About Our Animals

 Irish Dexter Cattle

The smallest breed of British cattle, they are known for their hardiness, even temperament, thriftiness on pasture and exceptional mothering abilities. They produce a high quality lean meat and rich, creamy milk.

Ranked as ‘vulnerable’ on Rare Breeds of Canada conservancy list we are doing our part to preserve this unique breed for the future.

Our Dexters spend their lives browsing among our woods and pastures, finishing out on high quality forages.

For more information about the health benefits of eating grass-fed meats we find Eat Wild to be fairly comprehensive.

Other links of interest: www.dextercattle.ca, and www.dextercattle.org




 Berkshire and Tamworth Pigs

More British rare breeds!

The Berkshire pig is a large black pig typically with white markings on face, chest and legs. A pig in a tuxedo, if you will! Said to be Britain’s oldest pig breed they are currently experiencing a renaissance as people discover their excellence as a pastured pig.

Berkshires are listed as either endangered or critical depending on which country’s breed conservancy you’re looking at.

Berkshire pork is touted as the most flavourful of porks by many chefs, such as Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey. We agree with them! Our pastured Berks produce a juicy, rosy-hued pork that bears no resemblance to the pale, anemic factory product you buy at the supermarket.

The Tamworth or “Ginger Pig” as it’s affectionately known for its red colour, is another heritage breed that does best outside. They're leaner than the Berkshires and are often called a "bacon" pig. Ours are happiest when rooting through the forest or finding the low spots in the pasture!

Hair Sheep

Raising a KatahdinXDorper flock (hair breeds, meaning they shed out naturally instead of having to be sheared) provides us with hardy ewes and lambs who provide a lean and mild flavoured product.

Good mothers, they often raise twins and triplets and tolerate climatic extremes (important here in Manitoba!). They rotate through various treed pastures and graze on the understory and bushes of the forest to finish out to market weight in early fall.






The “Security Crew”

Clara is a standard donkey jennet who takes her guarding job very seriously. Donkeys have a natural antipathy towards canines which make them an ideal choice to guard a herd in an area with as many coyotes as we have. Our own dogs have had a few close calls with her but have mostly learned to stay out of the pasture! When faced with a canine she brays and charges, pounding with her front hooves and kicking with the rear! A truly scary sight!
The Canines the 3 amigos patrol outside the pasture (if they're smart, see "Clara") to keep our area as predator-free as possible. Or at least that's what we tell ourselves! Everybody has a job on the farm!