What is a Heritage Breed and Why Does it Matter?

Heritage Highland Cow

When we talk to people about what we do at Cluster Flock Farm with preserving heritage breeds, we are almost always asked "What is a heritage breed? What does that mean?" or "Why is preserving heritage breeds important?" We love to hear these kinds of questions because it means we get to share the incredible story of, well, history!

A heritage breed is one that has been preserved throughout history. These strains of livestock breeds existed before the rise of industrial agriculture (generally, pre-20th century). Where industrial breeds are selectively bred for mass production, heritage breeds were selectively bred to thrive in the natural environment.

A heritage breed is not bred for one specific trait, but rather is well rounded for attributes such as independent foraging, reliable mating and fertility, maternal instincts, disease and parasite resistance, and more. They are typically slower growing than modern breeds. This lends to their longevity and hardiness and is why they have been used in the creation of many modern breeds, commercial breeds, and hybrids.

Black Java Rooster

Since they can be pastured or free-ranged, they play an important role in regenerative and sustainable agriculture, and even pest control! They are self-sufficient and resilient.

Okay, so what if heritage breeds can live longer, reproduce reliably, find their own food, be healthier and stronger, etc? What's the big deal?

Well, diversity of genetics is crucial to biodiversity and sustainability. The Livestock Conservancy states:

"Rare farm animals represent an irreplaceable piece of earth's biodiversity and offer incredible variety that may be needed for future farms - robust health, mothering instincts, foraging, and the ability to thrive in a changing climate. These farm animals are a vital part of ensuring food security for our planet - now and for the future."

It is important to keep in mind that heritage breeds thrive in their local environment. Not all breeds are going to adapt easily to all environments. Highland cattle have thrived in the cool misty hills of Scotland. They would likely not be the best candidate for a ranch in New Mexico. Responsible breeders are good to pair livestock with the climate for both the furtherance of the breed and as well as sustainability.

"The greatest value of heritage breeds ins't simply preserving them for nostalgic reasons - it's using them to improve livestock that are adapted to local environments. Historically, the best livestock breeders didn't preserve genetics unchanged; they continually selected the animals that thrived under their specific conditions" Ryan Ayers, head of the Carroll County (GA) Chapter of Young Farmers.

Navajo Churro Lamb

Let's think about that on a global scale. Heritage breeds all over the world have always thrived in their natural environment. They are proficient and fully equipped. Yet today, more than ever, breeds are being cross-bred for one particular trait or another. Hybrids are created by cross-breeding. Most hybrids are known to have fertility issues such as infertility, small litters, or unpredictable offspring. Having reliable breeding stock is imperative to food security across the globe.

Down here in Georgia, where chicken farms are almost as numerous as churches, we get real familiar with modern-day commercial breeds. These breeds are fine-tuned for rapid growth, typically lack hardiness and cannot adapt easily to weather changes. They are short-lived and need a controlled environment to protect them. Yet, our "Rangers" (as we affectionately call them) are out and about 365 days of the year.

Narragansett Tom

Heritage livestock tend to have consistently superior marbling, product flavor (milk, cheese, eggs, meat), and higher nutrient levels (such as minerals and omega-3s). Those who consume these products benefit not only by higher nutrient density, but also claim better digestion than store-bought products. I can attest to the difference in eating my own eggs. There's a particular kind of, shall we say, digestive disruption that came with boiled eggs before I had my own farm-raised delights. Most people are not aware of elevated histamine levels in our foods. Ask anyone within auto-immune disorder or Alpha-gal about the difference in histamine levels in the food supply and they will tell you - the food source is vitally important.

Every breed has a purpose. This is the beauty of modern research - creating something that fills a void and fits a niche. But let's always remember how we got here. The tried and true breeds that carried us through the ages are now often overlooked to the point of near extinction. The Livestock Conservancy is a wonderful organization helping to educate about heritage breeds.

Cluster Flock Farm is devoted to preserving our heritage so we can preserve our future. Please help us support heritage breeds! Learn more about our breeds here on our farm and on our website. We offer mentoring partnerships with those who are willing to learn about heritage breed farm animals. Truly, the rewards are more than you can imagine. If caring for farm animals is not possible in your current situation, you can sign up to "Join our Flock" and support* us in such a rewarding mission!

*Cluster Flock Farm, Inc is a licensed 501c(3). All donations are tax deductible!