Dexter

Pint sized ancient Irish cattle
Native Breed
Testing Notes:
gamey, mellow, sweet

Why this breed

The smallest breed of cattle in Europe, the Dexter was bred in Tipperary in the 1750s from descendants of the ancient black cattle kept by the early Celts. Dexters were endangered in the 1930s, but now thanks to their ability to mature early feeding on grass and the impeccable eating quality of its neat, small cuts, the breed is bouncing back. This welcome resurgence has been aided hugely by frequent television appearances, and chefs heralding the standout quality of its beef.

Exceptional quality

We work closely with dedicated farmers across the UK who share our belief in ethical, sustainable agriculture. Every cut we offer is fully traceable, hand-selected, and expertly butchered to showcase the unique characteristics of each breed.


Whether it's the buttery tenderness of Belted Galloway beef, the rich succulence of Middle White pork, or the delicate flavour of Herdwick lamb, our breeds represent the pinnacle of British farming heritage.

Our commitment to

our story

At Farmison & Co we are working together with farmers and actively promoting values that were in danger of being lost elsewhere through industrial processes.

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our quality

The UK's #1 Online Butcher. Our farmers and butchers command big reputations among chefs, with our heritage breed herds and flocks in the Yorkshire Dales supplying world famous kitchens.

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ethical farming

Slow growing, ethically reared livestock is at the heart of Farmison & Co's philosophy in offering the most succulent beef, pork, lamb, poultry and game. We are always truly free-range and grass-fed

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