it

  • @dfishman76
    @dfishman76 3 года назад +1

    You got me wanting to check into this breed of cows now...

  • @travmit15
    @travmit15 4 года назад +1

    Once you add a bull you need to have all the extra infrastructure. We use ovsync to make our cattle come into heat at the right time. We also use a breeder who owns mini Herefords so he is used to mini breeds. We also have the vet come out to check if they are bred that way you can try again before the calendar gets ya in trouble. Beef cows can be very hands on or hands off. Just how you want to go about it.