Our Ancient Breed Meats

According to The Livestock Conservancy:

Ancient (Heritage) breeds are traditional livestock breeds that were raised by our forefathers. These are the breeds of a bygone era, before industrial agriculture became a mainstream practice. These breeds were carefully selected and bred over time to develop traits that made them well-adapted to the local environment and they thrived under farming practices and cultural conditions that are very different from those found in modern agriculture.

Traditional, historic breeds retain essential attributes for survival and self-sufficiency – fertility, foraging ability, longevity, maternal instincts, ability to mate naturally, and resistance to diseases and parasites. Ancient animals once roamed the pastures of America’s pastoral landscape, but today these breeds are in danger of extinction. Modern agriculture has changed, causing many of these breeds to fall out of favor.

Ancient breeds store a wealth of genetic resources that are important for our future and the future of our agricultural food system.

Ancient breeds may be preferred for farmers who want a small herd and breeds that serve a dual purpose, i.e. good milk and good meat. Most ancient breeds were specifically bred for life on homesteads and tend to be hardier, healthier, better foragers and better mothers than their more commercial relatives.