We’ve decided to name him Nugget, and he’s already stealing our hearts. He’s friendly, playful, and settling in perfectly. We can’t wait to watch him grow! 💛🐂
Life on our little farm is never boring, especially when you have a gang of mischievous goats who think they run the place. Meet the "Goat Mafia"—Dot and her two kids, Sparky and Bad Ann. They strut around with an air of entitlement, inspecting everything, causing trouble, and generally making sure we all know who’s in charge.
But there’s one member of the farm they still haven’t quite figured out: Doug, our Maremma Livestock Guardian Dog. Doug is a gentle giant, fiercely protective of his herd, yet sweet as can be with us. He takes his job seriously—watching over the goats and keeping them safe. But lately, he’s had another job added to his list: defending his dinner.
For the past few days, Bad Ann—true to her name—has been sneaking over at mealtime, trying to steal a taste of Doug’s food. Of course, I don’t allow that. But tonight, she upped her game. Instead of coming alone, she brought backup—the whole Goat Mafia!
I turned around to see the three of them marching in formation, straight toward Doug’s food bowl. It was a full-on heist attempt! Poor Doug just doubled down, eating faster! I had to step in, holding back the pushy little gangsters so Doug could eat in peace.
Farm life sure keeps you on your toes, and with this crew, there’s never a dull moment!
If you’re a homesteader or backyard cattle breeder, raising Dexter cattle is a smart, sustainable choice. These small, hardy cattle provide milk, meat, and even draft power, making them ideal for small farms. But to get the most from your herd, joining the American Dexter Cattle Association (ADCA) offers valuable benefits that help you succeed.
For homesteaders looking to improve their herd or start with registered Dexters, the ADCA provides an official registry and pedigree tracking. This ensures you’re getting cattle with known lineage, helping maintain healthy, productive genetics.
The ADCA provides educational resources on topics like:
✅ Grass-fed Dexter beef production
✅ Home dairy milking & calf-rearing
✅ Rotational grazing & regenerative farming
✅ Natural herd health & genetics
If you’re new to cattle, having access to experienced breeders and practical how-to guides makes a huge difference!
Homesteading can sometimes feel isolating, but through ADCA membership, you can connect with other small farmers who share your passion for Dexters. Whether through local ADCA chapters, events, or online discussions, you’ll find support, mentorship, and even opportunities to buy or sell cattle.
Thinking about selling calves or breeding stock? ADCA members can list cattle on the official ADCA Marketplace, reaching buyers who value registered, quality Dexters. This makes selling easier and often more profitable.
Dexters are perfect for small farms—efficient, gentle, and dual-purpose. By joining the ADCA, you’re supporting breed preservation efforts, ensuring Dexters remain a viable option for future generations of homesteaders.
Whether you're raising Dexters for milk, meat, or self-sufficiency, the ADCA gives you the tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive. Visit www.dextercattle.org to learn more and become a member today!
For homesteaders and small-scale farmers, Dexter cattle offer the perfect combination of efficiency, versatility, and manageability. By becoming a member of the ADCA, you not only gain access to essential resources and a supportive community, but you also contribute to preserving this amazing breed for future generations. Whether you're just starting or have years of experience, the ADCA is here to help you make the most of your Dexter herd.
Today was the start of a new farm learning experience for us! The boys and I wrangled Mimi into the stanchion to start her artificial insem...
