Silver Maple Dexter Breeding Program  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.                  SMD Breeding Program Principle Statement Our goal is to produce purebred Dexter 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.                           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                                       Stay Home                                            I will wait here in the fields                     to see how well the rain                     brings on the grass.                 In the labor of the fields                     longer than a man’s life                     I am at home.                 Do not come with me.                 You stay home too.                           Wendell Berry