how we raise 35 Dexter cattle on 30 acres - without buying hay!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ค. 2020
  • We feed 35 head of grass-finished Dexter cattle on 30 acres of grassland, including ground for making all our own hay and without using chemical fertilizers except lime. In this video I explain our grazing method to maximize pasture yields, and how we keep our hay fields in peak production via rotating them in and out of pasture ground, composting and spreading manure from our pigs and chickens as well as our cattle, and adding trace minerals to the soil to replace those leaving the farm as beef.
    website: justafewacres.com/
    Facebook: / just-a-few-acres-farm-...
    Instagram: justafewacr...
    email: peterelarson3@gmail.com
    To order Pete's book; "A Year and a Day on Just a Few Acres:" www.amazon.com/Year-Day-Just-...

ความคิดเห็น • 344

  • @scottjenkins4613
    @scottjenkins4613 3 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    I am a true novice, know next to nothing about cattle or grazing....but your efficiency seems impressive - 35 animals on 30 acres and no hay import. Bravo! Not to mention no hired hands - just you and the Mrs.

  • @daviddjerassi
    @daviddjerassi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    What a super way to run a small farm ,with a great relationship between farmer and livestock not normally seen and so rewarding ,man you really know how to get the best out of your fields i just hope some young farmers are watching this master class ,Thank you lovely video.

    • @sethwells1383
      @sethwells1383 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I am trying to figure out how to do this. I have 3 heifers and 2 Steers on 11 acres and they are free grazing. I only give them water and minerals.

  • @freebooterz-Warmane
    @freebooterz-Warmane 3 ปีที่แล้ว +81

    If you have a go pro, you should strap it to Sammy's head and make "A day in the life of Sammy"

    • @capturelightmedia
      @capturelightmedia 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

    • @cadebeeson964
      @cadebeeson964 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pft why

    • @ericsaur9791
      @ericsaur9791 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Great idea. I'll start a cow cam site when I get my cows! Lol. I'm gonna guess most times it will be a screen of grass though. Hahaha

  • @beverlyf6603
    @beverlyf6603 3 ปีที่แล้ว +104

    Regenerative rotational grazing is the answer mother nature was trying to show us all along! Great work.

    • @24June91
      @24June91 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Who is mother nature?

    • @beverlyf6603
      @beverlyf6603 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@24June91 The term "mother nature" has been used since the 1500's to refer to nature personified as a creative and controlling force. Sometimes known as Mother Earth or the Earth Mother, a personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it, in the form of the mother.

    • @nikolaoskal7438
      @nikolaoskal7438 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@beverlyf6603 Well, there's no such thing as "mother nature". The person you are refering to is God, the Creator of everything.

    • @dark_winter8238
      @dark_winter8238 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@nikolaoskal7438 including himself?

    • @beverlyf6603
      @beverlyf6603 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @Thomas McCarthy The term "mother nature" is a metaphor for Earth and its natural processes, which obviously exists. I'm sorry that metaphor is too complex an idea for you; you must lead a very boring intellectual life.

  • @greatnorthern706
    @greatnorthern706 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Oh man. Now I am dreading Samm'y date with the butcher in November. You folks have given him a great life though. He is a very lucky Dexter.

  • @johnclaffey7218
    @johnclaffey7218 3 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    Lovely to see you run Irish cattle. They’re a rare breed here now. Lovely animals.

  • @leestewart72
    @leestewart72 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    You're like the Jay Leno of farming. Great videos!

  • @57broski
    @57broski 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Sammy really is a grass puppy!

  • @BluebellyGaming
    @BluebellyGaming 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I like learning about the tractors, but the way you show evident care for the animals is really heartening. Your videos embody the axiom "show me, don't tell me" of convincing others. Thanks for what you are doing.

  • @geneellens6939
    @geneellens6939 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    We just love your cows they are so beautiful and friendly. You are just so informative on everything Pete we love your videos.

    • @JustaFewAcresFarm
      @JustaFewAcresFarm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thank you Gene!

    • @thomasdavis4189
      @thomasdavis4189 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      i agree Gene......Pete is very informative

    • @geneellens6939
      @geneellens6939 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@thomasdavis4189
      And he has such a pleasant and calming personality which make watching his videos enjoyable

  • @Stella77_7
    @Stella77_7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Fantastic system.
    It can be done and glad to see a real farmer who knows what he is talking about.

  • @richardbohlingsr3490
    @richardbohlingsr3490 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    After all these years you have learned the rhythm cycle of your farm and keep in touch with what is going on. Experience is a good friend when times get tough on the farm.

  • @brucerazor5202
    @brucerazor5202 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I just love watching you, I ran heavy equipment for a living and 11 back surgeries later I’m pretty much a stay at home grampa. Wish I could do a do over.

  • @willieclark2256
    @willieclark2256 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Holy cow, you just blew my mind. I'm in N Florida fixing to move to 30 acres in N Alabama, and this just got me really excited.

    • @MaynardFamilyHomestead
      @MaynardFamilyHomestead 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cool what part of Florida? Were about 20 mins west of Gainesville.

    • @willieclark2256
      @willieclark2256 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MaynardFamilyHomestead I'm just west of Gainesville! I'll have to check y'all out!

    • @travistravis1253
      @travistravis1253 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Live Oak

  • @isaacg2721
    @isaacg2721 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are so clear and concise with your explanations, you're a pleasure to listen to!

  • @littlegreycloud
    @littlegreycloud 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Ordered your book, Pete. Thanks for all the great info. I have started this year with Dexter's. Up to 8 on my farm with more on the way. Thanks again!

  • @TownOfAyrsley
    @TownOfAyrsley 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I follow several cattle raising channels. You impart more information than any of the others. Thank you for your thoughtful and informative videos. I was raised on a farm and we had cattle, but you have forgotten more than I ever knew about it. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

  • @robertfranklin4479
    @robertfranklin4479 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Growing up in Alabama, my father and uncle raised 50 pineywoods cows on 300 acres of pine forest and woodlands that we prescribed burned on a 3 year rotation. Pineywoods cattle are a small frame heritage breed that’s been around since first settlement. We used rotational grazing combined with burning to mimic the transitory grazing of bison and elk that were here in the early days. The cattle were grass fed with mineral supplements and moved from pasture to pasture with water, minerals and herding dogs. This was the way cattle were managed in the pineywoods south from first settlement up until the 1950s. We were doing freezer beef back before it became popular! How I miss those days!

  • @serianaa
    @serianaa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This video isn’t just enjoyable, It is also very educational, thanks for the vid and tips

  • @sergiu30
    @sergiu30 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I like your videos, they give you a feeling of comfort. Greetings from Eastern Europe (Romania)

  • @adolynch
    @adolynch 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Watching from Ireland,I've purchased 22acres to farm, love the channel it's full of inspiration for me. Thanks

  • @audreyshelton9301
    @audreyshelton9301 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love the way you explain rotational grazing on your farm and the soil health balances you incorporate. Keep up the Great video's and thanks for letting all of us walk along .

  • @josephfernandez3809
    @josephfernandez3809 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for posting the video Sir. The amount of details is greatly appreciated, took many notes. I can tell you have excellent training on people, product and process. Stay Safe & Keep Farming!

  • @melvinbyrd8609
    @melvinbyrd8609 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great and very informative video as usual Pete. I really hope that there are some larger farmers who watch your channel so they can there truly is a better way. Keep up the good work!!

  • @catonmclear2500
    @catonmclear2500 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great info Pete! I'll be watching this again!

  • @Elfunko99x
    @Elfunko99x 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow, thank you for such in depth explanations. Some of the finer points you mention I've never heard before (I'm still in planning stages for my farm/grazing operation), thank you for making these videos!

  • @foggypatchfarm6048
    @foggypatchfarm6048 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Terrific video! I like how much you pay attention to the science of soil and forage management. I like the way you're cycling the pig and chicken manure too. That's a great example of how mixed species farming is beneficial.

  • @cherryfarms2135
    @cherryfarms2135 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lime is the most underrated thing in farming, glad you talked about it, very nice setup

  • @nigelsmith186
    @nigelsmith186 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Absolute GOLDMINE information here from Pete. Many thanks for producing this informative video.

  • @jacoblatshaw3004
    @jacoblatshaw3004 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Pete! Love learning more about your dexter cattle and your pasture and hay strategies

  • @jimmcintyre4390
    @jimmcintyre4390 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man knows his stuff. Great video.

  • @almarooffarms7926
    @almarooffarms7926 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Watching your video for the first time and I found it awesome and helpful for those afraid of getting started.

  • @thomasegan3840
    @thomasegan3840 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video Pete whenever i have a bad day at work i go on your videos to help me chill out .Best wishes from the UK

  • @dropbassnetwork
    @dropbassnetwork 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    just found your channel. you have a system very close to what i'm doing, but you're doing it a lot better with you cattle to land ratio! can't wait to watch more of your videos. very informative and interesting so far.

  • @staffylover1950
    @staffylover1950 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Pete, thanks for sharing. my family enjoy watching your videos.

  • @ivankinsman4829
    @ivankinsman4829 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice to see this regenerative farming in practice.

  • @denverbasshead
    @denverbasshead 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow 7th generation farm. Absolutely amazing

  • @bigmama5240
    @bigmama5240 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love watching your videos. They make me smile and they are so informative. Thankyou!

  • @TheRamosFamilyFarm
    @TheRamosFamilyFarm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome video, hope to be able to practice this on our farm soon. Cows are looking great!

  • @danno1800
    @danno1800 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think it’s pretty amazing what you have done. Thanks for explaining it to us. Much appreciated!

  • @shaunsmuder1637
    @shaunsmuder1637 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Pete I always look forward to your videos

  • @brycekirby1567
    @brycekirby1567 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your videos are great I really enjoy them you waste no time and put out a lot of information

  • @JackOSUrulz
    @JackOSUrulz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This channel is growing fast!!! I have been commenting on quite a few of the videos, mainly because I am very impressed with Pete’s farm. Also, he’s an IH guy, and I love those old tractors lol. Wish I still had my dads old cub...😞

  • @PrairieSunsetRanch
    @PrairieSunsetRanch 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You Sir have this business figured out! Thank you for sharing this knowledge. Beautiful looking cattle! Cheers 🍻from Prairie Sunset Ranch☀️

  • @josephacuna8389
    @josephacuna8389 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video I’ve been looking into dexters for a while now probably gona start with a few and see how it goes next year! They seem very docile and that’s what I’m looking for because of my daughters are very young! I like learning from your videos everyday I look forward to watching them after work every day keep up the good work!!

  • @TheAbleFarmer
    @TheAbleFarmer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Just found your channel, I would love to get a few dexters someday. Cannot wait to learn more from you!

  • @TK-lt9kr
    @TK-lt9kr ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! We have 14 acres and have it planted with mostly alfalfa and some fescue. We plan on getting about 10-15 mini Herefords and this answered a lot of questions for us. ✌️🤓

  • @jasonalexander7547
    @jasonalexander7547 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi from Atlanta. and Right on!!!

  • @feslerae
    @feslerae 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for getting to the point quickly. Great video!

  • @tsknight76
    @tsknight76 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Enjoyed the video Pete, lots of great information as always. Wish we were closer to take advantage of all you have to offer.

  • @zadokmotorfreight2423
    @zadokmotorfreight2423 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Really enjoying the videos, thanks!

  • @jplessard7110
    @jplessard7110 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude I love your videos, the editing is good, good voice and information.✌️

  • @itsbenk9484
    @itsbenk9484 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Amazing video. Love the videos. Keep it up

  • @davehoover8214
    @davehoover8214 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this video. Thank you for the time you put into it. Great information.

  • @gregbolton8716
    @gregbolton8716 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Pete; I am grateful that you cover things outside of animal care like the accounting, marketing and even equipment cost and maintenance- as if you are training us to take it over. So many offer the husbandry process, but yours goes the extra mile- without usually needing to buy some expensive stuff being advertised on the show. I’m over 600 miles away or I would certainly love to meet you at the market.

    • @JustaFewAcresFarm
      @JustaFewAcresFarm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thank you Greg! Maybe I AM training 21,000 people to come take over the farm work, while I sit on the porch & watch :)

  • @stevesims2307
    @stevesims2307 ปีที่แล้ว

    Perfectly temperament on those cows. Might as well be show cattle/ halter broke. Bravo!!!

  • @davemi00
    @davemi00 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    A Good Explanation of your Regenerative Ranching. Thanks !

  • @mrcrabass3669
    @mrcrabass3669 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your presentation and articulation are exelent, thank you ,great entertainment

  • @admar9520
    @admar9520 ปีที่แล้ว

    Pete as always excellent video.

  • @ruhilogan5004
    @ruhilogan5004 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the video, good info on grazing and rotations. keep up the good work.

  • @tonjabock3289
    @tonjabock3289 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is great! We are buying a small farm land this spring and I plan to raise Dexter cattle. I would live to see your farm to visualize the setup for rotational grazing/hayfields! Thank you for this video

  • @johnbasler-hwr-moneytalks
    @johnbasler-hwr-moneytalks ปีที่แล้ว

    Your old videos are as good as you new videos. Wish I had a suggestion for you to make them better. Thanks for making them.

  • @drewbrud9599
    @drewbrud9599 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the best TH-cam channel!!

  • @Flowing23
    @Flowing23 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Pete.

  • @Smartyvoy
    @Smartyvoy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is very great advice! My family and I have started a 30 arce ranch. We are new to the livestock business and only have an small herd of 14 cattle (13 beef and 1 Dairy breed).
    Thanks for the advice! 👍🙏

    • @alecgraziano3346
      @alecgraziano3346 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      can you make enough money off that to live off as a single person

  • @timduncan8450
    @timduncan8450 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just a Few Acres Farm Very informative & nice video. I didn’t hear any reference given, but this sounds like a Savory Grazing system. I’m really impressed by your discipline, calm cattle & long term usage of the system. Growing up in Montana Some of our neighbors had tried this but it didn’t appear to last many years. He claims tremendous soil fertility building & Co2 sequestration on arid conditions (high plains). Looks beautifully lush where you are.

    • @JustaFewAcresFarm
      @JustaFewAcresFarm  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's quite a compliment Tim...Allan Savory is one of my inspirations! I've adapted his & some other folks' principles to work on our farm.

  • @joineshayandcattle7629
    @joineshayandcattle7629 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. Always like getting ideas from others!

  • @juancortez4726
    @juancortez4726 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you!! this was definitely enjoyable and informative... the wife and I are thinking about taking the leap to a healthier lifestyle and move out of the urban hell cities are... your video brings us closer to that end... thank you again!

  • @lgrichard32
    @lgrichard32 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tons of info! Thank you for sharing all of this!!

  • @putnutshomegarden4369
    @putnutshomegarden4369 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your videos. Love the way you do things. I am hoping to be doing something similar starting next year.

  • @nelsonridgefarm
    @nelsonridgefarm 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really appreciate all of the great information. Thanks!

  • @randybutler4772
    @randybutler4772 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very good explanation. Thank you for sharing.

  • @tedwpx123
    @tedwpx123 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good info, thanks. Sounds like you have a plan to succeed

  • @grammajean1327
    @grammajean1327 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always educational.

  • @duncanosborne4871
    @duncanosborne4871 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the best farming youtube, you are only keeping animals and have machinery you need.
    Some of the TH-cam homestead films you see people with animals which have no use on the homesteads

  • @danno1800
    @danno1800 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have subscribed and also ordered your book - thanks for both!

  • @JL-xn3zy
    @JL-xn3zy 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great video!👍👍👍

  • @roygbiv3305
    @roygbiv3305 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i can understand whole of what he said. his english is very nice

  • @wayneturnbull1762
    @wayneturnbull1762 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Pete love your videos, Just want to say hi from Kelowna Bc Canada,,,

  • @josee.salazar4033
    @josee.salazar4033 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Enjoy your videos always good information.👋

  • @user-kd3qz6nx7v
    @user-kd3qz6nx7v ปีที่แล้ว

    I really like this video. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful experience. Follow

  • @504carl
    @504carl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've watch farming on TH-cam every day and most of them don't give you a tutorial like you, I definitely love your videos and for that I'm a new Subscriber to your channel, I'm looking for more. Thumbs Up.

  • @zakariasengo8930
    @zakariasengo8930 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You have one real friend,,a cow that's always by your side through out video😀,, that company is far better than hypocritical people or friends around you

  • @jobygochoco2731
    @jobygochoco2731 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    great stuff....gonna miss Sammy when he goes....

  • @starnet36
    @starnet36 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Pete, love your videos. For those of us who are hearing-impaired, please remember to enable subtitles on your videos. Thanks.

    • @JustaFewAcresFarm
      @JustaFewAcresFarm  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry, I will remember to do that from now on.

  • @1crazynordlander
    @1crazynordlander 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    When you shared the news about the butcher date for Sammy it reminded me of this story. We buy meat from a farmer that raises bulls for breeding. Some do not pass the tests they are put through so they sell them at market price to folks looking to fill their freezer with locally grown beef. The farmer’s wife works as a teacher at a school I do tech work at and their two kids are students there. I was doing tech work in a classroom where their boy was and I told him we were getting meat from his farm and he replied “That bull you bought from us. His name was Spike”

  • @cowboy2180
    @cowboy2180 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent content! Subscribed

  • @jonrossman6706
    @jonrossman6706 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really liked this video

  • @Adam-fj6ls
    @Adam-fj6ls 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome farm. God bless

  • @christopherscranton7995
    @christopherscranton7995 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello Pete, I've just come across your videos about a month ago. Congratulations on such a great story. You are really smashing the stereotype of farmers being simpletons. Quite contraire mon frère!

  • @kiritnaik3099
    @kiritnaik3099 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Pete again great video you produce organic milk you doing good job you can produce vegetables too

  • @Billster1955
    @Billster1955 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video.

  • @blackpistolcompany3482
    @blackpistolcompany3482 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You know your stuff bud. Wow

  • @MaynardFamilyHomestead
    @MaynardFamilyHomestead 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting video, thank you sir!

  • @jonstevensmaplegrovefarms3754
    @jonstevensmaplegrovefarms3754 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    awesome! small and very efficient animals!

  • @lukagiltrap77
    @lukagiltrap77 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Finished reading your book today Pete, and can highly recommend it to all your other TH-cam fans!
    Can't help but feel there's a second book to come, bringing us up to date on the addition of the Dexter herd to the farm, and other changes over the intervening years? You can title it Five Years and Five Days on Just a Few Acres!!

    • @JackOSUrulz
      @JackOSUrulz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I just purchased his book and can’t wait to start reading. I have 22 acres here in Oklahoma and am thinking of getting a few Dexters myself. I have access to a larger portion of acreage next door as well. Might have to do a little joint venture with my neighbor who owns 50 acres next to me, since I have the 5 acre pond that takes up a part of my pasture...

  • @lukeperhaps2734
    @lukeperhaps2734 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, Pete! Have your considered for a future video comparing the efficiency and pros /cons of small farms VS big agri-business? Say 1000 individual 35 acre self sufficient beef farms VS 35000 acres of grain and feed lots? Amazing job with the videos!

  • @seanmarkow3030
    @seanmarkow3030 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thumbs up for regenerative ag

  • @yurtship
    @yurtship 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video!

  • @jacquesyoung1181
    @jacquesyoung1181 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    great video as always. if you could touch on how you select which cow for which bull and what to do to avoid inbreeding it would be greatly appreciated