2018-2019 Annual Report

A non-profit organization
The Livestock Conservancy
Protecting endangered livestock and poultry since 1977
 WHAT WE DO
We define, census, and research
rare and endangered farm animals.
Then we tell the world.

SUCCESS!
This year, Highland cattle graduated
from the Conservation Priority List!
Graduating Heritage Cattle
(left) Highland cattle graduated from the Conservation Priority List (CPL) in 2019 with more than 1,000 annual registra-
tions in the United States and more than 25,000 animals globally. Native to the Scottish highlands, Highland cattle have
a great reputation for being rugged producers of high-quality beef and they have now found a secure niche as productive
partners in effective range management throughout the globe. Their dramatic shaggy coats and long horns make them a
true conversation starter for agri-tourism operations.

Conserving Rare Farm Animals

As guardians of genetic diversity, The Livestock Conservancy helped prevent extinctions, expanded populations, educated
beginning farmers, and assisted breeders in establishing new markets for their products. Livestock Conservancy programs
help farmers and breed organizations maintain the long-term viability and sustainability of endangered breeds.

Conservation of rare breeds:

• Protects our food system by securing genetic resources

• Ensures broad genetic diversity for the evolution of agriculture
• Preserves our heritage, history, and culture
• Maintains breeds well-suited for sustainable, grass-based systems
• Provides small farms a competitive edge
• Broadens the marketplace with diverse fiber and flavorful foods

Steps to Save a Breed

The Conservancy discovers and studies lost
breeds. We also secure breeds by document-
ing their conservation status each year. We 1 Discover
help build a critical mass of animals and
breeders while assisting breeders in finding,
organizing, and communicating with one 2 Secure
another. And we sustain breeds by learning
what they do best - on the farm and in the
marketplace. Recruiting and training the next 3 Sustain
generation of breed stewards is a key focus.

Cover photo: Tunis sheep have moved to “Watch” on the Conser-

vation Priority List with the help of supporters like you.
Photo courtesy of Julie Refer

LivestockConservancy.org PO Box 477

Pittsboro, NC 27312

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  3

 Dear Livestock Conservancy Supporter,

2018-2019 marked two important steps toward the future of con-

servation. The Livestock Conservancy’s board and staff completed
a new strategic plan to guide our priorities for the next three years.
This plan includes many of your wish list items, such as adding
capacity to support individual breeds and breed associations, and
doing more educational workshops around the country. And, as the
first step toward sustainable growth, the Conservancy hired its first-
ever Development Director in 2019. Karena Elliott will ensure that
the Conservancy can say “yes” to more conservation opportunities,
to helping farmers sell livestock products more profitably, to help-
ing breed associations survive and thrive even through tough times,
to being there for beginning farmers. She will bring the stories of
Cayuga ducks, San Clemente Island goats, Tamworth pigs, and all
the breeds on the Conservation Priority List to those who are in a
position to do the most good - foundations, corporations, and private
individuals. We are so grateful to you, our members and supporters, for putting your hearts into this mis-
sion. With your help, our grandchildren and their grandchildren will enjoy America’s unique livestock and
poultry on the farms and ranches of the future.

Sincerely,

Alison Martin
Executive Director

Our priorities for 2019-2021:

Discover, Secure and Sustain Ensure the survival of rare breeds of livestock and poultry, and a
pathway of growth for each.

Breed Associations Strengthen relationships with these front-line organizations for greater
conservation impact.

Increase the Number and Use education and outreach to introduce current and prospective farmers
Success of Breed Stewards to rare breeds, and provide them with the tools to be effective.

Next Generation Farming: Help farmers, shepherds, and stewards of iconic Northeastern cattle
Heritage Breeds for the during this two-year initiative.
Northeast

Greater geographic presence Develop strategies for more frequent and more effective conservation
work across all of the United States.

4 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report

 Vision of Growth Beyond 2021
What we see in the future to better serve our mission, members and staff.

Livestock and Poultry

We shall continue to acknowledge the connection between heritage animals and their benefits to society by recognizing that:
1. Food is essential and heritage animals offer dining experiences beyond expectations
2. Heritage breed wool allows artists to take their creativity to new levels
3. The pleasure of companionship, stewardship, and performance of heritage breeds fulfills human needs

Program
For successful future conservation, we need to:
1. Develop sustainable heritage breed business models
2. Further leverage culinary and fiber arts
3. Increase scientific journal and major media exposure
4. Increase cooperation with like-minded organizations such as living history farms and land grant universities
5. Expand the search for rare breed populations
6. Document the genetics and characteristics of rare breeds to secure their contribution to the future of agriculture
7. Seek engagement for more youth discovery of heritage breeds

The Organization
To better serve all US regions and expand as a strong organization, we
must recruit, support, and work with engaged and diverse staff and board
of directors. Breed outreach, breed research, clerical, and registration per-
sonnel will enable the organization to further our mission.

Membership
To double the number of constituents and quadruple the organization’s
strength, we must encourage symbiotic growth between loyal member sup-
porters and member-stewards of heritage breeds.

Peripheral Vision We must also stay relevant by continually identifying the ways heritage breeds contribute
to greater issues such as climate change, world hunger, and job creation for disadvantaged populations.

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  5

 Launching a Pilot Program
American Milking Devon cattle, a tri-purpose breed, first
found their way to the shores of the northeastern United
States in the 1600’s. For centuries, they provided milk, oxen
power, and meat for the growing nation. But, like many
historic breeds, the American Milking Devon fell out of
favor as modern machinery and commercial herds of cattle
were developed. Today, a committed group of farmers and
Thanks to The Manton Foundation, research to conserve
rare American Milking Devon cattle is underway.
Testing Genetic Health
Understanding the genetic makeup of rare breeds is impor-
tant for making wise animal husbandry decisions to secure
the future of endangered livestock and poultry. That’s why
analyses of both the herdbook and the DNA of American
Milking Devon cattle are underway. The study of rare
bloodlines in the herdbook identified 40 bulls for semen
collection and banking. A genetic study using DNA col-
lected from tail hair is now in progress at the University
of California at Davis. These results will complement the
herdbook study to determine the genetic health of the breed.
Both breed and husbandry contribute to the “terroir” of
dairy products such as butter, cheese, yogurt, and the fa-
mous Devonshire clotted cream. Therefore, American Milk-
American Milking Devon owners in 10 states and
Canada pulled tail hairs from their cattle to supply
DNA for a study of the breed’s genetic diversity.
6 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report
scientists is working to make Devons popular again through
genetic health studies, semen collection from important
bulls, and milk composition tests. These efforts will help
farmers better position both their cattle and their animal
products for success. It will also encourage more farmers
to choose American Milking Devons for their agriculture
operations.
ing Devon owners are also participating in an additional
research study organized by The Livestock Conservancy.
Milk samples are tested for butterfat and protein, important
components for making artisanal dairy products, as well as
fatty-acids associated with healthy diets in humans. Prior
tests indicated higher-than-av-
erage omega-3 and CLA fatty
acids in American Milking
Devon milk. Confirmation
of these results could make
both Milking Devon milk
and cattle more marketable to
people interested in healthy
dairy alternatives.
 “Spinners and fiber folk have
the power to help keep these
breeds on the hoof by buying
just one fleece or a sweater’s
worth of yarn because it
supports the shepherds.”
-- Deborah Robson, fiber
expert, author and teacher

Marketing Rare Wool “I love that I am doing my

part to bring awareness and
Ask any heritage breeder about their greatest challenges hopefully encourage shep-
raising livestock, and marketing will quickly surface. The herds to increase flocks to
Livestock Conservancy believes saving endangered breeds bring numbers up.” -- Lori
requires supporting these production partners and Shave Pleiness, spinner and weaver
‘Em to Save ‘Em is making a difference for more than 500
shepherds. Launched in early 2019, this wool-marketing
challenge pairs heritage fiber providers with almost 1,500 RareWool.org
fiber artists. Both wool and hair sheep breeds listed on the
Conservation Priority List have a page within the pro-
gram’s passport. This encourages fiber artists to collect
passport stickers when they buy wool and wool products Shawl made from
from registered fiber providers. Success of the program Cotswold sheep
has led to international interest, therefore trademarking is
currently underway. But, more importantly, heritage breed
sheep have a job which directly contributes to the financial
bottom line for the breeder.

558 Fiber Providers

Crocheted and felted
vessels made from
Jacob wool
The fiber community is abuzz with enthusiasm for Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em. Articles
have been published in Wild Fibers, Ply, Vogue Knitting, and Spin-Off magazines.
1,324 Fiber Artists
3,000 Facebook Members As artists complete projects
with five, ten, and fifteen
800 Ravelry Participants breeds, they can choose an
item from the fiber artist’s cata-
log. Feedback from shepherds
“With the advent of this program, I think it is and fiber artists alike has been
possible to increase my flock size, given the very positive.
strong demand for my fiber. This program has
exceeded my expectations and allows me to pro- Projects Completed:
mote the breed more effectively. The backing and
active promotion of a national organization lends 5 breeds: 41 People
credibility and increased visibility to my efforts.”
-- Charis Bennett Walker, Tunis sheep breeder
10 breeds: 18 People
15 breeds: 7 People
The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  7
 Funding Farmers
Launched in 2018, The Livestock Conservancy’s new Microgrants Pro-
gram offers small-scale farmers the opportunity to improve and grow their
heritage livestock operations. Thanks to the Manton Foundation and Drs.
Marie and Stephen Minnich of Marushka Farms, inaugural recipients used
their funds to improve heritage breed products, expand animal housing,
purchase stock with genetic importance, and establish a heritage equine se-
men collection center. While first-year grants were restricted to the North-
eastern United States, these donors along with Drs. Pamela Hand and Will
Hueston have made it possible to expand the 2019 grant cycle to include
heritage breed farmers nationwide. A new youth division will also encour-
age the next generation of heritage breeders.

“We know just how important these grants can

be in helping farmers reach their goals.This
can only further help conservation efforts for
all of the heritage livestock breeds.”
– Marie and Stephen Minnich

Dale and Josiah Freier

(ages 15 and 9), from Every
Season Farm, purchased
an ox cart for their trained
American Milking Devon
oxen they take to demon-
strations to promote Milk-
ing Devons throughout the
Northeast. Photo courtesy of the
Freier family

Ashley Pierce, a Silver Fox

rabbit breeder, expanded
infrastructure of her rabbitry
and added genetics to her
breeding program.

8 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report

 8
$2,000
grants were
Kate Hagel
expanded her
Michelle
Nardozzi
Rebecca and
Dehan Courtney
awarded
pasture and purchased are developing
purchased sheep fencing and a reproduction
coats to improve expanded her lab and semen Jim Schultz was able to put his
wool quality in breeding flock of collection center Standard Bronze turkeys out on
her Romeldale Arapawa goats for Brabant and pasture sooner thanks to new fencing.
other equines Photo courtesy of Jim Schultz

(Below) Erin O’Connell from the Environmental Learning Centers of

Connecticut’s Indian Rock Nature Preserve used their Livestock Con-
servancy Microgrant to purchase day-old chicks for their 2019 school
programs and summer camp. Students learned where food comes from,
how to care for poultry, and the importance of heritage breeds. The
Microgrant enabled the Preserve to add Sultan birds from the Critical
category, Threatened Faverolle poultry, and Watch-listed Buckeye and
Delaware chicks
Rovid que odit to their heritage farm. The birds arrived the week before
est, si ipsaerovi
their Week in the Life of a Farmer camp where the children helped care
for numerous farm animals, including the chicks.

Sharon Hanna purchased a

young Cleveland Bay stallion to
add diversity to her Pennsylvania
breeding herd, and is promoting
critically endangered Cleveland Bays
at notable equine events.

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  9

 Achieving Critical
Equine Goals
In 2018 The Livestock Conservancy launched the
Endangered Equine Alliance. This collaboration includes
Virginia Tech, Texas A & M University, the American Horse
Council, National Animal Interest Alliance, universities,
businesses, and numerous breed organizations. The Alliance
Galiceño horses
is now addressing the decline of horse registrations in the
United States over the past 10 years.

The new Manual of Methods for Preserva-
tion of Valuable Equine Genetics in Live
Animals and Post-Mortem was launched
this winter. This guide for veterinarians,
breeders, and horse owners helps them
conserve valuable genetic materials -
sperm, eggs, or skin tissue - from horses
and donkeys. Because there was no one
place to turn for this valuable information,
Texas A&M University and The Livestock
Conservancy published this guide. The
book teaches owners and everyday veteri-
narians how to properly collect samples.
It also details how to submit samples to
specialized facilities that can “work the
magic” to use and preserve what could be
irreplaceable genetics for the future. Many
of the techniques are directly applicable
to the conservation of other mammalian
species as well. Copies are available for
$26.95 in the Conservancy’s online store.

“This manual by Drs. Hinrichs and Couch provides the information that the people
in the field or clinics have long needed to preserve biological materials that could
make the difference in whether or not a species or breed avoids extinction and
sticks around to enrich the lives of humanity. A companion like this has long been
needed and to get a volume of this quality by true experts is a unique blessing.”
– Dr. E. Gus Cothran, Texas A&M University

Thanks to generous donors Lowell and Carolyn Larson, several

conservation projects for the critically rare American Cream Draft
horse are underway. A herdbook analysis and genetic profile of the
breed, microchipping of important horses for identification, and
a scholarship program to encourage youth participation with the
breed is in progress. The American Cream Draft horse is the only
equine draft breed developed in the United States. Youth scholar-
ships will be presented at the annual general meeting of the Ameri-
can Cream Draft Horse Association.

10 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report

 Fewer than

2,000
Caspians exist
globally

Securing the Rarest

The Caspian horse is an ancient breed that originated in the
Middle East almost 4,000 years ago. Now fewer than 2,000
horses exist globally, and the breed is critically endangered
in the United States. Semen was collected in 2019 from
three stallions of rare, important bloodlines and banked with
the US Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Germ-
plasm Program. These are the first heritage horses to be
banked by the USDA. Because of the commitment of their
owners and our generous donors, the future of the Caspian
breed is more secure.

From right to left: Semen was collected from RHR Concerto, Kristull Jumanji, and Sirhowy Rezmendeh
which are all beautiful representatives of their breed.

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  11

Galiceño horses

Staff coordinated with member Gertrude Maxwell of Can-

ada to collect semen for genetic conservation from four of
her Newfoundland stallions. The germplasm will be housed
at the USDA’s National Animal Germplasm Laboratory.
Building
International
Bridges
The Livestock Conservancy and
Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST)
of Great Britain collaborate to save
nearly 50 endangered livestock and
poultry breeds including Large Black
and Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs,
Suffolk Punch horses, Lincoln Long-
wool sheep, Dorking chickens, and
Aylesbury ducks. Following RBST’s
participation in The Conservancy’s
The Conservancy engaged in a special
project with our partners in Chile.
Chilean Colonial Spanish horses
mirror ours in being descended from
the earliest importations into the
New World. The Raza Chileňa horses
(right) are highly prized for their
looks and for their performance in the
rodeo. The Livestock Conservancy’s
Technical Advisor, Dr. Phil
Sponenberg, collaborated on breeding
recommendations for the Raza Chileňa.
At one point, when he was closely
inspecting an attractive dun mare, he
was asked why the mare interested
him. He replied, “well, the overall
This year, rare breed gait studies were expanded to the UK. At the All Breeds
Horse Show in Grantham, UK, Cleveland Bay, Dales, Fell, Highland, and Hack-
ney horses and ponies were filmed for The Livestock Conservancy’s twelve year
research study with Mississippi State University. The study has proven that many
of our breeds have
unique gaits that offer
distinct locomotive
advantages for moving
and working in chal-
lenging environments
such as swamps, rocky
terrain, and in sand.
Tom Davis of Mudchute Farm and a
Endangered Equine Summit in 2018, trustee of RBST with his Norfolk sheep
RBST invited the Conservancy to par-
ticipate in a similar meeting in the UK
with representatives from British rare
equine associations. These discussions
brought about an initial focus on the
critically endangered Suffolk Punch
horse, and opportunities to improve
genetic diversity of this global breed
through genetic exchanges.
RBST’s Gail Sprake and her
Bourbon Red turkey
breed type is very similar to our own
related breed.” This mare was rated
highly in their “sello de la raza,” an
evaluation of closeness to their breed
standard, so Dr. Sponenberg hit a home
run! The Chileans deeply respect and
appreciate these genetic resources,
but also have questions on how to
save them for future generations.
Sponenberg adds, “Over the decades, Dr. Sponenberg has been invited back
to Chile in 2019 to discuss sheepdogs,
the Conservancy has developed quite and Criollos Bovinos Patagónicos
(spanish-origin cattle of Patagonia).
the toolkit in addressing these very
situations, and it is rewarding to be in
the position to offer these tools broadly
so the erosion of genetic diversity
is reversed.” These international
experiences
underscore the
need for cooperation
between our countries.
Sharing animals,
genetics, and
strategies for saving
the rare breeds we
have in common
helps our work to save
animals on both sides
of the pond.
The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  13
 Only

100
breeding
Meishans remain
in the
US
Strengthening Genetics
Conservation efforts for two endangered pig breeds, the Gloucestershire Old Spots and the Large Black, took a surpris-
ing turn this year. After several unsuccessful attempts to artificially inseminate sows on farm using frozen semen imported
from Scotland, The Livestock Conservancy partnered with Purdue University and the USDA to develop new techniques for
working with heritage pigs. Using the Large Black pig as a model, Purdue successfully produced live piglets from domestic
frozen semen. Next, the imported frozen semen will be used to produce half-British offspring, bringing sorely-needed new
genetics into the US population. This collaboration demonstrates the power of cooperation to accomplish big goals.

Featuring Ancient Pork Counting

For a thousand years, the Meishan pig breed was a valuable Rare Hogs
food resource as the native pig of China and throughout Asia.
Today, very few purebred animals remain in the world and The Conservancy
the fate of the remaining pigs in China is threatened by the completed a breed
African Swine Fever epidemic. This makes the US popula- and membership
tion the only secure reservoir of these ancient pigs. Meishan census for the Large
pork debuted on the menu at the Insa restaurant in Brooklyn, Black Hog Asso-
New York, at a special dinner hosted by actress-turned-breed- ciation (LBHA).
conservationist Isabella Rossellini. Chef and Owner Sohui Knowing how many
Kim was delighted to work animals exist in the
with the pork which closely national population,
resembled the traditional pork and their locations
she remembers from her home and pedigrees, will enable the LBHA to better
country of Korea. The dinner manage and secure their breed. Staff contacted
has opened the door for further owners and tracked down herds throughout the
sales of Meishan pork to restau- US. Member support enables focused work, such
rants in the area. as this, with at-risk populations.

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  15

 Research Collaborations led
to scientific publications, expanding our voice in the
scientific community, and our capacity for conservation.

Contributing to Science
Research supports securing
and sustaining rare livestock
and poultry breeds. It answers
questions such as: “What are
the animals’ temperaments?
How do they grow and how
much milk do they produce?
What is the rate of in-breed-
ing? Are these two breeds
genetically the same
or different?”
The Livestock Conservancy’s
contributions to the science of
conservation are recognized
both nationally and interna-
tionally. Invitations to speak
at scientific conferences and
symposia in 2018-2019 in-
cluded the Poultry Science As-
sociation’s annual conference
and the Genetic Resources
Symposium in Ecuador.
“The genetic ancestry of American Cre- from modern day Iberian cattle. They also
ole cattle inferred from uniparental and exhibit more genetic diversity than cattle
autosomal genetic markers,” published from all other continents. This paper re-
in the August, 2019 edition of Nature sulted from The Livestock Conservancy’s
Reviews (https://www.nature.com/articles/ collaboration with the University of Cor-
s41598-019-47636-0) explores the unique doba, Spain, and scientists from a variety
genetics of Creole (Criollo) cattle in the of universities and agricultural research
Americas (above). Creole cattle includ- centers in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Co-
ing Florida Cracker, Texas Longhorn, and lombia, Portugal, US, and Egypt.
Pineywoods are now genetically distinct
In “A genomic inference of the White
Plymouth Rock genealogy,” published
in the August, 2019 edition of Poultry
Science (http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/
pez411), The Livestock Conservancy
collaborated with researchers at Uppsala
University of Sweden and Virginia Tech
University to study the historical and ge-
netic origins of the White Plymouth Rock
chicken (right). This breed is an important
contributor to the genetics of today’s mod-
ern meat chickens.

The Livestock Conservancy was also one of 50 invited participants to the first meeting of The Crop
Trust’s Food Forever initiative. This endeavor brings attention to the needed conservation of plant and
animal biodiversity in agriculture, including the role of animal production in preserving ecosystems.
16 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report
Partnering for
Conservation
Healthy, independent breed associations and registries are power-
ful tools for breed conservation. The registry for Hog Island sheep
was created and has been managed by The Livestock Conservancy
since 1997. Hog Island sheep have remained secure, despite low
numbers, thanks to dedicated breeders and living history farms.
Now, Mount Vernon Livestock Manager Lisa Pregent, with a core
of seven volunteers and support from The Livestock Conservancy,
has taken steps to create the Hog Island Sheep Breeders Associa-
tion. Following an organizational meeting in December, 2018,
the group has worked on infrastructure, by-laws, and a non-profit
application. With their first members’ meeting planned for Decem-
ber, 2019, this network of approximately 70 owners will greatly
benefit Hog Island Sheep by encouraging new enthusiasts and
creating new markets.

Chicks in the Classroom brings hatching eggs of heritage chick-

ens, turkeys, and waterfowl to elementary school classrooms,
teaching children about embryology, conservation, and farm
animals. Through the leadership of teachers and 4-H leaders, 78
classes including three special-needs classes participated in 2019,
doubling the number of participants. More classrooms mean more
eggs, so The Livestock Conservancy reached out to the Ameri-
can Poultry Association for support. The greater variety of stan-
dardbred poultry provided by these breeders added excitement
in the classrooms. Our challenge now is to find more participant
Over
breeders, and the resources for further expansion. Chicks in the
Classroom has demonstrated measurable impacts on the children
it reaches. These birds have helped many students gain a better un-
40
Dozen
derstanding of the natural world, where these animals come from, eggs
how they are raised, and why they are a precious resource for the
incubated
future of agriculture.

Scholarships to attend The Heritage Livestock Conference in 2018

went to first-time attendees Zachary Hoel and Rebecca Mahoney.
Hoel is a student of Agriculture Education at Ivy Tech, Richmond,
VA, and said he learned much about how he, as a future educa-
tor, could better reach the next generation and get them involved
in heritage livestock. He found value in the workshops, as well
as the opportunity to meet other attendees and speakers. Rebecca
Mahoney raises St. Croix sheep and American Guinea Hogs.
She chose to attend sessions that would apply to her small farm
in Northern Indiana. Learning about DNA technologies, forage
options, and pastures that will help improve her farm and breed-
ing programs were some of Mahoney’s highlights. The Livestock
Conservancy funds scholarships through the W.J.J. Gordon and
Charles R. Bassett Scholarship Fund, which grew in 2018 thanks
to donations by Karen and John Thornton, and a fundraiser hosted
by Amye Gulezian. With these gifts, the fund will offer three
scholarships to the 2019 Heritage Livestock Conference.

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  17

 Zoo Knoxville celebrates Heritage

Getting the Word Out

Breeds Week in Kid’s Cove

Getting the word out saves rare breeds! The 6th annual International Heritage
Breeds Week (IHBW) was, once again, a resounding success. First launched by
The Livestock Conservancy in 2012, the national event was designed to raise
awareness about the plight of endangered livestock and poultry breeds, as well
as the opportunities to bring them back from the verge of extinction. It quickly
grew to include international organizations by year two. This year, almost a
million people throughout the US and in 18 other countries learned about rare
farm animals through multiple social media outlets, an increase of 30 percent
from last year.

Murray McMurray Hatchery helped

promote IHBW and donated over Brazil’s Projeto Porco Moura came on board and
$5,000 from heritage breed chicks held an in-person event to raise awareness

sold during International Heritage

Breeds Week.

Interacted with over Welcomed Connected with Reached

Social media
120,000 reached 1.9 million 33,429 almost

2 million
699,946
people at fairs and visitors on Facebook, Twitter
events, leading our website and people that are
workshops on members and Instagram followers interested in saving
keeping and caring for heritage livestock
endangered breeds followers and poultry

18 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report

Conservancy members play an important role educating the
public about heritage livestock breeds. The Livestock Conservancy
develops promotional materials to help them share our story at fairs
and other events. Thanks to a generous gift from members Therese
Coucher and Rick Wilson, we hired two summer marketing interns
to update several marketing pieces. The organizational brochure
received a facelift, as well as two flyers that can also serve as posters.

Available at LivestockConservancy.org

Workshops & Talks

• American Cheese Society (NY)
• American Dairy Science Assoc. (OH)
• Ayrshire Farms Heritage Breeds
Festival (VA)
• Canadian Horse Expo
• Central Carolina Community
College (NC)
• Chatham County
Spring Ag Fest (NC)
• Elon University Food and Agriculture
students (NC)
• Food Forever (DE)
• Iberoamerican Symposium on Animal
Genetic Resources (Ecuador) Board member Marie Minnich at the World Congress
• Maryland Sheep & Wool (MD) of Colored Sheep conference in Beilla, Italy.
• Mother Earth Fairs in PA, KS, NC,
TX, MD, OR
• National Animal Interest Alliance (FL)
• Navajo Churro Sheep Association
annual meeting (CO)
• North Carolina Cooperative
Extension (NC)
• Poultry Science Assoc. (TX)
• Rare Breeds of the Year
Show (UK)
• Siler City Chicken Days (NC) Members, directors
• USDA Genetics Policy and staff have
Coordinating shared and
Committee (KS) presented talks at
• USDA/Purdue Heritage Hog many fairs, clubs,
Reproduction Workshop (IN) and local groups
around the country
Staff at Maryland Sheep
and Wool Festival

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  19

 Financial Reports
Contributions - $419,189
Foundation Grants - $190,240
Membership - $62,965
Sponsorship - $18,810
Conference/Program Services - $84,355
Merchandise Sales - $1,780
Other Revenue - $4,370

Total Revenue $781,709

SUPPORT & REVENUE

Progam/Outreach - $465,886
Management & General - $175,890
Fundraising - $46,449

Total Expenses $688,225

EXPENSES

2018-2019 final financial statements available on LivestockConservancy.org December 2019

Partners
Working together allows us to achieve more

American Horse Council SVF Foundation

American Poultry Association Texas A&M University
Central Carolina Community College United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Conner Prairie University of Cordoba (Spain)
Fibershed University of Missouri
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Uppsala University
Heritage Livestock Canada USDA National Animal Germplasm Program
Heritage Poultry Conservancy Virginia Tech University
Insa Whiting Farms
Mother Earth News More than 150 breed associations, clubs, and registries
Murray McMurray Hatchery
National Animal Interest Alliance
NC 4-H & Cooperative Extension Service
Purdue University
Rare Breed Survival Trust

20 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report

 Become a Conservation Champion
With regular, ongoing support from monthly donations, we can continue
to protect America’s rarest livestock and poultry breeds which are
integral to our national identity and our future generations.

Give a monthly gift!

Visit LivestockConservancy.org, call (919) 542-5704, or write to The Livestock Conservancy,

PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312 for more information.

Sponsors
Thank you for your support in 2018-2019

American Guinea Hog Association Joseph W. Henderson III/Chapel Hill Farm Solitude Wool
B-Commerce LoadView Testing Storey Publishing
Bleak Hill Lincoln Longwools Marie Minnich The Lippit Club, Inc.
Chicken Guardian Marushka Farms The National Romeldale-CVM Conservancy
Cornerstone Morgan Horse, Inc. Memphis Zoological Society Thorvin, Inc.
Creek Road Farms, LLC/David Day Metzer Farms Unicorn Clean
Earth Tools, Inc. Organic Valley Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival
JG Switzer Premier One WebHostingBuddy.com

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  21

 THANK YOU! To all our dedicated supporters
who continue to ensure over 150 historic breeds of livestock
and poultry are around for future generations.

$10,000 and above David & Heather Loomis Insa Eleanor F. Bookwalter
Anonymous (2) John & Sharon Metzer Colleen P. Bowden
Van Brown & Beth Tillman Lawrence E. Rushton $500 - $999 Brian & Michele Brane
Amy P. Goldman Foundation Jody Schnurrenberger Anonymous Richard Browning, Jr.
Ann Huebner-Waller Terry & Judy Wollen Albert L. Arline, Jr. Daryl R. Buffenstein
Lowell & Carolyn T. Larson Joan Ballitch Lisa Butterfield
Maine Community Foundation $1,000 - $1,999 Linda D. Barta Harriet Ciccone
Manton Foundation Anne Hendricks Bass Charles Bauer Jill Eaton
Marie & Stephen Minnich Foundation Barbara B. Bowman Mary Ellenberger
Charles Taft Ruth B. Blaney Sara T. Campbell John Fraser III
Bois d’Arc Farm Isabela Castaneda Betty Funkhouser
$5,000 - $9,999 Carlson Family Foundation Toodie Connor Barksdale Garbee
Anonymous David & Brenda Day Darrell F. Corti Elyse Marie Grasso
Therese Coucher & Rick Wilson Kelli Dunaj Margaret Couch & Tod Serfass James E. Held
Adam Danforth Ruth L. Eckert Robert O. Gjerdingen Paul & Jane Henningson
The DeVlieg Foundation Julie Gauthier Mariel R. Goss Rebecca Hogg
W. Cabell Garbee II Ruth & Stephen Grant Fund Temple Grandin Steven Hopp & Barbara
Pamela Hand & Will Hueston of Triangle Community Andrew Heltsley Kingsolver
The Charlotte Hanes Foundation Foundation Joanne B. Jelke John E. Kellogg
Brian Larson & Jennifer Garrett Barbara Grasseschi & Anne Page Long Konrad & Lesley Kuzmanoff
Murray McMurray Hatchery Tony Crabb William Edwin McDonald Robert & Joy Kwapien
Noah Foundation Barbara Haupt Ken & Oogie McGuire Darlene M. Lee
Stannard & Dorothy Dunn William & Judith Heffernan Sally McVeigh Ruth L. Leffler
Charitable Trust Heritage Foods, Inc. Robert & Robyn Metcalfe Daniel & Erin Matica
Kari Wenger & Peter Henry Anneke Jakes Frances M. Rehwald Gail Mayo
William J.J. Gordon Maryanne Mott Robert Michael Smith Katherine McLeod
Family Foundation Jim Reichardt Gary & Sandy Sojka Francis & Monika Mencl
Sedgwick County Zoo Marion & Vi Stanley Maria Muscarella
$2,000 - $4,999 Ann Shayne & Kay Gardiner Clarence Brown & Susan R. Neal
Rick & Pat Blaney Nancy Shepherd Pablo Villagomez Joanne Nissen
Jay H. Calvert Ann Vonnegut & Linda S. Raynolds
Clif Bar Family Foundation Chris VonFrieling $250 - $499 Randy & Beth Sears
Marjie Findlay George & Victoria Whipple Marian M. Aikman Ann Staples
Edward & Andrea Jakes John Samuel Wilkes Charles D. Ballard Barbara K. Sweet

22 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report

John & Karen Thornton John Haftek, Jr. Joe & Sue Schallberger Hesperia Bevan
Linwood Worth Watson John H. Hanson Joan Schnieber William & Noreen Blaiklock
Gretchen Whisenand Susan Christine Harman Orva L. Schultis Elaina Blankinship
Jean Young Kendall & Anne Harris Ronald H. Segal Patty Blanton &
Rosa Zapata Laurie Harris John P. Sersanti Bob McConnaughey
William E. Hine, Jr. Tom & Mary Lou Shaw Dylan Boeken
$100 - $249 Robert Hinton Meredy Shipp Dean Boyd
Anonymous C. Nelson Hoy & Elaine Shirley Patricia M. Boynton
Mary M. Ackerly Elizabeth Biggs Jason Shure Maria Bracke
Leticia A. Alamia Sally Jackson Katharine Silvasi Germaine Bragonier
Tracey L. Allen Christine A. Johnson James Neal Simms Kathleen Briscoe
Lucta J. Allen-Gerald Pamela Karen Johnson Skeen Family Foundation Bristol County
Judith Andrews Patricia Johnston & Jonna Skehan Agricultural High School
Robert L. Bainbridge Kevin Matthews Heidi Grimes & Shawn Sloan Fern Brody
Jane Baker Linda Julian Dale L. Smeltzer Peter M. Brown
Charles & Marilyn Barnes Mike Kearney Sonja Maria Solomonson Robert G. Bruning
Turbo Property Mary Keyes Sydney L. Sparkes Caryl Buck
Dennis & Marian Bires Douglas & Cynthia Kirk Marcia Sparling Deborah Burns
Donald & Patricia Bixby Clayton C. Kirking David W. Sperling Louise Burr
Barry & Linda Bolewicz Tom & Sue Krebs Heather Steel Nada Jill Butler
Madelon L. Bradshaw Alicia Krogmann Michael & Kay Strauss Dorothy Butler-Landes
James & Carol Bray Jocelyn Linnekin Karl Tegtmeyer Valerie Cabral
Alice Britenbaker Timothy R. Lucas Lynne Updegrove Corrin Campbell
Juliette H. Bullock Joanne Rogers Luebbert T. Tench Tara M. Canning
Jeff Bump Nick & Lisa Lynn Vans-Murray-Robertson Joel & Linda Chapin
Susan A. Carver Amy Manko Charles Waldren Nancy Chapman
Gary Cattell Lawrence Marquette Ray & Mary Walker Eric Alan Christensen
Byran L. Childress Alison Martin Tom & Connie Walsh Linda Ruth Church
Erik R. Cleveland Joseph L. Mastin Peter D. Weigl William S. Churchill
Judy C. Coggins Robert & Diane May Effie E. Westervelt Wally Congdon
Martin Conrey Robert G. McCann Minna White Cydney Louise Cornell
Cornerstone Morgan Horse, Inc. Dean Meier Marjory Wildcraft Cotswold Breeders Association
Paul & Charlene Couch Harry W. Meredith, Jr. Marilee Williams Marian Couch
Diane C. Craddock Douglas K. Miller Judith R. Willson William Coughlin
John Criner Mary Moix Dexter D. Wilson Crystal Criswell
Eleanor Crosby Carole Morain Norma Bennett Woolf Scott Crossman
Richard Davis & James Morgan John & Pamela Woollis Tom & Amy E. Crow
Christopher Vazquez Sylvia Mueller Anne Worthington Ruth Culbertson
Charlotte Doherty & Cynthia Nordstrom Susan L. Wright Sharonlee Cummins
Robert Bernardoni N. American Shetland Karen E. Young Sam Cunningham
Stephanie Doll SSheepbreeders Association Claire Zaiser Gerald H. Curkendall
Molly Donnellan Martha Oberholtzer Beryl F. Zimberoff Teresa Daignault
Barclay Dunn Libby O’Connell
Laura M. Easter George L. Ohrstrom II $25 - $99
Bradley P. Edin Albert J. Petersen, Jr. Anonymous
Andrew Ehret Karen J. Philhower A. D. Ackels Over 150k
Katherine Emmerson Reid L. Phillips Woodrow Albin from the estate of
Exelon Foundation Jennifer Pitino Bruce & Margaret Alexander Jean Blair
John S. Fant Carlton Pittman Frances Meadows Allen
McElroy
Margaret Ferguson Edward & Melanie Plantaric Nell Allen
Gordon Fetters David Porter Muriel T. Asbornsen
Kevin Fulton David Purinai Christine Asmann
Kris Fulwiler Susan M. Rau Tina Atkins-Dean
Wayne & Billie Anne Gebb Walker & Marjorie Rayburn Sandy Babcock Barbara Daiker
Sunny Goodier Red Devon USA Nancy Baker Stephanie Datema
Dana Goodman Deborah J. Remer Marion C. Beausoleil Reba Davis
Gabrielle Gordon Dennis G. Rice Nancy P. Bent Alaine Depner
Jo-Ellen & Mike Greene Rex Rieke Fred & Jeannette Beranger Sophie Dix
Vincent & Vickie Gresham Deborah Robson Michael D. Berger Sue Dobson
Philip & Kathy Griggs Henry E. Rodegerdts Clinton L. Berry Anne L. Donnelly
Julie Guilette Jeff R. Sage Wendell & Tanya Berry Daryl Dorsheimer

The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  23

 Roger Drake & Kathy Breen Warren S. Joseph Will & Louise Pape Russell & Maxine Stewart
SUPPORTERS
Theresa B. Duenzl Lisa Keep Suzanne Paroski Linda Stoops
Lisa Corcoran Duff Carol A. Kellish Joseph E. Pattison John R. & Elizabeth Stratton
Robin Duncan Peter & Evelyn Kenney Bill Peek, Jr. Susan J. Suber
Richard Dunlap Cindra A. Kerscher Steve Pegram John A. Sullivan
Helga Y. Eaddy Jamie Kidwell Lance E. Perryman Zane W. Sunday
William G. Elder Karen Kight Anna J. J. Philips Jeremy Taylor
Donald David Entenman Mary Koch King Phillips Mark Teague
Jennifer Farrington Philip D. Kramer Robert C. Pierson III Marie Terlizzi & Robert Dobbs
Ron & Ann Fay Bradley J. Krueger Stephen Platt Jerry Thomas
Hildy Feen Keith Kuhnsman Lee E. Poleske Angelique Thompson
Michelle Field Duane Lake & Shirley Shinn James & Sharon Postance Barbara Thompson
Aaron Flaherty Jessa Lane Mitchell H. Potter Lisa Towery
W. T. Francisco Steve Laux Tom Primmer Frank S. Tremel, Jr.
Gretchen Frederick Agnes M. Lee Bob & Sandy Priscott Jason Turner
Karen Ann Freitas Anita M. Lewis Joanne Purpus Dirk & Judy Tysmans
Holly Froning Caroline S. Lewis Beverly J. Purswell Catherine L. Ullman
Margaret Garland Ashley & Lynn Lindstedt Susan Quick Royal & Sue Unzicker
Pat Parker Garmezy Lynila D. Lindstrom Jude C. Rakowski Harvey & Ellen Ussery
Edward R. Garrison George P. Looby Lisa M. Ramdass Stephanie Van Parys
Richardson B. Gill Shaun Ann & Michael Lord Frank R. Reese, Jr. Grace Vidoni
Ernesto F. Gonzalez Maria Losh Jeff Reifsteck Tamara Visser
Lisa Marie Goodroad & Sue Loustaunau Mark Reinhard Daryl Walker
Nutcgekk Spinka Allen Lowrance River Oaks Cattle Co. Ryan & Katie Walker
Carrie Gordon Jean-Marie Luginbuhl Joy B. Robertshaw Sara & Josh Wall
Joy Gorzocoski Antoinette Malouf Linda Robinson Karen J. Wanek
Frances Gould-Naftal Seth Mandel Jeri Lynn Robinson-Lawrence
Gabrielle Gratton William Marion Mike Rohrig
Juli Greenberg Margaret Wile Marsh Barbara L. Rosholdt
Bill Greene Steve Marsh Paul Sanner
Kay L. Grimm Ronald M. Marth Amanda Sarmiento
Nina Haas Barbara Martin Sunny B. Schacher
Eileen Hackett Kathleen & Alan Matthews W. J. Schlitt III
Dorothy Hammett Donald E. Maurer Mike A. Schmitz
Earl Hampton Kristin Mayo Silke Schneider &
David & Beverly Hannon Lynn L. McAdams Richard Felger
Daniel Robert Haubrich, Jr. Jane H. McGraw Jane G. Schoneman
Robert & Alice Hawes Robert H. McKellar Carl Schwartz
Sue Haycock Jane McManus Anne Marie H. Scrivener Mark & Jasmine Warren
Chris & Christina Haymond William R. McNeal, Jr. Cynthia Seaman James I. Weaver
Charles F. Heidgen Patricia McNulty Michael N. Sears Sarah Whalen
Brian D. Heldberg Melissa Merrill Judi Seaver John & Virginia Whitman
Bryant C. Helvey Lisa Messenger Lindsay Shea Katherine Williams
Kelly Henley Kevin Metz Tanya Charter & Greg Shore Mary A. Wilson
Joyce Herman Pennyanne Meyers Craig Shuba Lonnie Rodriquez &
Danny M. Hesse Mindy B. Mills Kurt Siegel Paula Wilson
Paul Hierstein Lynn & Jim Moody Jennifer M. Sinclair Patricia-Anne WinterSun
Ronald G. Hodson Helen S. Moore Mark & Karen Sisk Marcy H. Witherington
Katherine Hornbach Susan Moore Heather Skilling Gene Hiibner & Darren Wold
Miranda Howard Audrey Morris Richard N. Smethurst Robert & Charlotte Wolfe
Suzanne E. Huber Julie Morris Kathleen E. Smith Ron Wood
Karl Hudson Charles W. Mueller Linda E. Smith Judith Woodruff
M. Hund Family Mary Murphy Chad Snader Brice A. Yocum
Priscilla M. Ireys Jo Ann Myers Ann Socolofsky Steve & Anne Young
Irion Lumber Frank Norman Kyle Sonnenberg Kara Zaks
Edward S. Jackson Gilcemeire Ochs Larry Sorell Glenda Zeeb
Neenie Jeffers Debra Olive William Speiden Symantha F. Zeimet
Lloyd B. Johnson Cheryl Orcutt John & Margrete Spencer Joel K. Zink
James & Joyce Jones Barbara Oslund Georgiana Srachta Dodd Yvonne Zweede-Tucker
Laura Jones Manuel Ovando James M. Stephens

24 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report

Life Members
Debbie Adams
Leticia A. Alamia
American Mammoth
Jackstock Association
Julie Atwood
Linda D. Barta
Charles & Maryann Bassett
F. James Becher, Jr.
Brandon Berry
Kristina Bielenberg
Donald & Patricia Bixby
Warwick P. Bonsal
I. Lehr Brisbin
Corinna Bryant
Liz Crain
Emily Davidson
Lisa L. Douglas
Kelli Dunaj
Bradley P. Edin
Geoff Eldringhoff
Mark A. Fields
Amy P. Goldman Foundation
Jan French
Lou & Kelly Gonda
Elizabeth P. Gordon
Gabrielle Gordon
Mariel R. Goss
Temple Grandin
Barbara Grasseschi &
Tony Crabb
Elyse Marie Grasso
Lisa & Stephen Grubb
John Haftek, Jr
Hamilton Rare Breeds Fdn. /
Pat Hastings
Mike Hansen
Matt Hemmer
Cheryl Hershberger
David & Millie Holderread
Ann Huebner-Waller
Ideal Poultry
Breeding Farms, Inc.
Elizabeth D. Jeffords
JPR Acres, LLC.
Michael T. Kovack
Dennis V. Lange
Brian Larson &
Jennifer Garrett
Live Laugh Love Life -
The Carly Imbierowicz Fdn.
David & Heather Loomis
Patricia Lusted
Nick & Lisa Lynn
Jacqueline Badger Mars
JoAnn C. McCall
Mary Carter McConnell
Ken & Oogie McGuire
Linda H. McKittrick
Lyle G. McNeal
Sally McVeigh
John & Sharon Metzer
Marie & Stephen Minnich
Dielle Fleischmann Dugan Tillman-Brown
Mary Ellen Nicholas John & Leslie Wheelock
Byron Olson Ronnie Wilson
The Onota Foundation Terry & Judy Wollen
Mike Palmer & William J. Woods
Sue McAlister Kayla Wright
Michael Anthony & Melissa Wubben
Autumn Elizabeth Pena
David E. Pepe
Nathan Peters
Jim Reichardt
The Rose Family
Susan Hope Schaberg 92
Christa B. Schmidt
Shelley Schorsch Lifetime
Don Shadow members
Linda L. Sherrill
Ridgway F. Shinn III
Kerry W. & Kristen Skelton
P. Allen Smith
Sydney L. Sparkes
Julianne S. Spears
David W. Sperling
Ann Staples
Michael & Kay Strauss
Dr. Heidi Stucki &
Philip Larson
Marcia V. Stucki
Charles Taft
Therry Vargas &
Lindsey Koob

Inspiring Future Shepherds

The Youth Conservationist Program enables
aspiring young shepherds to experience the
joys and responsibilities of raising and con-
serving heritage breeds of wool sheep. Un-
der the guidance of an adult mentor, youth
receive a yearling ewe – for free! Breeder
mentors help the recipients learn to care for
their sheep, breed to a registered ram, produce woolen items using
the fleece of their own animal, and promote and show their particular
breed of sheep. Past recipients often continue as shepherds, and have
also become donors in the Youth Conservationist Program. Organized
by Livestock Conservancy member and volunteer, Elaine Ashcraft,
this longstanding program gives away 10-15 donated sheep each year,
many from Livestock Conservancy members.
The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  25
 Ambassadors
In order to share the mission with more people, the Conservancy has enlisted
Ambassadors as spokespeople for Heritage breeds. Ambassadors are well-known
in their fields for outstanding accomplishments and are public figures, well-suited
to carry The Livestock Conservancy’s message to the world. Along with ambas-
sadors Arianne Daguin, founder of D’Artagnan, and Antoinne Westermann, chef
and owner of Michelin three-star rated restaurants, the Conservancy is pleased to
welcome two new ambassadors: Isabella Rosselini and Wendell Berry.

Isabella Rosselini, (left) an actress and model, raises goats, sheep, pigs, and
chickens, grows organic vegetables, and produces honey and eggs. She has
published a children’s book My Chickens and I, and completed a Master’s degree
in Animal Behavior and Conservation. Local school groups visit the farm, where
Isabella teaches them about the animals.

Wendell Berry, a member of the Conservancy since 1986, raises sheep and
horses. He is a novelist, poet, environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer.
According to him, the good life includes: sustainable agriculture, appropriate technologies, healthy rural communities, connec-
tion to place, the pleasures of good food, husbandry, good work, local economics, the miracle of life, fidelity, frugality, rever-
ence, and the interconnectedness of life.

“To me, the importance of genetic diversity in livestock begins with the existence of
genetic diversity in livestock. The existence of so many breeds of farm animals is the
result of the efforts of hundreds of intelligent farmers over hundreds of years to adapt
their farming to the demands and opportunities of a variety of geographic regions and
even individual farms. The time is coming when we will need again to consider the
benefits of local adaptation. And then we will need all the genetic diversity that, by such
efforts as that of The Livestock Conservancy, we will have kept.” --

Board of Directors
(as of June 30, 2019)
Staff
Silas Bernardoni Patricia Johnston Alison Martin, Ph.D., Executive Director
Richard (Rick) Blaney Steve Kerns Jeannette Beranger, Senior Program Manager
Richard Browning Brian Larson Michele Brane, Donor Information and Research Manager
Jay H. (Jerry) Calvert, Jr. Heather Loomis Charlene Couch, Ph.D., Program Manager
Isabela Castaneda Marie Minnich Karena Elliott, M. Ed., Development Director
David Day Elaine Shirley Tayrn Elliott, Saving Our Stories Intern
Adam Dixon Wanda (Beth) Tillman Jaime Isaac, Graphics Design/Marketing Intern
Julie Gauthier John Wilkes Cindra Kerscher, Administrative Assistant
Gabrielle Gordon Judy Wollen Deborah Niemann, Program Research Associate
Andrew Heltsley Brice Yocum Cathy Payne, Program Research Associate
Angelique Thompson, Operations Director
Governing the Conservancy and committed to the Ryan Walker, Marketing and Communications Manager
non-profit mission, Directors bring a wealth of
experience and expertise to the Board. Technical Advisor:
D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Ph.D.

26 | The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report

Honoring Dr. D. Phil Sponenberg
Dr. D. Phillip Sponenberg, Technical Advisor for The Conservancy, was
awarded “Outstanding Alumnus” by the Texas A&M University’s Col-
lege of Veterinary Medicine. This recognition honors leaders who make a
difference in their profession, communities, and field of influence through
veterinary medicine. Recipients exemplify the ideals, character, strengths,
and principles of conduct that distinguish respected veterinarians.

“Phil’s contributions to the conservation of livestock genetic re-

sources have filled a void in the United States, where he is a leader in
this effort to assure a secure and viable future for food production,” a
nominator said. “He is unique among academicians in North America
with this interest and with his long contributions to this area.”

“As superb as Phil’s teaching and service are, his work in international
and national conservation genetics and livestock breeds conservation
eclipse those career accomplishments,” one nominator shared.

Volunteers
THANK YOU! To our generous volunteers who
give their time to the Conservancy.
Ellen Banerjee Melissa Kruezer Terry Wollen
Fred Beranger Brian Larson Brice Yocum
Silas Bernardoni Heather Loomis Aubrey Young
Faith Berry Denise Luttrell Paul Young
Robert Browning Mary McConnell
Stephanie Buchanan Oogie McGuire
Catherine Camp Alan McKamey
Paul Couch Amy McKamey
Therese Coucher Bill Meredith
Tyler Danke Stephanie Meredith
Chele Denney Marie Minnich
Adam Dixon Pat Morris ...and all of the
members who
Jeffrey P. Elliott Emily Nyman staff a booth at
Enzo Ferroli Audrey Pham their local fair
Holly Froning Joe Putnam to represent the
W. Cabell Garbee II Callene Rapp Conservancy
Jennifer Garrett Eric Rapp
Julie Gauthier Heidi Reinhardt
Carrie Gordon Deborah Robson
Gabrielle Gordon Claire Romine
Jennifer Gunn Olivia Scuderi
John Haftek Mikayla Shaw
Katherine Haines Susan Sigmon
Mike Hansen Lauren Soares
Susan Harmon Beth Tillman
Jane Henningson Donna Walton-Gibbs
Paul Henningson Judy Wollen
The Livestock Conservancy 2018-2019 Annual Report |  27
The history of the beloved turkey as a culinary centerpiece predates the founding of the United States. Its history
traces to domestication begun 2,000 years ago by the Aztec and Mayan peoples. Indigenous to both North and
South America, only 1,335 domesticated heritage breeding birds were found in the US in 1997. While numbers
have grown over the past 20 years, challenges such as marketing, breeding, and attracting younger growers remain.

The Livestock Conservancy currently counts 8 heritage turkey varieties on our Conservation Priority List, along-
side more than 140 additional breeds from 10 other livestock species. If you would like to support programs to save
heritage turkeys, or any other endangered livestock species, please contact Karena Elliott, Development Director
for The Livestock Conservancy. Including work such as this in the philanthropic goals for your estate plan can help
ensure heritage turkeys continue gracing our holiday tables for generations to come.

Karena Elliott: kelliott@LivestockConservancy.org

(806) 570-0874, or visit LivestockConservancy.org