Post by jamshundred on Aug 28, 2018 14:41:47 GMT
I'm compiling stats again trying to get an updated overview of the breed, and it is a slow time-consuming effort. Each ADCA registration has to be entered, categorized, and counted.
I think we all know that the effort of dwarf carrier breeders to restore knowledge and experience regarding this most important segment of the breed is definitely bearing fruit. Those who already loved the little guys but were shamed into silence by the "lethal gene" rhetoric employed by the non-dwarf breeders are "coming out" again! They are talking about their little Dexters with affection and pride. Legacy breeders have single-handedly been responsible for making many breeders aware of the historical foundation of the breed, and the treasured characteristics the dwarf cattle bring us. Hans has a huge presence on social media and has never been reticent, and Gene's love of Dexters, his herd, and his social media presence and photographs have been another source for those who have questions. I have not been keeping stats, and many folks don't test ( including me) except when there is doubt, but it is impossible not to see renewed interest and positive awareness of the original foundation Dexter.
The most perplexing and frustrating statistic for me are the "horned from polled" stats. I've listed nearly 8000 Dexters on spreadsheets since somewhere around 2012, and the percentage of this category hovers just over 30 per cent of all registrations. IF. . . . a breeder has NO fear of horns. .. . I cannot help but be frustrated they are choosing to breed out-crossed animals versus saving the rare horned bloodlines. Do they not realize they are stuck in the middle of a range war that all but guarantees a struggle for a share of the market? Most buyers seek polled, and many now seek to join the preservation effort, and that only leaves selling cheap to move those horns, or dehorning to reach out to those seeking no horns.
Another trend coming into the registrations of 2014-2015 years. . . . seems to be mirroring what the old-timers said. " The fastest way to lose red in a herd is with dun". I am noticing the numbers of dun growing in percentage and favor again.
My opinion. . .. . . I don't think there is anything more boring or less "Dexterish" than a field of nothing but red cows. Seems the Angus and Kerry people figured it out first.
Finally, the interest in both the Legacy and traditional bloodlines continues to grow and though the numbers won't show up in ADCA, as most breeders of preservation lines are registering Legacy and PDCA, I see the come-back of the original horned Dexters! Hip Hip !
I think we all know that the effort of dwarf carrier breeders to restore knowledge and experience regarding this most important segment of the breed is definitely bearing fruit. Those who already loved the little guys but were shamed into silence by the "lethal gene" rhetoric employed by the non-dwarf breeders are "coming out" again! They are talking about their little Dexters with affection and pride. Legacy breeders have single-handedly been responsible for making many breeders aware of the historical foundation of the breed, and the treasured characteristics the dwarf cattle bring us. Hans has a huge presence on social media and has never been reticent, and Gene's love of Dexters, his herd, and his social media presence and photographs have been another source for those who have questions. I have not been keeping stats, and many folks don't test ( including me) except when there is doubt, but it is impossible not to see renewed interest and positive awareness of the original foundation Dexter.
The most perplexing and frustrating statistic for me are the "horned from polled" stats. I've listed nearly 8000 Dexters on spreadsheets since somewhere around 2012, and the percentage of this category hovers just over 30 per cent of all registrations. IF. . . . a breeder has NO fear of horns. .. . I cannot help but be frustrated they are choosing to breed out-crossed animals versus saving the rare horned bloodlines. Do they not realize they are stuck in the middle of a range war that all but guarantees a struggle for a share of the market? Most buyers seek polled, and many now seek to join the preservation effort, and that only leaves selling cheap to move those horns, or dehorning to reach out to those seeking no horns.
Another trend coming into the registrations of 2014-2015 years. . . . seems to be mirroring what the old-timers said. " The fastest way to lose red in a herd is with dun". I am noticing the numbers of dun growing in percentage and favor again.
My opinion. . .. . . I don't think there is anything more boring or less "Dexterish" than a field of nothing but red cows. Seems the Angus and Kerry people figured it out first.
Finally, the interest in both the Legacy and traditional bloodlines continues to grow and though the numbers won't show up in ADCA, as most breeders of preservation lines are registering Legacy and PDCA, I see the come-back of the original horned Dexters! Hip Hip !