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Description
International Heritage Breeds Day – May 17 is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving heritage livestock breeds—the old-school, pre-industrial animals that helped build civilizations but are now at risk of vanishing forever.
History
Back in 1977, an organization called The American Minor Breeds Conservancy was formed. These folks were concerned about the disappearance of livestock breeds that had once been the backbone of American agriculture. Think of it: breeds like the Red Poll cattle, the Buckeye chicken, and the Gloucestershire Old Spot pig were slowly disappearing because commercial farming favored fast-growing, uniform animals.
Eventually, The American Minor Breeds Conservancy changed its name to The Livestock Conservancy—a move that reflected its broader, more global mission. Today, this organization still leads the charge in conserving heritage livestock breeds.
In 2015, The Livestock Conservancy launched the first official International Heritage Breeds Day, giving you and others worldwide the chance to celebrate, learn, and act.
How To Celebrate
1. Visit a Heritage Farm
Look up a local heritage breed farm near you and take a tour. Many small farms host open days, workshops, and fun activities for the whole family on International Heritage Breeds Day. You’ll meet animals you’ve only read about in old farming books—and trust us, they’re even better in person.
2. Share the Love Online
Got a phone and a passion for cute animals? Post your favorite heritage breed photos on social media using the hashtag #HeritageBreedsWeek or #HeritageBreedsDay. You'll help spread awareness and maybe even inspire someone else to join the movement.
3. Support Local Farmers
Buying eggs, milk, or meat from local farmers who raise heritage breeds is one of the best ways to help. You’re not just buying food—you’re investing in conservation. Look for farmers who partner with The Livestock Conservancy or similar organizations.
4. Educate Yourself (and Others)
This is your moment to be the cool friend who knows stuff. Learn about The Disappearance of Livestock Breeds, why it matters, and how The Organization Changes its Name marked a turning point in the heritage breed conservation movement. Then, share that knowledge—at dinner, in class, or even just while chatting over coffee.
5. Adopt a Breed... Sort of
While adopting a cow may not be practical for everyone (tiny apartment, anyone?), you can symbolically adopt a heritage breed through organizations like The Livestock Conservancy. Your donation helps fund breed preservation, research, and education.
Amazing Facts
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The Randall Lineback cow is so rare, it was once nearly extinct. Today, fewer than 500 exist!
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The Java chicken, one of America’s oldest, helped create the popular Jersey Giant breed.
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The Navajo-Churro sheep were nearly wiped out by U.S. government programs in the 1800s. Now they’re symbols of Indigenous resilience.
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The Large Black pig loves belly rubs and thrives on pasture. Basically, it’s a dog in pig form.
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The American Cream Draft horse is the only draft horse breed developed in the U.S. with a signature creamy coat and pink skin.
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