Welcome to the East Anglian Dexter Cattle Group website, a division of the Dexter Cattle Society; a nationwide society concerning the smallest breed native to Britain.
The Dexter originated in the South Western region of Ireland. Like the Kerry, they are descended from the predominately black cattle of the early Celts. The Dexter breed is the smallest British breed of cattle, standing 92cm - 107cm at the shoulder.
The success of the Dexter over the last 25 - 30 years is quite outstanding. The breed's ability to adapt to varying and extreme climatic conditions and to different systems of management is a typical characteristic. Now considered well established in many parts of the world, having been exported to Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, Argentina, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Italy, Belgium, Denmark and Germany, the breed has dedicated societies in many of these countries, demonstrating the popularity, durability and appeal of the breed.
The meat is well marbled and of very high quality; dexter beef is very popular with the consumer, through farm shops, farmers markets and home freezer consumption due to its outstanding flavour, small joints and minimal waste.
Due to its small size the dexter is ideal for those with small buildings and animals are happy to be wintered outside. As an early maturing breed, steers can be finished on grazing at twenty to twenty-four months with no supplementary feeding. Their size also affects their meat to bone ratio favourably, resulting in a killing out percentage of 56%. It is these factors that make the breed so economically appealing.
Come and Join Us!
Membership is just £10 for the year and we have several visits throughout the year to look at some of the finest Dexter Cattle in the country. Owning any Dexters is not a requirement so long as you are as passionate about the breed as we are!!
Upcoming Shows
South Suffolk 12th May 2024 DC
Hadleigh 18th May 2024 AONB
Suffolk 29th & 30th May 2024 DC
Norfolk 26th & 27th June 2024 DC
Tendring 13th July 2024 AONB
Wayland 4th August 2024 DC
Aylsham 26th August 2024 DC
Gransden 28th September 2024 AONB
Key
DC: Dexter Classes
AONB: Any Other Native Breed
RBC: Rare Breed Classes
Meetings and Other News
Our annual Christmas lunch/AGM this year took place in February at The Thomas Payne Hotel in Thetford.
Attendance this year was good and we had a very informative meeting, talking about bluetongue. It was excellent to catch up over a delicious meal and a good time was had by all!
Coming soon!
In the meantime, here are some useful contacts:
Chairman: Robin Creighton Tel: 07769 143 010
Secretary: Mary Brookes Tel: 01359 252 241
Treasurer: Erica Strange Tel: 01986 873 376
If your sale is successful, please contact me at elliecbrookes@gmail.com so that the advert may be removed.
To add a sale or hire advert, please fill out the form below:
*Please note you must be a member of the group to advertise on our website
Heifers for Sale
Cows for Sale
Steers for Sale
Other Sales
Sebright bantams and Hamburghs
Description: Silver Sebright bantams and large Silver Spangled Hamburghs For sale. Bred from top prize winning birds.
Please phone Robin Creighton on 07769 143010
Wanted
Dexter Steers
Description: WANTED any and all UTM steers within a reasonable distance of Breckland.
Location: Breckland
Contact Rich Ives on 07775 877588 or at
https://folgateproduce.farm/contact
Bulls for Sale
Bulls for Hire
Dexter Bull
Quality non-short Dexter bull available for hire.
For more information contact Paul Brind on 07881 645725
Robin Creighton | 07769 143 010
Mary Brookes | 01359 252 241
Erica Strange | 01986 873 376