The Livestock Conservancy

TLC is doing yeoman's work helping to keep livestock genetic diversity alive and well. Without these historical breeds of animals in existence, we would fully rely on purpose-breed hybrids (think super fast-growing chickens) that do not necessarily have the vigor to survive calamities. By preserving these valuable genetic resources, we allow ourselves the ability to recover from disasters, never mind the beauty of this diversity. I became a lifetime member last year and am grateful to finally have done so. This organization plays a powerful role in protecting our future!

We don't have livestock. We're not preppers, and we probably never will be since we are in our twilight years and have health issues. However, we support this organization because we feel that they are doing some of the best things that can be done for society. They are are good for us as well as supporting those who are doing the hard work of preserving the world our progenitors left. My only problem with them is that I just CAN'T throw away their wonderful publications and I don't know who to pass them off to (such as someone who could benefit from their advertisers). I love this organization.

Been working with the folks at TLC for well over 40 years now. Always amazed at the dedication, accuracy, and hard work they do. These have all added up to TLC's enviable international recognition as a leader in this important field that is only increasing in importance as agricultural systems need to adapt to both physical and cultural changes!

The Livestock Conservancy provides a wealth of information and support to producers who are preserving the genetic diversity of livestock by raising heritage livestock breeds. Many of these producers are farming on a smaller scale and do not have easy access to resources to assist them. The Livestock Conservancy provides those resources, with unparalleled expertise for these special breeds. In addition, the LIvestock Conservancy maintains its Conservation Priority List, as an authoritative record of the status of these breeds. It is a unique organization providing services that no other organization can replicate.

I like to raise livestock. I like to be able to feed people. I like to make a difference. Raising heritage breed livestock helps me do all three. My family raises sheep, beef cattle, chickens, turkeys, meat rabbits... (you get the picture). Many of the breeds the Livestock Conservancy works with fit especially well into our management style and farm size. They are not, however, today's mainstream breeds. It has been so rewarding to work with an organization that is helping preserve this genetic diversity, and they have been integral to helping with understanding attributes (plus or minus) of breeds, materials to educate on raising and with finding breeders. I am not posting photos of the American and Silver Fox rabbits, Bourbon Red turkeys and (no longer on the Conservation Priority List b/c they graduated) Katahdin sheep, but you can find photos on the Livestock Conservancy website. Very worthy nonprofit.

As a yarn spinner and fiber artist it is always a joy to connect to the past through the tradition of spinning and the fiber I get to handle every day. Working with a heritage breed sheep's fleece means connecting to all the artist and spinners who came before me, and sharing that connection with a new spinner or student is an absolute privilege. The Livestock Conservancy helps ensure heritage breeds continue for generations to come, not just of sheep and other wool animals, but whole barnyards full of animals to link us to our roots and continue the long bond we have built with these animals over centuries.

The Livestock Conservancy is the most important organization in the U.S. for us livestock and poultry conservation breeders. It informs us on best breed practices, provides one-on-one technical assistance, organizes conferences and webinairs and promotes the importance of livestock conservation to the general public. Donors come from all over the country, representing many different reasons for supporting this important organization. It uses its small staff efficiently, taking on new initiatives, most recently managing the conservation of the critically rare Poitou donkey.
These "original" breeds carry old genetics, and each breed is different in its biology, behavior and fertility. Each breed carries its own unique complement of genes. This is very different from industrialized breeds which are selected for a single purpose, extraordinary quantities of milk or eggs, for example. In the selection process, genes which may be useful are "thrown away". A conserved breed can be chosen by a farmer or homesteader based on a particular climate, the local economy and consumer demand, the farmer/homesteader's farm practices and goals. This provides farmers/homesteaders choice and provides a sustainable outcome for the farm. Biodiversity in livestock and poultry is an important benefit of livestock and poultry conservation. For example, Soay sheep carry low parasite loads - could their genes be used in other breeds to do the same? assuming conservation assures a pure Soay population. Research on the myotonic goat showed that humans have a similar congenital myotonia. Genetic research may demonstrate other unique old breed genetics useful in understanding and/or helping to treat human diseases.
No other non-profit in the states is involved in livestock and poultry conservation as is the Livestock Conservancy and its work keeps this country on par with comparable organizations in other parts of the world.

I am a life member of the American Poultry Association (APA) and Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities (SPPA). I have been breeding Crevecoeurs since 1998, when I first joined the Livestock Conservancy. I started with hatchery stock, and it took years of selection to get my birds close enough to the APA standard to show. When I first started showing Crevecoeurs, judges told me they had never seen a Crevecoeur in real life.

I was fortunate to have a front row seat when the Livestock Conservancy took the Crevecoeur breed from critical status to watch status. Jeannette Beranger called me one day, and explained her plan for bringing the Crevecoeur out of obscurity. I was so impressed, I split my flock with her, giving her some of my best layers and show birds.

The Livestock Conservancy and Jeannette put together a campaign on Facebook and YouTube, with media articles, interviews, photos (she is an excellent photographer), and she was there with us for the big shows. She brought Crevecoeurs from France, compared DNA, and introduced them to the Crevecoeur breeders like me and to hatcheries. At the shows I attend now, there are frequently Crevecoeurs on champion row, and not always mine. It's so good to have competition for these fabulous birds!

The Livestock Conservancy's work is valuable for these rare farm breeds in so many ways. From microgrant assistance for beginning and established breeders, to DNA and import help, to networking via breeder lists and rare breed advertising, to descriptions and care and marketing advice for breeders, the Livestock Conservancy provides a level of support for continuity of rare livestock breeds that is largely unavailable from breed clubs and associations. Further, they make these breeds and information accessible to the public through their Facebook, web page and YouTube presence.

I am a strong supporter of the Livestock Conservancy.

I have had the privilege of working with The Livestock Conservancy for 30 years. As a breeder of many endangered heritage livestock breeds, I am grateful for the knowledge and guidance provided by the staff. I have never met a group of people more passionate about the conservation of rare breeds than those at The Livestock Conservancy. The Shave 'Em to Save 'Em program did a wonderful job of uniting sheep farmers and fiber artists to create a market for rare breed wool. The program has been amazing for my Hog Island sheep! The Livestock Conservancy is truly a wonderful organization.

Jeannette Beranger, Senior Program Manager for The Livestock Conservancy is not only knowledgeable but also so passionate about the work they do. She conveys the information they obtain through scientific processes in an easy-to-understand manner, but more importantly describes why the work they are doing is important. Preserving heritage breeds should be a priority as we face climate change, diseases from factory farms and a loss in biodiversity.

The work that Jeanette and The Livestock Conservancy is valuable for everyone who eats. These heritage breeds can possess qualities that may be important in the future and deserve preservation just like wild endangered and threatened animals. What is really remarkable is the networking that The Livestock Conservancy has achieved with industry professionals, small farms and farmers, scientists and national livestock organizations. They serve as a central hub for critical and endangered livestock and poultry.

I think this is a very special company. The photographs on the Livestock Conservancy are of outstanding quality. As an English artist I requested permission to use one of the photos as a resource for an oil painting. I received a very quick and helpful reply, setting out clearly and most courteously how to proceed. I was very impressed.

I've been aware of The Livestock Conservancy for over 15 years, and have had a working relationship with them for the last 10. Their work to preserve heritage breeds of livestock is both admirable and necessary. In a world of acre to acre monocultures in both the field and paddock, they're striving to maintain the genetic diversity that makes life beautiful. Each animal variety they save has a unique set of genes that may be necessary in the future, if they're gone they're gone forever.

I love chickens. Have since I was 7 years old. My first chicken was Barred Plymouth Rock. When you follow chicken groups on social media, you find many of the modern production breeds don't always fit a small hobby farm. Heritage breeds developed to meet the needs of small family farms. These farmers needed animals and birds that were hardy and could tolerate the cold or hot weather.
In my experience heritage breeds temperaments are well known. If someone with young children, ask me for chickens that are calm and easy for kids. My go to breeds are Cochin, Orpingtons, Sotted Sussex and Jersey Giant. My Jersey Giants roosters are very calm around people. A trait that is need if you have children.
Many of our heritage breeds would be lost without the work of the Livestock Conservancy. This organization through education is providing a much needed service.

Their goal is so vital to our heritage. Without their efforts to educate and involve not only those already in the livestock field, but to engage young people to explore new fields of interest.

My dad raises Navajo churro sheep and I heard about the Livestock Conservancy from him. Shortly afterwards I joined the shave ‘em to save em program and I have made friends with new people all over the US. I have learned about so many types of sheep and the shepherds who advocate for them. It has been an amazing experience and I am so grateful for the Livestock Conservancy and the work they do to raise awareness and support the people who raise the animals.

I am a spinner/ knitter and I truly appreciate the efforts of the Livestock Conservancy to promote and save less well known and less commercial breeds of livestock, particularly the sheep breeds through their “Shave’em to Save’em” (SE2SE) Passport program. All wool is not the same, each breed produces a wool that has unique characteristics be it strength, color, softness, luster, elasticity or the ability to felt. They worked with the sheep producers assisting them in generating the fleeces that appealed to hand spinners and fiber artists and helped them market that wool. This increased the profit for the producers. Through grants they increased the number of flocks of some of the more rare and more difficult to find breeds. Finally, they recruited well known fiber artists to demonstrate, teach, and interact with members in the “SE2SE Challenge” programs. Through the Passport program I tried wool from all 23 breeds, and continue to buy some of my favorites and interact with a community of people with similar interests. This is an example of a program where everybody is a winner.

What an amazing service The Livestock Conservancy provides for information, resources and education to the public! I find myself often immersed in the articles and interviews with real world experts, and the amazing people that dedicate themselves to the preservation efforts of these beautiful animals. There is a library of topics covered that increase awareness significant to the rich history, care, and conservation of rare and endangered animal breeds. Definitely Number #1 on my favorite nonprofit list!

This is one of my favorite non-profit organizations. Preserving biodiversity is critical to the survival of our food systems. You never know which rare breed will be the one to replenish supply during extreme weather events or disease. (Think potato famine. What if all the commercial poultry died?) I have been a member since 2010 and support them in whatever way I can. They helped me when I was a small farmer raising critical breeds. I currently do contract work for them, as well.

The Livestock Conservancy represents at national and local fairs and shows, always promoting breed diversity and conservation for horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, goats, sheep and more. They educate and inspire- enough that my farming family are lifelong members. Their work is efficient and effective and I am very grateful they are doing the work they do. One of my favorite programs they have is providing microgrants to people needing a little financial help to make their rare breed preservation operations successful.

I found the Livestock Conservancy through their "Shave 'Em to Save 'Em" (SE2SE) program. As a fiber artist, I really value biodiversity in fiber animals. Since joining SE2SE, I have also become a regular Livestock Conservancy member. With climate change and other forms of human destruction of the natural world, conserving livestock breeds is more important than ever. Many of these breeds are "unimproved" meaning they are generally more adaptive to environmental changes. Saving these breeds may also save us.

The Conservancy is teaching me so much about animals I would never have thought about before. They are also providing avenues for farmers, breeders, etc. to increase their incomes and make saving rare breeds sustainable. They help me find ways to support small scale farmers and shop local, which is a benefit for me, the farmers, and the environment.

I am so pleased with my experience with the Livestock Conservancy. What started out as a fun fiber arts project has turned into so much more: a learning experience among all kinds of livestock animals, a way to think about my consumption, and a lifelong way to enjoy fiber arts while helping sustain the people trying to conserve rare breeds of livestock.

I cannot have animals at my house and this is the next best way for me to help preserve genetics of animals whose diversity should not be lost.
I joined after learning through my fiber arts the wonderful qualities and product a shave ‘‘em to save em “ sheep has. I’ve now learned a lot about different unique animals other than sheep. This entity is worthy of your donation and it’s mission is on line with the needs of our planet.

The Livestock Conservancy is a great resource for learning about heritage breeds. It has helped guide our decisions about stock selection for our small farm and find breeders who support and promote these rare breeds.

The importance of the Livestock Conservancy in saving heritage livestock and poultry can't be overstated. The organizational knowledge on how to do it is broad and deep. The professionalism and passion with which their staff performs their day-to-day business is amazing. It is, without doubt, a GREAT non-profit!

Currently I'm a board member and Chair, Development Committee of The Livestock Conservancy helping carry out our mission of saving more than 150 rare and endangered breeds of heritage livestock and poultry from extinction. Growing up with Guernsey dairy cows and learning this rich-milk, mild tempered breed was on the endangered list, i became very interested in all heritage animals for their diverse genetics and to ensure they have a growing place on this earth. The Livestock Conservancy is an excellent non-profit organization with strong leaders who are passionate about rare and endangered livestock and poultry.

What an amazing nonprofit organization! As a breeder of endangered heritage breed livestock and poultry the Livestock Conservancy has been so helpful with education and outreach to help us save our wonderful breeds. They have an amazing staff that is always ready to help. We love that they interact with their members and promote small farms trying to save the rare breeds from extinction. We are grateful that they are not just an informational site on the internet and social media. The Livestock Conservancy travel to different events across the country and visit farms to interact with the public and offer information not just on the breed but also on the care and marketing of the breed and their by products. The microgrant program is an amazing opportunity to help small farms and youth with helping them get set up or expand their stock and/or shelters and fencing. We are proud to be members of this great nonprofit.

The Livestock Conservancy has provided essential support to our heritage breed association, Gulf Coast Sheep Breeders Association. We hadn’t had an election in almost a decade. Our ability to register the sheep was severely hampered by outdated software and lack of leadership. Finding the documents to have an election took me almost a year. The Livestock Conservancy leadership called me regularly to offer support and encouragement. They provided the guidelines for creating a matrix for special registrations. As a volunteer of a small breed association I needed the help of experts and they provided it without charge! Giving me the power to believe we were doing something well worth all the effort! We have had an election, created new bylaws and our membership has doubled. I am grateful for their support.

I have been aware of the Livestock Conservancy for many years, having first learned about them and their mission when I was involved, both as a volunteer and then as an employee, with an historic site that included a farm and used them as a resource. Fast forward many years and I am now a member of the Livestock Conservancy myself and have benefited from their incredible website- first to find information about heritage breeds and they to find breeders so I could buy my own animals. I’m also a participant in the Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em challenge and have learned more than I ever expected to about breeds of sheep that I was unfamiliar with before the challenge. This non-profit has a mission to help preserve these amazing animals that our ancestors relied on for food and so much more but have since fallen out of popular use. It is critically important to preserve the genetic diversity that these animals carry and the Livestock Conservancy is the only organization of its kind to the best of my knowledge. They should have all the help and support that can be given, and then some!

The Livestock Conservancy fills a crucial gap in protecting the future of agriculture. Never have I seen an organization be so effective with relatively few resources compared to organizations with a similar scope. The Conservancy and their network of farmers and volunteers are agricultural heroes.

Great organization working on multiple levels to make a difference with many unique breeds. There work has a direct affect on the future sustainability of breeds close to being lost forever.

Awesome! They provide lots of interesting information.

I cannot recall how many years ago I started viewing the Livestock Conservancy's website. Excellent resources, easy to navigate.
I was fortunate to attend the Endangered Equine Summit in Texas. The professional presentations were informative, current, realistic, relevant and engaging. The amazing group of equine lovers, breeders, from all over the world had a lot of knowledge, which they willing shared.
The staff are always available to answer your questions, assist you in different areas, connect you with experts, offer support.
I am in the process of donating semen from my Newfoundland Ponies to this dedicated, professional organization. They are the future for all animals!

Promotes rare breeds of livestock. I have used their resources over the last several years to connect with small farmers who raise rare breeds of sheep. Their information is accurate and easy to use. Their members are helpful and easy to work with. Great non profit.

They do awesome work protecting rare breeds of livestock! I am so grateful for all their hard work

This non-profit is doing an amazing job with the SE2SE project (Shave ‘em 2save ‘em) which makes fiber from endangered and at risk sheep available to fiber artists as well as knitters and weavers. They offer lots of information about the sheep and the fibers through the website. I’ve been telling the knitters in my yarn store what I’m learning and many are getting interested in the varieties of sheep.

I was excited to find an organization that worked hard at saving genetic diversity and that also had good results to show. The Conservancy helped me find Buckeye chicken breeders so that I could start keeping that endangered chicken breed. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization. They have also helped me greatly with their educational videos and tools.

Proud to help support this great organization. What a service they provide! For over 40 years this dedicated organization has worked to share their knowledge and support breeders and heritage breed organizations to protect our future by conserving the past.

I had first hand experience with this group when I was trying to get started into a mulefoot pigs. They were wonderful at directing me to breeders and the registration.

The Livestock Conservancy has been a wealth of information for my family about breeding and raising endangered livestock breeds. The support when I called was excellent, immediately transferred or referred to the correct person! Very knowledgeable! Thank you!

The livestock conservancy is great at answering any questions you might have! They are fast, friendly and knowledgeable!

Great work from The Livestock Conservancy to support biodiversity and save endangered livestock, holding on to agricultural and biological history! In great part to excellent information and support, we select the breeds for our farm from their easily navigable chart and website! We've started our conservation breeding of Cotton Patch Geese and Buckeye Chickens in conjunction with The Livestock Conservancy and have relied upon them in our teaching of university students about the importance of these livestock for our future.

What can be more more important than saving the genetics of poultry and livestock that have fed us for hundreds of years? The Livestock Conservancy not only helps save the genetics through saving the animals themselves but through research and the education of new farmers, chefs and consumers. Saving genetics could be the key to averting a world wide food emergency in case of pandemic disease outbreaks like the smouldering H5N1 Avian flu, which is still killing poultry worldwide. It's only a matter of time...

These guys helped me initially in getting started with my chosen hog breed, American Mulefoot Hog, and have helped me with farm ideas and initiatives, as well as getting our organization on track with some important administrative decisions.

They are the go-to people in understanding the livestock, sharing their (and our) knowledge, and building a base of like-minded people that are willing and able to save critically endangered breeds.

Hats off to TLC and the wonderful work they do!

The Livestock Conservancy has two goals. One is to save endangered Heritage breeds which helps different gene pools survive. And they help the people working with the Heritage breeds thrive and flourish. They are a conscientious and passionate group with the knowledge and skill sets necessary to help these farmers. Please consider this non-profit as they help the planet, animals and people. Thank you.
Christine Putman

After researching and reading hundreds of articles before taking the "jump" into small scale homesteading, I found myself always returning to The Livestock Conservation site. Exceptional information, well researched and thoughtfully presented. This is a must "go to" site for anyone wanting to take on an adventure of animal husbandry and help preserve history. One, if not the best informative sites.

Terrific organization, dedicated to protecting our heritage breeds of various livestock!

They do very important work helping to educate and conserve breeds of Livestock and poultry that are vital to our food chain.

The Livestock Conservancy is an AMAZING organization! There’s nothing else like it out there for education on heritage livestock breeds and connecting people involved w the breeds!

We've learned a lot from The Livestock Conservancy over the years.
They are full of much needed information to help save our heritage breeds.

The Livestock Conservancy has been one of my favorite non-profits - and critical resource for my farm. I reference the information on the website often as we make decisions on breeds of animals - we've really grown our farm based on the information available from the Livestock Conservancy. It's an essential resource for farmers, ranchers and also has fantastic information for general education on rare breeds and why their genetics are important.

This is a great orginaztion. Ive been a member for 15 years. Without the Livestock Conservancy as a umbrella organization helping the diffrent breeds registries and raising awareness many of these breeds would be gone. I raise several listed breeds and it's great to have a organization that is so good at disseminating information.

I've kept a list of heritage breed animals I would like to raise one day in my back pocket since I was twelve. That was nearly 20 years ago now. My reasons for wanting to work with heritage animals have deepened from a general sense of knowing this was what I wanted in life to now being able to speak knowledgeably about genetic diversity, the hardiness of landraces and pre-industrial breeds, hybrid vigor, and also the specific characteristics of many breeds of livestock important to the history of the United States. What has never changed is that the Livestock Conservancy has always been my first, best source of information and inspiration.

I've learned so much from The Livestock Conservancy. They always answer my questions right away & give great information. The are also a great source for finding breeders!!!

I've been a supporter of this organization since its founding. It consists of knowledgeable and wise people doing essential work--that most people don't even realize needs to be done--with perseverance and creativity. I'm a member/supporter and former board member, and a professional with expertise in the field.

This non-profit has made me aware of many heritage breeds which are so important to all of us. I refer frequently to their educational materials and have noticed many others share their information in response to questions raised on numerous forums. Thank you to those who have dedicated themselves to this important cause. You are very much appreciated by many!

The staff of the Livestock Conservancy are truly dedicated to the organization's mission. It is through their deep knowledge and dedication that so much can be accomplished with their resources. My experiences with the staff and the public resources available on their website and in their publications continue to reinforce my belief in the value of supporting the Livestock Conservancy.

The Livestock Conservancy serves a need that most people don't even know exists or that it is so vital. That need is preserving genetic diversity of farm animals. In addition the organization promotes responsible and humane animal husbandry and sustainable agriculture, and assists in promoting farm products.

Wonderful for promoting rare breeds. Great outreach program to underserved populations. Educational materials are up-to-date and applicable to modern practice.

I just wanted chickens and eggs. The Livestock Conservancy helped me to decide what kind of chickens I needed for my area and with what I wanted. Now I am a breeder of heritage breeds. Without the Conservancy, I would have never known there was a need. I couldn't be more happier with my selections. I got my eggs and I'm preserving a breed.

I'm a small farmer who depends on the Conservancy to help me with information about conservation breeding, where to find others in my breed, and marketing to make raising heritage breed livestock viable. Their tireless work is preserving valuable genetic heritage for generations to come.

I absolutely love this organization! They stand for and represent everything I believe in with livestock. They educate, promote endangered breeds, and provide training to future generations of farmers. Thank you for all you do Livestock Conservancy.

My small family farm raises a variety of heritage breeds. The Livestock Conservancy is a great organization, I get so much education from their work as well as inspiration that I too can be a part of helping endangered breeds of livestock survive. I'm proud to be a member.

The Livestock Conservancy helped us decide which breeds to help conserve and has done the genetic work to differentiate related breeds of horses, cattle, and sheep brought to North America by the Spaniards.

We have "devolved" so far away from healthy hardy farm animals and the raising of them which in turn affects our food chain and our planet. The Livestock Conservancy needs all the support it can get to keep up it's great work and to grow large spread.

These guys are great! After learning about the need for more diversity in farming we decided to switch our ranch completely over to heritage breeds. We found info on all the breeds on their website and became members. They helped us choose which breeds would work best for us. I highly recommend becoming a member and supporting this organization.

This organization does SO much with SO little! I loves supporting them because I'm getting a HUGE bang for my buck. And they're clearly leading the field when it comes to preserving and sharing farm genetics and the knowledge of the old masters.

The LC is truly dedicated to the conservation of endangered breeds of livestock and poultry. Their work impacts all of us, because biodiversity helps make the Earth's future more secure. I have worked personally with some of the LC staff, and have found them to be professional and courteous, with a passion for stewardship and helping others learn more about these heritage breeds and how to conserve them.

We decided several years ago to breed and raise heritage poultry. We we.nt to the livestock concervancy website to see what information they had. It us a wonderful website and they do great work raising awareness.

The livestock Conservancy page is the first place I go when seeking to add a new animal to our farm. Their dedication to the preservation of endangered breeds has saved many importing bloodlines over the years. They are tireless in their efforts to keep people apprised of which animals are on the brink of being lost forever. I am thankful for this group and all they do.

The Livestock Conservancy allows a Los Angeles dweller, like myself, to stay connected to, and support, the healthier and more sustainable food system I grew up in before I moved to the metro. The Livestock Conservancy also does a great deal to educate others about the importance of preserving the limited amount of diverse genetics we have remaining. These genetics are crucial to our future. Finally, this organization also allows me to enjoy the varied and lovely stories of the many breeds of livestock and poultry the organization works with. Always a pleasure!

We have utilized this organization for many years. We first got involved trying to save a rare breed of pig and we were very successful at bringing them back from the brink with the help of the conservancy. Then we also began to breed a rare endangered turkey and again, they were my first and most helpful resources. As far as I know, they are the largest and most helpful source for saving what once was very common animals on our farms and homesteads. Without them, those animals would be lost to us forever. I'm proud to be a sponsor of such a great organization. Thank you for all you do.

The Livestock Conservancy does an amazing job in fulfilling their mission. I joined the LC years ago as I was considering which breed (s) of sheep would be appropriate for someone with limited livestock experience. Their on site information is compelling and after getting my sheep, I realized how very spot on it was. I have since become a member of the Board as I fully believe this is one of the very best organizations with a very forward looking approach to conservation of livestock genetic resources.

Without this organization so many breeds would be gone,including my favorite the Buckeye chicken.

#1 organization that is conserving livestock for the future generations.

One of the top nonprofits out there, doing the necessary and much needed work of raising awareness and census numbers for heritage livestock breeds. We wouldn't be here without them!

The Livestock Conservancy is doing a fantastic job raising awareness of the plight of heritage breeds of livestock and poultry.

I've been a member of The Livestock Conservacy since they first mentioned Caspian Horses as a breed in need if conservation. My husband and I had been trying to get the word out about Caspians and let people know what lovely horses they were and were having only limited success. The Livestock Conservancy really helped get the word out about Caspians to a wider audience . Once I joined I became interested in other breeds of livestock in need of conservation. If we're going to have sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens and geese, we may as well have breeds that are in need of support. The bonus being that many times the temperament of the older "heirloom" breeds are often superior to the modern breeds.

The Livestock Conservancy is doing something amazing in today's day and age - focusing on the past. The revival of heritage livestock breeds is so vital for the American culinary landscape, which is doomed with the Conservancy. It brings together farmers and ranchers from across the country and even the world that all have something in common - our rare animal breeds. It gives us a chance to not only preserve these breeds but access resources and bloodlines we might not have been able to find otherwise. Cannot say enough good things about The Livestock Conservancy.

The Livestock Conservancy provides the public with education which cannot be found easily elsewhere. It is because of the information regarding Heritage Turkeys that I began raising a flock of my own. I am able to reference The Livestock Conservancy when I need information and find this resource invaluable.

The Livestock Conservancy serves as a vanguard spreading the word as to why heritage breeds of livestock are important; important commercially, sustainably and historically. As people get more and more in touch with what they eat they need an organization like TLC to inform and educate.

I have used the Livestock Conservancy online to access all information concerning Heritage Breed Chickens. After having my yak herd stolen TWICE, once in Northern NM and a second time in Southern Colorado, (where my evidence was blocked or not presented in the courtroom) I decided to switch to raising Chickens for their eggs. Most of my flock of 7 7 chickens consists of heritage breed chickens. While I am not a certified Organic producer I do all I can to maintain a healthy organic diet for my chickens. The need to maintain the Heritage Breeds in all areas, not just with poultry is vital in my opinion. One interesting situation this year was the outbreak of avian flu in production factory farms but an absence of this devastating disease in small flocks. I sell my eggs at Santa Fe Farmers Market where the consumers are actively interested in the concept of Heritage Breeds. People were unaware of the impact of factory farming on the diminishing populations of Heritage Breed Chickens.

IF not for the Livestock Conservancy, I would not have have chosen the rare breed of rabbit I raise and help preserve, because I wouldn't have known about them.

When I am considering adding a new animal to my farm, they are the first place I go, to start research.

Best Rare Breed group in the world. They go above and beyond.

The Conservancy has provided great information regarding the rare breeds and we've used that information on our farm and in our purchasing of rare breeds. They support small farmers and breeders of these old breeds that have to survive to support our future. Great organization and we appreciate their support!

Every since I found out about the Lifestock Conservancy website back when I was researching about chicken care and the different breeds, it has become my go to place to see which breeds will be the next candidates to join our little mini farm. And at the moment I've been researching the different different breeds of goats preparing for when we're ready to jump into the world of goats soon.

I believe it's vitally important to conserve "heirloom" animals and plants in this world of mono-cropping both meat and plant food. When a plant or animal goes extinct, we'll never be able to make use of its unique qualities again. I appreciate and thank the Livestock Conservancy for its excellent work in conserving livestock in danger of extinction. As a member of many years, I trust the staff and board to make the decisions that must be made in an organization living on donations with a far-reaching and extremely important mission.

Whenever I can't answer a question at a Farmers' Market or someone wants just a little more information than I have time to convey, I direct them to the Livestock Conservancy breeds pages. We are working with the conservancy to breed better Randall Lineback Cattle and Mulefoot Hogs. They have visited the farm twice and are fonts of information and ideas. We try to help the staff attend events crucial to gathering of information by donating air miles for their travel costs. What a dedicated group of people involved with preserving genetic diversity for the welfare of all peoples on the planet. Thanks!!!

As a second generation farmer, i respect The Livestock Conservancy to bring me up to date information on the advantages of breeds that have fallen from favor with the rise of industrial ag. These are the breeds that today's and tomorrow's small farmers need to know about and pursue.

Hello,
I learned about sustainable practices in Australia in 1968. When I learned about the Conservancy in 1977 I knew they would be leaders in the environmental coalition because the founders realized the importance of DNA in domestic breeds world-wide. I was a member for 30 years so I have watched these folks pursue their mission with stunning fervor. Dedication of the highest order. The future of our world depends on good folks doing their best. A big THANK YOU to each one.

I first learned of The Livestock Conservancy from a magazine article I read on a critically endangered breed of horse. I became a member of the conservancy, bought some of the horses that I read about in the article, and began a breeding program. I now have heritage chickens, too. Looking forward to acquiring a few goats from a heritage breed. This organization has educated me as to the importance of sustaining heritage livestock breeding populations, and helped me personally as I began a breeding program for my horses. I have called many times with questions and have been help in a polite and expert manner. I appreciate the newsletters and read the quarterly news magazines from cover to cover!

100 years ago many Americans were ranchers and farmers. If not, then at least one member of the extended family was a farmer or rancher. Now there are fewer and fewer of us. Our story needs to be told to the general public, and noone does it better than the Livestock Conservancy.

The Livestock Conservancy is the only entity in the US working to preserve genetic diversity in our domestic species. With climate change and the growing human population, agriculture needs all the diversity we can muster to meet the challenges we face. As a farmer I benefit from their assistance in determining breeds that will fit my specific farm environment and how to properly manage and use those breeds. The Livestock Conservancy is an antidote to inappropriate industrial agriculture and provides much support and help for small diversified farms across the country. .

What a great organization! They truly care about what they do, and are always extremely helpful with any questions. The research they do, and the animals they have saved , and will save, is a valuable treasure to the human race! Worth every penny of the membership fee.

There's simply too much to put in brief print here. Suffice it to say, that not only does the Conservancy's work help each individual sharing in their aspirations and efforts, but helps the entire world by ensuring future food resources. This is at the heart of their mission statement, and the height of their efforts. V.L. Havens

I had seen them on the web over the years making aware the breeds that were endangered. Then I took part in the Fair at Seven Springs, PA, and I came to have a more intimate knowledge of who they are, and what they do. I took away from the Fair that they are working hard on, not just bringing numbers up but, bringing back breeds that used to be a part of every family farm. I understand more fully what "Heritage" breeds mean, and why it is important to want heritage breeds back on the family farm again!

The Livestock Conservancy takes specific and well-documented action to preserve rare breeds of livestock which in turn enhances genetic diversity to ensure that foundation breeds remain available. They actively educate members and the general public about the need for conservation of these breeds, provide great opportunities for networking and stock-sharing, and promote awareness of the risks of losing these animals.

The Livestock Conservancy is an organization dedicated to the preservation of domestic livestock genetics. Current corporate agricultural practices rely on heavy inputs with only a breed or two from each species use. Alarmed at the disappearance of breeds of domestic livestock that have attributes too valuable to lose this organization helps dedicated individuals discover, recover and stabilize breeding populations. They do this not by owning the animals but by assisting, supporting and educating breeders, chefs, spinners, etc. in their endeavors. The staff and technical advisors are dedicated and among the most knowledgeable in their area of expertise. There is little if no waste and the paid staff is as dedicated to the cause as any of the member.

The Livestock Conservancy has educated me as to the importance of sustaining heritage livestock breeding populations. As an equestrian, I am specifically interested in the equine breeds but as a farming "groupie" I find the listings of bovine and poultry very informative. When I retire from teaching I hope to establish a small farm that will be populated with heritage breeds exclusively and will focus on most critically endangered species such as the Holland chickens and San Clemente goats and Lippitt Morgans. Thank you for showing me this path. Your work is vital and wonderful.

I first heard of this group when they were called the "American Minor Breeds Conservancy". The Livestock Conservancy plays a critical role in connecting us with our agricultural past. They work hard supporting the many breeds would that would be lost.

When we converted our farming operations from commercial to heritage based breeds the Livestock Conservancy was invaluable to us. They allowed us to receive non-biased information on multiple breeds in order to select those best suited to us.

I am a full time farmer. Several years ago, I came across the Livestock Conservancy and started reading about rare breeds of livestock and learned that we were in danger of losing many of these wonderful animals. I started raising rare breeds of poultry, hogs, goats, sheep and cattle. The Livestock Conservancy identified the breeds that were in trouble and farmers stepped up to help save them. They continue to support my farm through marketing, education and technical assistance.

I raise a few Heritage breeds. It all started with a duck. That trio of ducks led me to The Livestock Conservancy. It was there that I soon realized exactly what that trio of ducks meant. They were endangered. I then discovered all of what this organization was doing to help promote the endangered breeds. They work tirelessly to promote & educate the public concerning livestock. These breeds played a major role in our agricultural history. Without the dedication shown by this organization, many would be lost.

These folks do invaluable work in educating/ encouraging the return to using heritage breeds. They really help people the need to continue to keep these breeds/ species/ groups from extinction. We attended many sessions at their tent at the Mother Earth News Fair in PA; I came away with a profound understanding of the great importance of preserving these breeds for their own diversity, their environmental and economic impact, and the increased quality and variety of meat and dairy products. With their continued help/ input, I am certain we will select the right livestock for our homestead. If you plan to include livestock on your land-whether it's a few chickens or a herd of cows-I recommend you seek their guidance. They can help you determine what breeds would be suitable for your area.

A fabulous resource as a farmer to be able to locate stock and also to market my own stock. Great job!

The loss of biological diversity in both plants, animals and ecological environments is one of the most shameful aspects of the modern era of industrialized agriculture and it threatens the regenerative power of Nature to sustain life on this planet, most notably, human life.

In the midst of this shameful legacy, The Livestock Conservancy stands out as a beacon of hope, not just through its work to save rare breeds of livestock, but with its broad message that livestock belong on farms, on the land, and in our diets.

My husband and I are proud to be longtime members and supporters of The Livestock Conservancy.

The Livestock Conservancy is the first site I visit when I want accurate information on a heritage breed. We raise heritage chickens, ducks and geese for eggs and we always research before adding a new breed to our flock. The Livestock Conservancy is a great resource.

Jessica ~ Cold Mile Farmstead

The Livestock Conservancy has been an indispensable source for me as a conservation breeder of rare sheep and cattle. When I first acquired my sheep and contacted the LC, they quickly responded to my questions and led me to breeding resources and other heritage farmers. Thanks to the amazing professionals at the LC, I have a solid breeding program to maintain the genetic diversity of my sheep. The LC has also assisted me in marketing meat from my heritage animals, as well as educating and informing customers, ag extension agents, and other farmers of the importance of breed conservation. They are incredibly supportive and excited about rare breeds and sustainable agriculture.

Awesome organization with a great purpose. It is sad to know that without organizations like this we could lose rare historical breeds.

The mission of this group to preserve numerous breeds of animals no longer bred for commercial purposes provides options for those looking for taste and hardiness and will provide breeding stock to fall back on should the handful of breeds used in factory farming collapse.
I attended one of their conferences and the information presented by numerous experts is useful for all from hobbyists to professional farmers and even the home cook.
The meals prepared for conference attendees from these endangered breeds were a revelation in the possibilities of taste.

I have had the opportunity to witness the work of The Livestock Conservancy on several occasions. This group of passionate individuals works hard to preserve heritage livestock throughout the United States. Without their work and dedication many breeds of pigs, sheep, rabbits, poulty, horses, asses, cattle, and goats would be lost forever. If we lose these animals we lose a piece of American history and culture. I am truly thankful for the work that this organization does for all of us.