MINIATURE CATTLE: We currently have a small herd consisting of a Dexter Bull and Dexter heifers in hopes of producing a sizable herd of dual-purpose (milk & meat) to play with (on the ground and on horseback) and enjoy. We have a few calves available a year.

HAIR/MEAT SHEEP:  Our herd consists of Dorper/Katahdin hair sheep. Excellent as pets, pasture mowers and to butcher. Commercial type cross for high production, and are worm and disease resistant. Lambs are available once or twice a year. They all are off great ewes and have sweet dispositions. Perfect sheep for homesteaders and even 4-H. Contact me to see if we have any available.

WHY mini cattle?

EFFICIENCY...........

The cost to grow crops has gotten to the point that livestock anymore seems to be for the rich and famous. Fertilizer prices have increased some much that farms can't hardly get it in their fields. That of course has driven hay to a all time crazy high making prices higher than anyone ever imagined. Corn, soybean and byproduct components have also reached amazing heights. What does this all mean? It is going to cost us more to feed our livestock in the future. This is a main reason that smaller livestock such as miniature cattle have found a home here in the United States. Cattle that eat 1/3 the amount of standard sized cattle in the future are the future.

SAFETY.............


The average mature miniature cow weighs between 300 and 700 pounds which is far smaller than standard sized cattle. Almost all miniature cattle breeds have a more docile nature and even most mature bulls are friendly enough to work around. It is easy for small children to feed the calves due to their extremely smaller size. If halter broke even a child can handle most adult cows and lead them around.


MINIATURE MILKERS.........


There are several miniature cattle dairy breeds that give the same quality milk as modern dairy cows just smaller amounts. Miniature Jerseys and Dexter's breeds are examples that have high components in their milk and make great family milk cows. Lots of families want home fresh milk just squeezed from the teat instead of milk from the store which may have added hormones and sometimes BST. Lots of family's have tried Goats milk but prefer cow milk but just can't afford to feed a standard sized cow or even have the land size to keep such a animal. Miniature milkers are the perfect family milk cow due to their efficiency and size.


HOME RAISED BEEF..........


With the rising cost of beef or meat in the supermarket many landowners have looked into the alternative of raising there own beef. Many don't own more than a few acres but still would love to raise something nice. This is where miniature beef breeds have recently come on the scene and found a place in the cattle market. Breeds such as Lowline Angus, miniature Herfords, Galloways and Dexter's have really pushed the way for home grown beef, hobby farmers as well as cattle men who wants to run more cattle per acre and in doing so get more choice cuts. These breeds are half the size of standard animals but can still be enough for a family.


NOVELTY.................


There are many reasons to own miniature cattle. Miniature cattle are not the ostrich and the egg or something else that sounds like it came from Mars. Almost everyone can relate to cows in some way or another. 60 years ago all our ancestors had some kind of cattle. Miniature cattle have all the same great things we remember just in a smaller package. Miniature cattle are unique, fun to look at and interesting to have on the farm because they're something different. Many people enjoy caring for livestock but don't want a goat that everyone has or a horse no one rides. With miniature cattle the smaller ones are most prized and adored.


KIDS....................


Many of us remember being raised on the farm. For some of us this life style has faded. With miniature cattle children can play a big part in raising and caring for these little cattle. In doing so we are teaching responsibility and work ethics something lost to many inner city children. Miniature cattle also make great FFA & 4-H projects,  and small enough for fairs and petting zoos. They have even been to birthday parties & are used in productions. Mini bucking bulls and steers are popular out west where Rodeo is life. They can be therapeutic for disabled children and good old fashion farm fun.


TAX WRITE OFF............


Many people want to turn their house and a few acres into a miniature or hobby farm. In most states this requires 3 breeding stock cows meaning 3 head of females or more. NC Law states that you must have livestock of some sort, and  a few chickens or horses doesn't count. The law also doesn't state how big the livestock have to be. It only says you have to have so many head on your land. Miniature cattle are the perfect fit for this reason. Here in North Carolina your house and few acres can qualify as a miniature or hobby farm and now eligible for a agriculture tax exempt number that will enable you to writing everything off on your taxes and not have to pay sales tax on farm items. Your feed, everything the animals need and even driving to pick up your hay can all be written off. It is a great break come tax time.


KID RODEOS.............


With the sport of bull riding getting more and more popular there are more kids trying to get into this exciting sport at very early ages. Kids have often told me that they would Rather ride a steer or bull vs a goat or sheep. Something that would really buck and run. Parents want something safe that is not going to hurt there child during riding. Miniature Zebus are great for smaller kids due to there lighter frame and bone structure. Some of the other breeds work out better for bigger kids but there is a breed and size for children of all ages. Miniature bulls are a great way for kids to start off and gives them the feel of being in a real rodeo and not a kids division.


CATTLE EVENTS..............


In our area east of the Mississippi, Equestrians are having harder and harder times finding venues to work and compete on there horses in cattle events (IE team penning, ranch horse, team sorting, steer wrestling ect.) And when they due oftentimes the fees are high, and arena time is short. Miniature cattle stay small and for practice, a herd of miniature cattle can be used threw their entire lives. They don't mature "out" as do larger cattle and the cost of maintaining a decent size herd is lessened because owners aren't forced to swap out cattle as often or feed a larger animal when not in use.

Information courtesy of www.MiniCattlePros.com

Miniature Cattle and Hair Sheep