Chickens have woven their way into the fabric of U.S. life in more profound ways than many may realize. Their fascinating history not only reflects the evolution of agriculture in the U.S. but also highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity. Over the past 250 years, the humble yard bird has transformed into a cornerstone of ... Read more
by Mike Rich, Arriola Sunshine Farm Cyprus mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion), 2019 hchavez, Creative Commons Sheep were domesticated between 11,000 and 9000 BCE in Western Asia (Iraq, Iran, Turkey). The Asiatic wild mouflon is widely believed to be the primary ancestor to all modern domestic sheep. Wild mouflons have a short-haired, reddish-brown coat ... Read more
by Dr. Tim Safranski, University of Missouri Domestic farm animals descend from wild animals. Pigs were the third animal to be domesticated, following sheep and goats. This occurred in two locations, beginning with hunting pigs for food, transitioning to management and selective breeding for gentler animals adapted to local needs and resources, ultimately leading to ... Read more
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
