how we raise 35 Dexter cattle on 30 acres

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

Рет қаралды 332,381

3 жыл бұрын

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-...

Пікірлер: 344

@scottjenkins4613 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@beverlyf6603 3 жыл бұрын

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

@24June91 3 жыл бұрын

Who is mother nature?

@beverlyf6603 3 жыл бұрын

@@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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@dark_winter8238 3 жыл бұрын

@@nikolaoskal7438 including himself?

@beverlyf6603 3 жыл бұрын

@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.

@freebooterz-Warmane 3 жыл бұрын

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

@capturelightmedia 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

@cadebeeson964 3 жыл бұрын

Pft why

@ericsaur9791 3 жыл бұрын

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

@daviddjerassi 3 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@greatnorthern706 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@leestewart72 3 жыл бұрын

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

@BluebellyGaming 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@richardbohlingsr3490 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@57broski 3 жыл бұрын

Sammy really is a grass puppy!

@geneellens6939 3 жыл бұрын

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

@JustaFewAcresFarm 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Gene!

@thomasdavis4189 3 жыл бұрын

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

@geneellens6939 3 жыл бұрын

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

@robertfranklin4479 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@brucerazor5202 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@willieclark2256 3 жыл бұрын

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

@travistravis1253 3 жыл бұрын

Live Oak

@Stella77_7 3 жыл бұрын

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

@littlegreycloud 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@josephfernandez3809 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@isaacg2721 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Elfunko99x 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@melvinbyrd8609 3 жыл бұрын

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!!

@TownOfAyrsley 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@sergiu30 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jacoblatshaw3004 3 жыл бұрын

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

@cherryfarms2135 3 жыл бұрын

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

@serianaa 3 жыл бұрын

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

@gregbolton8716 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@foggypatchfarm6048 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@adolynch 3 жыл бұрын

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

@catonmclear2500 3 жыл бұрын

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

@dropbassnetwork 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@audreyshelton9301 3 ай бұрын

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 .

@bigmama5240 3 жыл бұрын

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

@JackOSUrulz 3 жыл бұрын

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...😞

@almarooffarms7926 2 жыл бұрын

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

@nigelsmith186 3 ай бұрын

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

@PrairieSunsetRanch 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TheAbleFarmer 3 жыл бұрын

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

@thomasegan3840 3 жыл бұрын

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

@JustaFewAcresFarm 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Thomas!

@TheRamosFamilyFarm 3 жыл бұрын

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

@danno1800 2 жыл бұрын

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

@jplessard7110 3 жыл бұрын

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

@staffylover1950 3 жыл бұрын

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

@josephacuna8389 3 жыл бұрын

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!!

@shaunsmuder1637 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pete I always look forward to your videos

@brycekirby1567 3 жыл бұрын

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

@ivankinsman4829 3 жыл бұрын

Nice to see this regenerative farming in practice.

@davehoover8214 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jimmcintyre4390 3 жыл бұрын

Man knows his stuff. Great video.

@tsknight76 3 жыл бұрын

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

@timduncan8450 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@feslerae 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TK-lt9kr Жыл бұрын

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. ✌️🤓

@denverbasshead 3 жыл бұрын

Wow 7th generation farm. Absolutely amazing

@zadokmotorfreight2423 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoying the videos, thanks!

@itsbenk9484 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing video. Love the videos. Keep it up

@ruhilogan5004 3 жыл бұрын

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

@tonjabock3289 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jasonalexander7547 3 жыл бұрын

Hi from Atlanta. and Right on!!!

@Smartyvoy 3 жыл бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@putnutshomegarden4369 2 жыл бұрын

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

@mrcrabass3669 3 жыл бұрын

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

@joineshayandcattle7629 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Always like getting ideas from others!

@johnbasler-hwr-moneytalks Жыл бұрын

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.

@admar9520 Жыл бұрын

Pete as always excellent video.

@nelsonridgefarm 3 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate all of the great information. Thanks!

@davemi00 3 жыл бұрын

A Good Explanation of your Regenerative Ranching. Thanks !

@drewbrud9599 3 жыл бұрын

This is the best KZfaq channel!!

@1crazynordlander 11 ай бұрын

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”

@juancortez4726 3 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@tedwpx123 3 жыл бұрын

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

@stevesims2307 Жыл бұрын

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

@lukagiltrap77 3 жыл бұрын

Finished reading your book today Pete, and can highly recommend it to all your other KZfaq 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 3 жыл бұрын

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...

@danno1800 2 жыл бұрын

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

@Flowing23 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Pete.

@duncanosborne4871 3 жыл бұрын

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

@randybutler4772 3 жыл бұрын

Very good explanation. Thank you for sharing.

@JL-xn3zy 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video!👍👍👍

@user-kd3qz6nx7v Жыл бұрын

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

@grammajean1327 Жыл бұрын

Always educational.

@504carl 3 жыл бұрын

I've watch farming on KZfaq 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.

@JustaFewAcresFarm 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for subscribing Carl!

@504carl 3 жыл бұрын

You're Welcome

@MaynardFamilyHomestead 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting video, thank you sir!

@josee.salazar4033 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoy your videos always good information.👋

@wayneturnbull1762 3 жыл бұрын

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

@starnet36 3 жыл бұрын

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

@JustaFewAcresFarm 3 жыл бұрын

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

@cowboy2180 Жыл бұрын

Excellent content! Subscribed

@lukeperhaps2734 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@zakariasengo8930 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Billster1955 3 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@jonrossman6706 3 жыл бұрын

I really liked this video

@jonstevensmaplegrovefarms3754 3 жыл бұрын

awesome! small and very efficient animals!

@yurtship 3 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@christopherscranton7995 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Adam-fj6ls 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome farm. God bless

@roygbiv3305 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jobygochoco2731 3 жыл бұрын

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

@joegigandet1415 2 жыл бұрын

You can tell this guy cares. Names his animals, knows his land and plants

@jacquesyoung1181 3 жыл бұрын

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