…if you till it, they will come.
My husband is a pastor who holds close his lifelong dream of giving to others while retaining close ties to the land.
His passion is to ensure the future of agriculture through the conservation and promotion of endangered breeds of livestock and poultry.
As agriculture has become more and more industrialized, the available gene pool of livestock breeds has been drastically reduced – now focused on the capitalization of a few desirable traits at the expense of genetic diversity.
Instead of allowing multiple breeds to flourish – breeds that could survive in a variety of situations, or be valued for many uses — limited breeds with limited uses were selected, to maximize profitability.
Leicester Longwool
For example, once there were many breeds of sheep, with many kinds of wool — all of them bred for multiple and differing uses. Now, only a handful of sheep breeds are used for mass wool production.
Conservancy is vitally important. It’s important to preserve a diverse gene pool for all of our domestic animals, because in this time of environmental fluctuation, we don’t know whether “homogenized” breeds could survive in a vastly changing landscape.
Diversity can only be maintained by preserving heritage breeds – those breeds no longer in vogue for “mass production”, industrial agriculture — but are breeds who deserve to survive specifically for their “niche” characteristics.
Gloucestershire Old Spots
According to the Livestock Conservancy, an organization which monitors the conservation status of endangered breeds in the United States, the Leicester Longwool sheep, Gloucestershire Old Spots pig, Buckeye and Nankin chickens, and the American Milking Devon cow are all greatly threatened.
Each of these breeds have prized characteristics – but they’re in danger because other, more popular breeds have pushed them aside.
We can’t predict when we’ll need to call upon the genetic attributes of a Leicester Longwool sheep, or a Devon cow — but we can’t call upon the breed at all if it is wiped out.
Nankin hens
So – what is the solution? And how can you help?
We have found a “field of dreams” in rural Ohio – a 1904 farmhouse on a modest tract of lush farmland. My husband and I were raised on farms, and my husband’s family has owned and worked its 300-acre family farm for the past 50 years. We have considerable experience in both agriculture and animal husbandry and are mindful stewards of the land, and tireless advocates for the breeds we hope to protect.
Buckeye Hen
If you can help by contributing to the cost of the farm’s down payment, we can promise you the following:
Along with our own cash investment, we will use Indiegogo and blog proceeds to purchase the farm. We will populate the farm with Leicester Longwool sheep, Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs, Buckeye chickens, Nankin bantam chickens, and Devon cattle. We will offer meat, wool, eggs, calves, chicks, piglets and lambs for sale from our flourishing supply of livestock.
100% of the farm’s annual profit, less agricultural expenses, will be donated to the Livestock Conservancy or to the charity of your choice — every year until the original online investment made to us is repaid.
We will blog and photograph our progress on a regular basis: to show improvements made to the farm, the farm’s production and harvest, to advocate for endangered breeds, and simply to share the tangible and intangible fruits of your generous commitment.
American Milking Devon
You can use this blog to confirm the charity we can donate to on your behalf — and you’re welcome to remain anonymous, if you wish.
Help us revive amazing, endangered livestock breeds, and see your generosity be paid forward as your initial investment is transformed to the charitable donation of your choice!
Thank you. – Dan and Suzy
Heritage Hope Farm 