Simple Living, Happy Animals, Effective Training, and Farm-Fresh Goods in Central California.
Not to be outdone, our sweet milk goat Embers surprised us with two beautiful little doelings—without any notice at all! She’s proving to be a fantastic mama as she always is, and the babies are thriving. They are very active little sweeties! We've named them Smokey and Salamander (Sally), and they are absolutely precious!
Dot is now the proud mama of two adorable kids! The one with all the white markings is a handsome little buck we’ve named Atlas. His sister is a gorgeous caramel and brown doeling—we haven’t quite settled on her name yet, but she’s just as sweet as can be.
Both babies are healthy, and Dot is doing wonderfully. They’re already stealing hearts! 🐐💛
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 insemination (AI) process. We started plenty early in case she wasn't cooperative. It went quicker than we thought it might, so we ended up having to put up a makeshift shade to keep her out of the sun.
Mimi was first checked via ultrasound to make sure she wasn't pregnant. I was a bit suspicious as she kept getting fatter and fatter, but she's not pregnant. Next she got a shot that will bring her into heat within the next few days. She was not a fan of the shot. Lastly, she got a patch over her tail that will change color if/when the other cows jump up on her. They usually jump on each other when they are in heat, so this patch saves me from having to watch them all day long!
Once she's ready to be bred, part two of this process will begin. Stay tuned! Can you spot the three spectators in the background??
There’s a new guardian on the farm, and his name is Doug! Doug is our Maremma Sheepdog, a breed known for its unwavering dedication to protecting livestock. While he may be big and fluffy, make no mistake—he takes his job very seriously. His mission? To guard our goats from predators and keep the farm safe.
Maremmas have been used for centuries to protect flocks from threats like coyotes, mountain lions, and stray dogs. Doug watches over our goats day and night, always on high alert. He blends in seamlessly with the herd, forming strong bonds with them and ensuring they feel secure. But while he’s all business when it comes to predators, he’s nothing but sweet and gentle with us.
Doug has already proven himself as a dedicated guardian, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have him on the farm. Whether he’s patrolling the pasture, keeping an eye on the mischievous “Goat Mafia,” or enjoying some well-earned belly rubs, Doug is an irreplaceable part of our team. Welcome to the farm, Doug! 🐶💛
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.
