In May 2009 they sold off the main part of their farm in Southern Brook to relocate their Dexter herd to north-west Tasmania, purchasing a 74 acre property in Preston with a carrying capacity of 10 times what their West Australian property was capable of.

Mark has worked on farms for some 15 years gaining much valuable experience.  He has a Diploma in Agriculture, with a Certificate IV in Beef & Rural Business Management, being a lecturer in Agriculture at CY O’Connor College of TAFE for many years.  His expertise is in producing the feed to best maintain the Dexter herd.  He has specialised in formulating a Barley based feedlot ration which achieves the required growth rates and fat cover on carcasses to customer specifications.  Margaret is more focused on animal husbandry and the day to day operation of the business.  She has an accounting background after many years of employment in that field, recently being able to focus all her energy on her cows, becoming a full time farmer.  Her expertise is in her knowledge of Dexter genetics, continually striving for herd improvement.  Also excellent understanding of animal health issues keeps the herd in top condition.  Both people who have a genuine love for their cows and a blend of expertise which makes for a balanced operation.

They are now striving to breed more red Dexters and are introducing polling into the herd.  Being dedicated to the commercial promotion of Dexter beef, a side of the business which is expanding rapidly with the registration of their own brand 'Homegrown Dexter - Five Star Quality Beef' to create customer recognition.

Rawlings Dexter Stud

Committed to Commercially viable Dexters

™

Maggie giving her first born calf kisses

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Small cows with a big future

Dexters are naturally small cattle originating from Ireland.  Outstanding converters of feed to both milk and meat to provide for the family.  Their excellent placid nature makes them an ideal choice for the first time cattle owner. 

Their beef is of the finest quality with many customers choosing only to purchase Dexter beef once they have sampled the meat.  The milk is usually ample to supply a family and raise their own calf or even foster two calves over her lactation.

Mark & Margaret Rawlings established Rawlings Dexter Stud in 1997 on 37 acres in Grass Valley, Western Australia.  They then relocated to their current location in Southern Brook in 1998, 20 kilometres from Northam, Western Australia.  The move expanded their land holdings to 300 acres allowing them to fulfill their dream of expanding their herd of Dexter cattle. 

Breeding

for

milk

and

meat

 

Quality red & black genetics, with some naturally polled Dexters

 

Last updated 17 September 2009

Photo Countryman—Bob Garnant

All Cattle PHA Tested and

Johnes MN3 Status