by Emily Hayes, Research Associate, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Tennessee State University Origin of Domesticated Goats Click for a Timeline of Goats in America Archaeological evidence suggests that goats were among the first animals domesticated over 10,000 years ago, originating from the wild bezoar ibex in the mountainous regions of present-day Iran and ... Read more
by Leah Patton, American Donkey and Mule Society Heritage Donkeys in American History The donkey, often misunderstood and sometimes overlooked, is a close cousin of the horse and has played a significant role in the foundation of civilization for approximately 5,000 to 7,000 years. These remarkable animals have gained our affection through their companionship and ... Read more
by John Metzer, Metzer Farms Preserving Diversity Through Conservation Cayuga ducks (Courtesy Metzer Farms) When we think of America's agricultural past, images of cows, chicken, and fields of grain often come to mind. Yet quietly paddling through our rural and cultural history was another essential contributor – ducks. Ducks not only helped shape ... Read more
Horses have galloped through the history of North America, leaving behind a legacy. Their story is closely intertwined with the fabric of human existence and the evolution of cultures and societies in this country. Ancient horses roamed freely across the North American wilderness for millions of years. Scientists suggest they began to live alongside this ... Read more
The Conservation Priority List, an annual report of the status of more than 180 endangered agricultural breeds, includes one addition and one reclassification for 2025. Barbados Blackbelly sheep moved from Watch to Threatened on the CPL. Few Barbados Blackbelly sheep have been imported into the U.S., the most recent in the 1970s. Many of these ... Read more
Livestock Conservancy Microgrants help farmers, ranchers, shepherds, homesteaders and breed groups save Conservation Priority List breeds from extinction. Microgrants up to $2,000 each are awarded in three categories. National Microgrants support adults working with heritage livestock and poultry; Youth Microgrants support teens raising CPL breeds; and Breed Association Grants help improve membership services, expand ... Read more
The Livestock Conservancy has named Allison Kincaid as executive director of our 47-year-old not-for-profit organization. With more than 20 years of experience in the conservation and non-profit sectors, she is well-equipped to lead The Livestock Conservancy into the future. Kincaid’s hiring concludes an extensive nationwide search. She began her duties Jan. 20. Alison Kincaid ... Read more
By Liz Piacentini The Canadian Horse Heritage & Preservation Society hosted the 2024 CHHAPS Challenge: “100 Hours in 100 Days” virtual event from June 1 to Sept. 10. For the fourth year, the CHHAPS Challenge offered horse enthusiasts an opportunity to strengthen their partnership with their horse, meet endangered breeds and support a good cause. ... Read more
Research at Virginia Tech confirmed several heritage turkey varieties are more disease-resistant than commercial turkey strains. Findings also included how heritage turkeys are better suited for pasture production than their commercial broad-breasted counterparts. Read Part I for details on the pasture portion of the study. Black turkey toms Disease Resistance Virginia Tech researchers ... Read more
Research at Virginia Tech confirmed several heritage turkey varieties are more disease-resistant than commercial turkey strains. The results indicate standard-bred turkeys, popularly known as Heritage turkeys, are better suited for pasture production than their commercial broad-breasted counterparts. The Livestock Conservancy, Virginia Tech, and eight breeders and producers of heritage turkeys collaborated to compare the immune ... Read more
