Editor’s Note: One of the more scientific approaches to livestock conservation involves retaining genetics for future use. Here, Dr. Phil Sponenberg, technical adviser to The Livestock Conservancy and retired professor from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, gives an overview of “Bio Banking.” Bio Banking is the frozen storage of genetic material that can be ... Read more
Editor’s Note: Livestock Conservancy member and volunteer Carla Nordland of Montana wrote this blog post for History Month. Any poultry keeper fortunate enough to keep a rooster can appreciate the nuance they bring to the flock. And we are not the first generation to celebrate the qualities of the cock or rooster; they are deeply ... Read more
Editor’s Note: Conner Prairie is a living history museum in Fishers, Indiana (near Indianapolis) which recreates 19th century life. Stephanie Buchanan, Director of Ag Initiatives for Conner Prairie, shares the museum’s reasons and approaches to working with livestock Conservation Priority List breeds including Tunis sheep, Arapawa goats, American rabbits, Ossabaw hogs and Randall cattle. Conner ... Read more
By Cindra Kerscher, The Livestock Conservancy (All photos by Deb Robson) Do you want to knit some hard-wearing socks or crochet a super soft baby blanket? Perhaps you are planning to weave a shawl or table runner? Maybe you’re inclined to felt a vessel, vest or rug. How do you choose the best wool for ... Read more
Renae Clark Livestock Conservancy Microgrants help farmers, ranchers, shepherds, homesteaders and breed groups in saving Conservation Priority List breeds from extinction. Microgrants up to $2,000 each are awarded in three categories: National Microgrants for adult individuals; Youth Microgrants for teens; and Breed Association Grants to improve membership services, marketing materials, gene banking and ... Read more
Endangered livestock enthusiasts, ties to history and a few favorite things led Brent Wittenbraker to go all-in with heritage breeds. The southern Indiana landscaper and his family have a growing homestead, with heritage livestock at the heart of their operation. The family currently has six head of Lincoln Red cattle rated as Critically Endangered ... Read more
By Les O'Dell, The Livestock Conservancy Do geese have personalities? Kathy Hopkins believes they do, especially the American Buff goose.She says this breed, which is designated “watch” on the Conservation Priority List, has “amazing” personalities to go along with beauty, sociability, intelligence and exceptional parenting skills.“American Buff are a good choice for someone new ... Read more
Heritage Breed Gifts for the Holidays Stuck on what to get a loved one for an upcoming holiday or their birthday? We've compiled a few heritage breed gift ideas from members of the Livestock Conservancy and items from our store that they'll be sure to love! Oberhasli Milk Lotion ... Read more
By Les O'Dell, The Livestock Conservancy Michele Sullivan Burns still shakes her head in disbelief. It has been about a month since she turned the corner on the poultry exhibition floor at the Texas State Fair and saw – for the first time – that Rodrigo, her Black Turkey, had been named the state’s ... Read more
By Renard TurnerEditor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Winter 2021 issue of The Livestock Conservancy Newsletter. We are sharing it again as part of “Goat Month.”Renard Turner and his wife Chinette own Vanguard Ranch in central Virginia, where they have raised registered Horned Dorset sheep, Karakul sheep, Kiko goats, Spanish goats and horses. ... Read more
