Dexters are a small breed of black, red or dun cattle thought to have originated in Ireland. They are renowned for their hardiness and there have been no cases of BSE among British Dexters. Up until a few years ago they were truly a rare breed but these days their small size, adaptability and the growing reputation of their excellent meat, means that their numbers in the UK have greatly increased. They have been introduced into conservation areas and are a favourite breed for smallholders. However larger producers have also recognised their potential as a beef breed.
At Glebe Farm, Spelsbury, we now have a herd of 125 pedigree Dexter cattle. This herd has been built up over five years from an initial nucleus of 20 Dexter cows. Our cattle truly have an idyllic lifestyle grazing the lush pastures on the farm in small family groups which are mated naturally. We have two home-bred bulls – born and raised at Glebe Farm – and also use bulls hired from other reputable Dexter breeders.
The Glebe Farm herd lead a stress-free life at Glebe Farm, needing very little assistance from us from birth right through to the finished animal, which helps to maintain the superb eating quality of their meat. Therefore we do not add growth promoters or antibiotics to their feed. Throughout the year they live on a natural diet, grass in summer and grass silage in winter.
Our cattle are inspected daily, protected properly against parasites and promptly treated if they fall sick, which they very rarely do! As with all British cattle, full traceability through the double-tagging and individual passport system ensures the full traceability of our meat and its disease-free status. |
