Celebrating 250
Celebrating the Legacy of Heritage Herds and Flocks
As we move closer to the 250th anniversary of the United States’ declaration of independence, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable history of heritage livestock and poultry that have shaped our nation’s landscapes, cultures, and cuisines. These animals—including horses, ducks, donkeys, goats, turkeys, geese, pigs, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and cattle—carry with them incredible stories of resilience, adaptation, and deep connections forged with people and communities over five centuries. We invite you to join us as we explore their rich history, honoring their enduring legacy and the vital roles they play in our lives today.
A Living Legacy to Treasure
Since the arrival of Spanish horses, sheep, and goats in the Americas over 500 years ago, heritage animals have been at the heart of agricultural innovation and survival. These breeds provided food, fiber, and labor for Indigenous communities and early settlers, and became an integral part of the cultural fabric and local economies of the time. Their unique traits—such as hardiness, adaptability, and genetic diversity—are a testament to generations of careful stewardship and traditional knowledge.
Join the Celebration!
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share inspiring stories about these heritage herds and flocks across our social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, our monthly eNews and quarterly Newsletters (details below). We encourage you to dive into the narratives, support initiatives for their conservation, and discover the unique flavors, amazing fibers and rich traditions they bring to our tables and lives. Together, we can ensure these living treasures thrive and continue to enrich our shared future!
Why Heritage Breeds Are Essential for Our Future
Heritage livestock and poultry are far more than relics of the past; they are living symbols of our cultural heritage and vital reservoirs of genetic diversity. In a rapidly changing world, these breeds offer innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security. While many modern agricultural practices have narrowed genetic options, heritage breeds and varieties function as a buffer against diseases, climate fluctuations, and uncertainties that lie ahead. To ensure their survival, we must engage in active conservation, adopt responsible farming techniques, and encourage community support to celebrate their rich histories and raise awareness of their future potential.
What to Expect
Each month, starting in July 2025, we will focus on one of the species on The Livestock Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List through social media posts as well as in our monthly blog and podcast.
July – Horses
August – Ducks
September – Donkeys
October – Goats
November – Turkeys
December – Geese
January – Pigs
February – Sheep
March – Chickens
April – Rabbits
May – International Heritage Breeds Month
June – Cattle
Why Heritage Breeds Are Essential for Our Future
Heritage livestock and poultry are far more than relics of the past; they are living symbols of our cultural heritage and vital reservoirs of genetic diversity. In a rapidly changing world, these breeds offer innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security. While many modern agricultural practices have narrowed genetic options, heritage breeds and varieties function as a buffer against diseases, climate fluctuations, and uncertainties that lie ahead. To ensure their survival, we must engage in active conservation, adopt responsible farming techniques, and encourage community support to celebrate their rich histories and raise awareness of their future potential.
Follow our Celebrating 250 posts on The Livestock Conservancy’s main Facebook, Instagram and X pages.
Blogs
Our Heritage Herds and Flocks blogs will be posted on Livestock Conservancy News – The Livestock Conservancy each month. Read them here:
July 2025 – Heritage Horses in American History
Podcasts
We will release a Heritage Herds and Flocks podcast on the last Tuesday of each month and post the links to each podcast on this webpage as they become available.
July 2025 – “Heritage Horses in American History”
August 2025 – “Heritage Ducks in American History”
September 2025 – “Heritage Donkeys in American History”
Members’ Monthly eNews and Quarterly Newsletter
These publications are available to members of The Livestock Conservancy. Become a member today and help support the organization’s work in conserving over 180 breeds or varieties of endangered heritage livestock and poultry.
Meet Heritage Animals
We are compiling a list of Living History Museums, Farm Parks, and Zoos across the United States that feature heritage livestock or poultry in their exhibits. We think that after learning more about these fantastic animals, you may want to meet some of them in person. Check back soon for the list of places to visit!