Farmers & Local Produce Markets

June · Post by **June** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:18 am

Hi folks,

Do you sell your dexter beef at local produce markets?

I have read previous posts on the subject and would be interested in recent experiences.

Thank you.

June

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 11:27 am

We don't but quite a lot of people do. They keep on doing it so I supposed it must work. Getting into the market can be difficult, we tried and gave up. The market people need to be assured you're going to be regular, good quality and stay with it. And they nearly always have meat people already and so are reluctant to put in a competitor. That is why we gave up trying.

I personally think that a dexter burger stand would be a sell out once established. Or better still, burgers so they try it, and sell fresh as well so they can take some home. My favourite burger is just dexter beef with nothing else added at all, and not too much bread, yummy.

Edited By Broomcroft on 1253097032

domsmith · Post by **domsmith** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:14 pm

We do around 12 markets a month, not just selling dexter, thats a relatively new side to the business. we produce a bit of everything.
i would not like to have just 1 product i like the flexability of producing lots. it also means i can get into venues by selling 1 thing and not the other. once in and settled i can then start to sell everything by the back door!! they see i do dexter and start to order it and so on.
farmers markets are no longer unusual and producers are plentifull, it will be difficult to get established amongst other producers and they wont want you in stealing their business.

but you should have a go. i find it most satisfying breeding, rearing, butchering and selling your own stock.
its the future

dom

June · Post by **June** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 10:35 pm

Thanks for the replies.

I am lucky in the 'difficult to get in the door' aspect as one is starting locally and my name is down for it.

We're just past the beginning of setting up to sell the beef and weren't planning on attending local markets so soon but we feel it is a good opportunity and don't want to miss it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated eg equipment, sundries needed etc.

Thanks

June

pudser · Post by **pudser** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 12:54 pm

Hi June,

How did it go ?

We are thinking of starting next year going to a few local markets and are a small bit nervous!

Is there any generic info on dexters,posters etc which could be used to brighten up a stall?

Pudser

Minnie · Post by **Minnie** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 11:17 pm

Hi Clive,

I personally think that a dexter burger stand would be a sell out once established. Or better still, burgers so they try it...

Our dexter group sold sausage and steak sandwiches at a local Ag show in June, which was a real hit. People walked past the advertised 'steak house' to buy dexter steak sandwiches because a friend had one etc etc.

Unfortunately I must be the only person to ever have Dexter that is 'always' tough and chewy!! I await my own now and soothe myself with angus. :laugh:

Vicki

June · Post by **June** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:07 pm

Unfortunately, we weren't kept 'in the loop' so didn't attend but according to local paper, the farmer's market went well.

Where are you based, Pudser? I would think the Dexter Cattle Society could supply promotional material if asked.

I'm sure that a dexter burger stand would go down well. Dexter beef is great. Yes, I'm biased but I don't apologise for that!

By the way, dexters were mentioned in Countryfile on Sunday night when one of the presenters had the vet doing the second visit of the dreaded TB test. I only heard the 'this is a dexter steer' and had to go away. Anyone know the outcome?

June

Edited By June on 1259788180

pudser · Post by **pudser** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:24 pm

We are in Kerry on the south west coast of Ireland, Looking across at Valentia Island from where the name Dexter originated.

I suppose meat boxes is the least stressful but the market option appeal to me if I can get organised

Pudser

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:03 pm

Hello Pudser,

You live in a lovely part of the world - you must be close to the Skelligs and not too far from Inch Strand and if I remember correctly there is a Youth Hostel in the most stunningly scenic spot, with beautiful views across to the mountains - called Bog View, I think that must be fairly near to you as well.

My absolute favourite holiday destination - is the west coast of Ireland, it has wonderful scenery and wonderful food, the people are OK too! :;):

I like Tralee as well, nice place, I like the festival and the races are good too.

Sorry to digress.

So how exactly does the name Dexter come from Valentia Island, it is a very tiny place if I remember correctly?

Stephanie

pudser · Post by **pudser** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:30 pm

Dexter was the land agent for the Earl of Cork,based in Valentia and the cattle were common amongst the good Earls tenant farmers. I don't have any definite reference just word of mouth.
The term is still used for smallish square or butty men and even small tractors i.e fordson dexter.

Lowland sheep are often called Dexters bit I don't really know why

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:44 pm

I knew about the Fordson Dexter it is what I learnt on - many years ago, my Dad had to get a roll bar put on it, they are lovely little tractors - thanks for the rest of the info.

Stephanie

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:04 pm

I do hate to be pernickety (or do I) but the tractor is actually a Fordson DEXTA, not dexter. It is of course possible that it originated from dexter, but I do not know. I don't think they came in long and short either, just the Dexta or Super Dexta. We had one when I was a teenager, devil for the gear jumping out going down hill, a serious menace really. I also drove one when working in forestry, only high 2nd and low reverse gears left functioning, and 120 degrees play in the steering. It wast fitted with an Isatchsen (spelling) winch for pulling in trees on an overhead line. A wonder I am alive really. Then there was the chainsaw, 30" blade, no training, only cut the jeans once but not the skin.

Sorry to digress.

Duncan

jem · Post by **jem** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:29 am

My one & only tractor that I use for maintaining my paddocks is a Dexta. It is 1953 model and is brilliant...starts first time everytime, even after being left outside all winter doing nothing!