The Livestock Conservancy

#Heritagebreeds are a crucial part of sustainable agriculture! #sustainableagriculture #regenerativeagriculture

A highly social breed, Ossabaw Island pigs are smaller (100-200 pounds), thrifty and self-sufficient, with small litters. They are sensitive to high sugar levels in their diets but are well-suited to pastured pork production. Chefs highly value their pork and lard. They begin gestation around six months of age and can produce two litters of 8-12 piglets a year. This unique breed needs special stewards who understand and appreciate its history and its need for conservation. Ossabaw Island pigs are classified as Critical on The Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List. How can you help? Consider raising Ossabaw Island pigs, supporting farmers who conserve the breed, purchase Ossabaw Island pig products or helping spread awareness of their importance. Can't raise them yourself? You can still make a difference! Support the farmers and breeders working to protect rare breeds through a gift to The Livestock Conservancy. Learn more: livestockconservancy.org/oss…

October is National Pork Month, and we salute the critically endangered Choctaw hog. These pigs are descendants of Spanish stock kept by the Choctaw Nation and are excellent mothers and foragers.  Learn more on our Choctaw pig profile page: livestockconservancy.org/cho…

As its name implies, the Large Black Hog (Critically endangered) is large-framed and solid black. The coloration helps protect them from sunburn, allowing them to live outdoors more easily. Their large lop ears fall forward over their faces; while they impede vision, they protect their eyes from damage while the pigs root and forage. Large Black Hogs are best known for their foraging abilities, as they can get much of their food by grazing. For National Pork Month, show us your Large Black Hog and learn more on our breed profile livestockconservancy.org/lar…

You don't have to raise rare breeds to help protect them! One of the simplest ways to support heritage livestock and poultry conservation is by spreading the word. The Livestock Conservancy's website offers downloadable resources and information you can share to help others learn about these remarkable breeds and why they matter. Sharing our social media posts helps, too. After all, who doesn't enjoy seeing an animal in their feed? 🐂 A photo, story, or interesting fact might inspire someone to learn more or even become a future breeder! Help us spread the word! Explore our resources and share your favorite rare breed with someone today. #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy

It's National Mule Day! These fantastic animals (like this one from an American Mammoth Jackstock donkey and a Tennessee Walking Horse) have been an important part of American agriculture for years. Have you worked with or owned a mule? We'd love to hear your stories! Share your experiences or photos in the comments and help us celebrate these remarkable animals.

For National Pork Month, meet the Mulefoot pig. Named for their solid mule-like hoofs, their foot structure may be advantageous in wet conditions. This critically endangered breed is active, docile and intelligent.  Learn more about the Mulefoot and its history, unique characteristics and what it will take to ensure its future on our website: livestockconservancy.org/mul…  #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy #NationalPorkMonth

The American Rabbit Breeders Association National Convention begins today!  Good luck to all the heritage breeds attending! Share a picture of your heritage breed and join the excitement. f.mtr.cool/ic7n6oha6q #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy

31 horse breeds and 3 donkey breeds make up the equines on our Conservation Priority List. Did you know we have a Facebook group just for these breeds? It's a great space to talk about equines and share pictures and knowledge. Visit it today!  facebook.com/groups/Endanger… #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy

Guinea Hogs are one of the smaller breeds on the Conservation Priority List (they are Threatened), with boars reaching an adult weight of 175-200 pounds, Guinea Hogs are excellent for homesteads. They are “easy keepers” but can be prone to obesity. As such, free-choice feed is not recommended. Could Guinea Hogs be a good fit for your farm? Learn more about the breed and how raising heritage livestock can contribute to its conservation: livestockconservancy.org/ame… #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy #NationalPorkMonth

Meishan pigs (Threatened on the Conservation Priority List) are a docile, prolific breed; litters of 16-20 piglets are common. Meishans thrive on high-fiber, roughage diets and are true grazing hogs. Plus, they are known for succulent, marbled meat, superior lard and fat quality. Discover what makes this heritage breed unique and why its conservation matters: livestockconservancy.org/mei… #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy #NationalPorkMonth

Ever seen a group of pigs and wondered what that's called? There's a name for it: a drove.  This drove of Tamworth pigs looks like they just enjoyed a spa day in the mud. The Tamworth is a great beginner breed because of their social yet docile disposition.  #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy

The National FFA Convention began today, and we're proud of all the FFA members who choose heritage livestock and poultry for their projects.  We'd be honored if you'd share images of your FFA members with their animals!

Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs are prolific, with litters of 10 or more. They are known for their calm nature, ease of handling and hardiness in outdoor raising conditions. GOS should be considered as a great breed for your farm! Discover more! livestockconservancy.org/glo… #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy #NationalPorkMonth

Welcome HoofnHorn to The Livestock Conservancy family as a Supporter Sponsor! We are so excited to partner with HoofnHorn to support important rare breed conservation efforts!

Have you completed your rabbit census yet? Make them count today!  #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy

Tamworth pigs (Recovering on the Conservation Priority List) are a hardy breed that loves being active and can survive adverse weather, but they do not do as well in summer. Tamworths have a thick, coarse coat, but when they are molting, they are susceptible to sunburn, so they need suitable housing and available mud to protect their skin and keep them cool.   Consider adding Tamworths to your farm, ranch or homestead! Read all about them on our website: livestockconservancy.org/tam… #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy #NationalPorkMonth

Today is National I Love Yarn Day and we are thinking of all of the Shave 'Em to Save 'Em participants! Are you filling up your passport while you get ready for winter projects?  We'd love to see what your plans are! Share in the comments.  #ShaveEmtoSaveEm #SE2SE #FiberArts

Please join us in thanking our Gold Sponsor, Greenfire Farms, for their generous support of The Livestock Conservancy. Their partnership helps advance the conservation of rare and endangered livestock and poultry breeds and the genetic diversity they represent. We’re grateful to have Greenfire Farms alongside us in this important work!

All the pretty girls walk like this 🎵 This Holland hen knows she's got the looks. She's possibly one of the rarest chicken breeds. Known for being calm with a cheerful personality, this breed is great for backyard flocks.  Find out more about her on the Conservation Priority List. livestockconservancy.org/hol… #HeritageBreeds #TheLivestockConservancy

Are you working with sheep, goats or other understudied livestock populations? A hands-on workshop at Iowa State University will give you practical approaches to breeding-program design and more. Get the details (including information on available scholarships). ans.iastate.edu/research/ani…