More than 250 people and their small cows will be in Springfield June 13-15 for the National Irish Dexter Cattle Show & Sale and Annual General Meeting of the American Dexter Cattle Association.

The public can attend the Dexter Cattle Show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 14, the Dexter Sale Auction from 8 a.m.-noon on June 15 and the Pasture Management/Weed Control seminar from 1-2 p.m. on June 15. The events are free to the public and will be held at the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds Main Arena

Irish Dexters are the smallest breed of cattle in America. The ideal 3-year-old Dexter bull measures 38 to 44 inches at the shoulder and weighs less than 1,000 pounds; a cow measures 36 to 42 inches and weighs less than 750 pounds. For comparison, a Holstein cow is about 48 inches tall and weighs 1,500 pounds.

The breed that originated in the early 1800s in Ireland can produce more milk for its weight than other breeds and yields of up to one quart of cream per gallon are possible. Dexters are also known for high-quality lean meat and gentle temperament. They are the perfect breed of cattle for those with youth and small acreage farms.

For more information, including a detailed agenda, visit www.DexterCattle.org.

To learn more about this and other conventions in Springfield, call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 417-881-5300 or 800-678-8767 or visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com. The CVB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to boosting the local economy by promoting travel and tourism to Springfield.