By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
LUSATIA Park Dexter Stud farm will be having an open day next month so people can come and get to know this breed of little cow.
Dexter cows are a traditional Irish cow that date back to the 1800s and due to their smaller stature are great for smaller plots of land than are required for larger breeds of cattle.
Stud owners Steve Ross and Vikki Chandler have been breeding the cows for about five years and want more people in the Yarra Valley to know about them.
“Our push for this breed in the Yarra Valley is because there are a lot of small landholders of 10-50 acres in the area,” Ms Chandler said.
“Dexters are perfect for smaller lots as you can carry more cattle than with the bigger breeds because they are a smaller animal.”
Because of the smaller stature of the cattle, they are less hard on the land, softer on fences, need smaller cattleyards and are less intimidating than larger breeds.
“We are first-time cattle handlers,” Ms Chander said.
“Dexters have an incredibly good temperament, they are small, easy to handle and calve really well.”
“They are great for people who may not have handled cattle before.”
While the breed is very small compared to others they are not a miniaturised breed, they are just naturally small.
They are a versatile dual-purpose breed that can be used for both meat and milk.
“They are known as beefy little milkers,” Ms Chandler said.
“They have incredibly good quality meat and can produce 10-15 litres of milk a day. Perfect for a house cow.”
The Lusatia Park Dexter Stud open day will be on 25 October. It will be the fourth year Ms Chandler and Mr Ross have opened their farm to the public.
“We weren’t that busy when we did open days in conjunction with the Dexter association,” Ms Chandler said.
“From the second year onwards we decided to do it ourselves.”
“We decided spring was the best time because the grass is green and the spring calves are ready for sale.”
The stud farm had about 10 groups through to meet the cattle last year and they are hoping to have more than that this year.
Ms Chandler said the day was really good for getting to know the cows and experiencing the kind of lifestyle a smaller breed cow can offer.
“It’s a real learning experience, and a lifestyle choice,” Ms Chandler said.
“We’ve sold to people over the years and made good friends and network with other people who like these cows.”
Ms Chandler and Mr Ross invite anyone interested in learning about these cattle to come down to the open day or send them an email for more information at vchandler@hotmail.com.au.
