Meet the 2025-2026 Livestock Conservancy Microgrant Recipients Interest in The Livestock Conservancy’s 2025–26 Microgrants remained strong, with more than 150 farmers, ranchers, shepherds, homesteaders, breed groups, and youth submitting applications. Now in its eighth year, the program has provided more than $150,000 in funding to support over 100 rare breed projects nationwide, reaching 35 states ... Read more

by John Metzer, Metzer Farms Heritage geese occupy an important but often overlooked place in the agricultural history, cultural development and food traditions of the United States. These old, genetically stable varieties represent living links to earlier eras of American farming. As interest in sustainable agriculture grows, so does recognition of the value these birds ... Read more

by McMurray Hatchery The history of turkeys has been a cyclical process, involving the spread of domesticated turkeys from this hemisphere to different areas of the world before they eventually made their way back to North America. Here is a summary of how that cycle occurred: Click for a Timeline of Turkeys in America ... Read more

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