The Silver Maple Dexter breeding program is designed to produce Irish Dexter Cattle that meet the the functional requirements of homestead, dual purpose cattle. It has been said that the Irish Dexter should appear in form as the Shorthorn when looking through the wrong end of a telescope. In our "breeding eye" this is the decision making image used.
Our goal is to produce purebred Dexter cattle that fulfill the statement:
Cattle that provide
meat and milk in a small, economic package.
SMD stock aim to provide the small acreage farmer, acreage owner or homesteader with an economically sound and efficient animal.
SMD Breeding Program Principle Statement
Maintain the stature of the Dexter breed while improving both beef and milk production for homestead use.
Breeding Program Trait Maintenance
• Maternal instincts in heifers
• Docile and “friendly” temperament
• Early and regular fecundity
• Depth of barrel and spring of rib
Breeding Program Target Improvement Areas
• Improve Udder Attachment
• Improve Teat Size and Placement
• Improve Heel Depth
• Improve Quarter Fleshing