I was born and raised a country girl. We lived on an 800 acre farm where my Daddy raised cotton, maize, cows, hogs and chickens. At 20, I left and became a city girl. I survived it and when things went to lemons, I made lemonade, and went back to my roots. I found my best friend, soul mate, and husband. He could back a trailer better than any man I have ever known and what country girl couldn’t fall in love with a man like that. And, so on 16 acres of heaven (some may call it work) our life began. He willingly moved to the country, but soon found out that country living and the country style of Fort Worth Stockyards were not the same. The first night we stayed in our home we built on the land, he could not sleep because it was too quite. I slept better than I had in years. We bought a tractor. He discs, mows, shreds, plows, whatever needs to be done.
Whatever needs to be fixed, he can fix it. And when I need a driver, he is always my willing partner. His love is fast cars and boats. My love for horse power is horses, and now my love for my cows. We started raising Angus, then Herefords (wanted baldies). But when my large frame Hereford died of metal poisoning (thanks to my neighbors), I was at a crossroad, what to raise now. I always wanted to raise Irish Dexters! With encouragement from Bud, the journey began. Where do I start? I wanted red, but were expensive and hard to find. Black and Dunn were beautiful. I called everyone for opinions. Finally the president of the Texas Dexter Association said just get something…you’ll figure it out. No one stays with what they start with. So we purchased a black heifer, dunn heifer and a dunn bull, and we were on our way. Today, I have my red herd. (all DNA tested, chondro negative, PHA free) (This included trips all over the state of Texas, and even a trip to Missouri to pick up one from Oregon). We have always enjoyed road trips and included a slight detour to the casino in Oklahoma. (I won $190 and quit, he won ten cents…)

These are the most amazing little cows I have ever owned. They are gentle and calm. I swear they listen to you and can understand. Most all have Irish names, and when you call their names they will look at you. They are easy on the pasture and fences, breed and calve with ease. And we finally broke down last year and processed one (as I was told that was one of the things they are bred for). Best meat we can remember ever eating…tender steaks, lean hamburger (no fat). They are great milk cows, and are also beast of burden, though I have not used one for that purpose …Yet

If you are interested in Dexters, come on down to our little farm…(our acreage has increased, by the way) and you might see one of our  children visiting or if you are really lucky …our precious gran-twins (boy and girl). They love visiting Poppi and Nana’ s farm.

But above all, if you want to raise a Dexter, just do it. You will never be sorry.

Carol and William Parker