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Ayrshire cattle are graduating
off the Conservation Priority
List in 2021! Photo by Jeannette
Beranger. Check out other CPL
updates on page 6.
Conserving rare breeds since 1977
Spring 2021 | Volume 38, Issue 2
NEWS
Consistency on Social
Media, page 2
The First Sheep, page 3
Details Make the
Difference, page 4
Conservation Priority
List Updates, page 6
A Poultry Club's
Pandemic Pivot, page 11
Heritage Breed
Photography, page 12
Exmoor Pony Centenary
Celebration, page 14
Remembrances, page 16
Page 1 | The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021
CONSISTENCY IS KEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
By Heather Loomis Consider these tips to create consistent answer questions and enter contact
branding across social media: information. Use the same keywords
As heritage livestock breeders, we • Use the same handle for each throughout these descriptions.
strive for consistency with our chore account. Your handle is the name How you construct the sentences
times so livestock know what to expect you want associated with your or paragraphs will vary because
and when to expect it. The benefit of this accounts. For my farm, I use @ of character limits, but the same
consistent behavior is knowing where bohlayersorchards across the board. keywords should always appear.
stock will be and what behaviors we can • Use the same profile picture for • Be clear. Be concise. Be consistent.
expect to see. Everyone wins because each account. You can use your Use the same messaging on your
the interaction is simple and always the logo, a picture of you, or a picture of website as your social accounts.
same. Did you know we should strive for the livestock you raise. Regardless • Keep farm or business social media
the same strategy when marketing our of what you choose, be certain it accounts separate from personal
agribusinesses on social media? is a high-quality picture and fits social media accounts.
Consistency is the key to creating within the space. If you try a picture
recognition, understanding, and and the image is too small to be Use this article to create a checklist and
expectation when telling the story of our identified, or it shows only a partial give your social media accounts a quick
farms on social channels. face of you or your animal, consider review for consistency.
If you are using more than one social a different photo. You want followers
media platform for your farm business, to recognize your profile picture ***
the message of who you are and what quickly and easily. Heather Loomis is a Romeldale/CVM
you do should be the same across each • Use the same keywords in your Shepherdess in Troy, Pennsylvania. She
account. The important benefit of this Bio and About sections. Each and her husband David live on their
consistent message is your customers social media platform provides a fifth-generation family farm, Bohlayer’s
will easily recognize you and know what place to create statements about Orchards. Heather also serves on The
you offer. your farm business, as well as Livestock Conservancy’s Board of Directors.
CONTACT US Karena Elliott, M.Ed. financial statement of The Livestock
The Livestock Conservancy Development Director Conservancy is available by writing
PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Cindra Kerscher PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
www.livestockconservancy.org Program Coordinator Documents and information submitted
info@livestockconservancy.org Brittany Sweeney under the Maryland Solicitations
Communications Manager Act are also available, for the cost of
The Livestock Conservancy News (ISSN Angelique Thompson postage and copies, from the Maryland
1064-1599) is published quarterly by Senior Operations Director Secretary of State, State House,
The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-974-5534.
tax-exempt corporation established TECHNICAL ADVISOR North Carolina: Financial information
to conserve endangered breeds of D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Ph.D. about this organization and a copy of
livestock and poultry. The Livestock its license are available from the State
Conservancy is a membership Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-
organization that engages in research, SOLICITATION DISCLOSURES 830-4989. The license is not endorsed
education, and communication to Colorado: Residents may obtain copies by the state.
promote this purpose. of registration and financial documents Virginia: A financial statement is
from the office of the Secretary of available from the State office of
LIVESTOCK CONSERVANCY STAFF State, 303-894-2860, www.sos.state. Consumer Affairs in the Department
Alison Martin, Ph.D. co.us/ re: Reg No. 20133007164. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Executive Director Florida: Registration #CH37293. A copy upon request.
Jeannette Beranger of the official registration and financial Washington: For additional information
Senior Program Manager information may be obtained from regarding the organization's activities
Michele Brane the Division of Consumer Services or financial information, The Livestock
Donor Information Manager by Calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 Conservancy is registered with the
Charlene Couch, Ph.D. within the state. Registration does Washington State Charities Program as
Senior Program Manager not imply endorsement, approval, or required by law and information may
Rhyne Cureton recommendation by the state. be obtained by calling 1-800-332-4483
Breed Association Manager Maryland: A copy of the current or 360-725-0378.
Page 2 | The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021
T’ÁÁ DIBÉ - THE FIRST SHEEP
By Nikyle Begay The Holy People scooped handfuls of nor did we lose our spirituality. My
different colored clouds to form their ancestors created songs that retold the
History tells us that droves of sheep bodies. White day clouds were used to stories of our journey with sheep and
were brought onto the North American form white sheep. Dark night clouds incorporated them as sacred songs into
continent by the Spanish. These little were used to form black sheep. Storm the Beauty-way ceremony.
creatures were sent to feed and clothe clouds were used to form blue and gray Most traditionalist still practice herbal
the expedition to this new world. My sheep. Yellow twilight clouds were used and tobacco blessings on their herds
ancestors acquired them through raiding to form tan sheep. Red clouds at dusk of sheep to restore harmony to the
and trading. But Navajo folklore, as told were used to form brown sheep. sheep and land, as well as to promote a
to me by my elders, tells another story. The Holy People prayed and sang upon healthier animal.
Growing up, my maternal grandfather these cloud beings until they turned into Dibé béí iiná - Sheep is life.
would tell me that we once had sheep. tiny stone fetishes, and then placed them
Being young, confused, and surrounded in a corn pollen filled pouch. ***
by sheep already; I wasn’t making any The Holy People traveled on a rainbow Nikyle Begay is a Navajo shepherd and
sense of this. He explained the sheep and brought this pouch onto Mother weaver. Nikyle is also an active member
emerged with us during our journey Earth and it was presented to the of the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association,
throughout the previous worlds. But, humans. During this presentation, the serving as a sheep inspector and as a writer
we became greedy and lost our way. So, [sheep] herbs/tobacco, precious stones, and editor of their quarterly newsletter
the Holy People took them from us. We shells, songs and prayers were recited The Catch Pen. Learn more about the
hunted wild game, as well as tended and and combined to give the little stone Navajo-Churro Sheep Association at
harvested crops, but nothing sustained fetishes life. http://www.navajo-churrosheep.com/.
us like the first sheep. Of all, the brown sheep was the Learn more about Sheep is Life at https://
We prayed for the return of these most beautiful and sought after. So, navajolifeway.org/sheep-is-life/.
sacred animals. We remembered them. the Rainbow People and the Sun said
We sang their sacred songs, gathered that those sheep will be theirs and that Photo of Navajo-Churro sheep courtesy
and smoked their tobacco. We also they would bless herds every so often of Nikyle. To see others, follow Nikyle on
collected and consumed their herbal with them. From that point forward, we Instagram @nikylewes. This article was
medicines. In our present world, the Holy [Navajo] had become reunited with our originally printed in the Summer 2018
People took notice of our repentance sacred sheep and soon became very edition of The Catch Pen, reprinted with
and bestowed upon us t’áá dibé - the prolific with the pastoral life way. permission from Nikyle.
first sheep. This time, we didn’t become as greedy
The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021 | Page 3
DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE POST-MORTEM
By Kevin Matthews PLANNING AHEAD Department of Interior for the Bureau
Because of Koublet’s health, he was of Land Management (BLM) overseeing
Koublet was a retired Akhal-Teke closely monitored by me and other farm landscape native plant community
eventing stallion owned and bred by Phil staff. We also began planning for his restoration projects and a native seed
Case of Shenandoah Farm in Staunton, eventual death. When barn manager collection program. She also serves
Virginia. The horse suffered from a slowly Sabine Desper texted the morning of as Vice President on The Livestock
degenerative, non-treatable medical May 24, Koublet’s condition did not Conservancy’s Board of Directors.
condition and died in May 2019 at 23 surprise me. Desper had served as both Johnston reached out to Dr. Charlene
years old. His semen was never collected trainer and rider on the stallion for Couch, Senior Program Manager for The
or preserved, yet his contribution to several years, competing in eventing. She Livestock Conservancy and co-author
the rare breed lives on, thanks to a very knew the horse and the urgency of the of the Manual. Dr. Couch connected Dr.
important book. situation. Koublet had gone down in his Plaugher with Select Breeder Services
Phil and Margot Case imported the stall, and under the circumstances, we in Maryland to process the end-of-life
first Akhal-Teke horse to the United knew he was not going to get back up. collection for Koublet.
States in 1979. When Phil passed away Shenandoah Farm had already
in December 2019, the 34 Akhal-Tekes considered the possibility of an end- CONSERVATION AFTER DEATH
at Shenandoah Farm represented the of-life semen collection of the stallion. The final report on Koublet’s collection
largest herd of registered purebreds I had raised the possibility with farm shows the quality was below commercial
in the U.S. His family enlisted Kevin veterinarian Dr. Hannah Plaugher of the distribution standards, which is typical
Matthews and Pat Johnston to manage Westwood Animal Hospital in Staunton, for the posthumous procedure.
the farm through its transition and sale. Virginia. Dr. Plaugher’s veterinary Premium semen collections occur
A few select horses were sold to good interests included end-of-life care, when fresh semen is collected from a
homes and the majority were gifted but semen collection from a downed recently cleaned tract through multiple
to the Akhal-Teke Foundation to be horse was new to her. End-of-life ejaculations. Because of Koublet’s age
managed for breed preservation. semen collection is a procedure most and health, collections were impossible.
veterinarians have never done before in “Based on the amount of semen
HISTORY OF THE AKHAL-TEKE their practice. frozen, post-thaw motility, and this
Akhal-Tekes descend from the raiding “I’d be interested, but I’ve never done stallion being part of the Endangered
horses of Central Asia described over anything like that,” Plaugher told me. “I’d Equine Alliance and The Livestock
3,000 years ago. This living remnant of be happy to take a look at the manual.” Conservancy, we recommend using this
the fabled Turkoman horse co-evolved I had suggested she take a look at the frozen semen with intracytoplasmic
with alfalfa itself and, going back to the Manual of Methods for Preservation of sperm injection (ICSI) only,” Select
dawn of athletic horse domestication, is Valuable Equine Genetics in Live Animals Breeder Services said.
the original athletic root stock for most of and Post-Mortem, published by Texas “We’ll be very careful,” I said.
the world’s modern sport horses. A&M University and The Livestock Phil Case left a tremendous legacy
The name “Akhal” means pure and Conservancy in 2019. Authors Kindra for the Akhal-Teke breed. Seven
is also the name of a remote oasis Rader, Charles C. Love, Charlene R. stallions with exceptional bloodlines
associated with the nomadic Teke tribe. Couch, and Katrin Hinrichs, provided were previously collected and frozen,
The nomadic life of the Tekes required detailed information and emergency including the prepotent Senetir, the first
horses of high endurance that could protocols for veterinarians and owners Akhal-Teke stallion imported to the U.S.,
travel long distances swiftly and reliably. to preserve priceless genetics through and Senetir’s son Sengar, long-listed for
These traits resulted in animals keenly sperm, egg, and tissue samples collected the 1996 Olympics in eventing. Semen
adapted for both war and racing. from both live animals and post-mortem. from Koublet, a Senetir grandson, will
Recent peer-reviewed research using When I phoned Dr. Plaugher, she be added to that archive, which the Case
DNA analysis has added to the strong was able to access the manual online family is donating to the stewardship of
evidence that Akhal-Teke, not Arabian, is immediately from The Livestock the Akhal-Teke Foundation.
the breed of foundation stallions of the Conservancy's website. She was making The Foundation is currently developing
modern Thoroughbred. another farm call at the time and linked guidelines for when and how these
Known for the metallic golden sheen to the manual from the cab of her truck. stallions will be used in conservation
on their coat, the Akhal-Teke breed is Plaugher re-arranged her afternoon breeding strategies. Their frozen semen
listed as Threatened on The Livestock schedule to make the collection happen. is a limited and finite resource, so
Conservancy’s Conservation Priority “The Manual was key to our success,” it’s important to determine the ideal
List. Fewer than 20 foals are born in the said Patricia Johnston, my spouse and strategy for each one.
United States each year, and the global partner at our Swan Farm Akhal-Teke
population is less than 5,000. ranch in Oregon. Johnston works in the
Page 4 | The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021
COST OF CONSERVATION
We knew about this option ahead
of time because of The Livestock
Conservancy. However, it still required
on-the-spot decision-making. The
Shenandoah Farm team was also
concerned about the cost of the end-of-
life collection. While other procedures
such as egg retrieval, tissue sampling,
and even cloning are potentially
available to horse owners considering
end-of-life collection for their rare
breed animals, I determined that semen
collection was the most straightforward
option with a tight budget.
I also counsel other equine owners
to consider end-of-life collection as a
viable choice, especially from a cost
perspective. It’s not necessarily super
expensive. All the costs associated with
the procedure are competitive with
stud fees and cooled semen collection
expenses. The total would likely be not
much more than $1,000.
I didn’t know the costs upfront,
so I was pleasantly surprised at how
economical the procedure turned to be.
In addition, the Akhal-Teke Foundation Koublet, a retired eventing Akhal-Teke stallion owned by Phil Case, contributed to
provided a grant to cover the costs of the conservation with post-mortem semen collection. Photo courtesy of Kevin Matthews.
aspects done by Select Breeders Services,
which itself provided an Endangered
Equine Alliance discount, altogether Johnston is now using this first-hand
saving the Case family about half of the experience to share their hard-won
total costs. knowledge with other Akhal-Teke owners
around the world.
DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE “I’m reaching out to people in my
Looking back, details made the circles and encouraging them to take
difference. It was important to have had a closer look at this breeding tool
the preliminary discussion with our vet. as a resource to help preserve the
“A small percentage of vets deal with irreplaceable genetics of rare breeds,” she
rare breeds, so it’s important for owners said. “It was kind of an experiment for us,
to know the information and be able to and it was successful. Without a doubt,
explain the importance of a single horse we’d do it again.”
to the health and survival of an entire
breed,” Johnston said. ***
With Dr. Plaugher and the Westwood Kevin Matthews and Patricia Johnston
Animal Hospital staff in the Shenandoah are spouses and co-owners of Swan Farm
Valley coordinating closely with the Akhal-Teke ranch in Oregon. Patricia is Vice
Select Breeders Services clinic in President of the Akhal-Teke Association of
Maryland, the posthumous tissue America and Vice President of The Livestock Available in print from our
collection went straight to Fed Ex, just Conservancy's Board of Directors. She is a online bookstore at
meeting a mid-afternoon deadline for life-long horsewoman, with a professional https://livestockconservancy.
overnight shipping. At the time, I was background in biology and ecology. Kevin org/index.php/resources/
not sure services would be available if is co-founder of the Akhal-Teke Foundation, internal/store
Koublet had gone down on Saturday, a ranch hand, blacksmith, educator, and
Sunday or Memorial Day. We were
or for free download at
entrepreneur with a background in ranch
delighted to learn that Select Breeders and farm operations and management, https://livestockconservancy.
Services was open and able to process horse and dog training, as well as hay org/index.php/what/internal/
collections seven days a week. analysis and production. reproduction-manual.
The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021 | Page 5
2021 CONSERVATION PRIORITY LIST UPDATES
The status of most of the 185 endangered livestock and poultry breeds on the Conservation Priority List (CPL) remained steady during the
last year. This is a testament to the ongoing efforts of breeders and breed associations around the country. Strong partnerships among
breed associations, breeders, and owners are necessary for breeds to survive and grow in numbers. The Livestock Conservancy continues to
facilitate and support such partnerships to ensure that our unique and irreplaceable heritage genetics are conserved for future generations.
Your conservation efforts help ensure that rare breeds do not disappear.
GRADUATING!
Ayrshire cattle are graduating from the CPL in 2021. Ayrshire cattle are an excellent
choice for small dairies, family farms, and mixed-breed dairy herds. The breed was
imported from Scotland to the northeastern United States at least 200 years ago.
Their selection for life in rugged landscapes confers the ability to efficiently convert
forage to milk, making them productive dairying animals for grass-based operations.
Ayrshire cows can produce 12,000 – 17,000 lbs of milk per year, with an average milk
fat content of 3.9%. They generally calve with ease and the breed is hardy and long-
lived. Today, more than 3,000 Ayrshire cows are registered each year in the United
States, and 5,000-6,000 are born annually in the United Kingdom. Worldwide, the
population of Ayrshire cattle well exceeds the 25,000 animals needed for graduation.
Congratulations to our dedicated partners, the U.S. Ayrshire Breeders’ Association,
and to all the Ayrshire breeders who have worked hard to save this breed!
BREEDS IN NEED
Miniature donkeys moved from Recovering to Watch this year because of declining
registration numbers. The Watch category means there were fewer than 2,500
registrations in the U.S. and an estimated global population of less than 10,000
donkeys. Miniature donkeys descend from a composite of small Mediterranean
donkeys brought to the United States in the early 20th century. Although small
donkeys continue to be used as pack and cart animals in their native region,
miniature donkeys in the United States are kept primarily as pets and companion
animals. They are docile, trainable, and friendly, good characteristics for fitting in with
a family. Miniature donkeys are also suitable companion animals for other equines or
livestock. They can be trained to pull or pack, and are strong for their size.
Navajo-Churro sheep thrive in arid environments and are especially hardy, but
the enduring drought in the Southwest forced some breeders to scale back. Annual
registrations fell below 200 per year, moving them from Threatened to Critical.
Navajo-Churro sheep have been integral to Navajo, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures in
the Southwest for more than 400 years. They are small, intelligent sheep with a strong
flocking instinct, generally long lived, and excellent mothers. Navajo-Churros have a
double coat of fine underwool and coarse outer hair. Low grease content and open
locks make hand processing this wool easy. Their fleece is important in their desert
homeland as it conserves water and is superbly suited to the textiles produced in the
local region, which are famous for their unique qualities and cultural relevance.
Shire horses moved from Threatened to Critical this year, with fewer than 150 annual
registrations in the United States and a total estimated global population well under
2,000 horses. Shires have a proud history as draft animals. Descended from medieval
war horses, these tall strong animals were used in 18th century England to power
farm implements and draw heavy loads. The Shire was essential to industrialization,
moving cargo and people over both long and short distances. Even as the railway
eclipsed the canal barge, Shire horses remained important for hauling freight from
docks and railway stations to warehouses, and from warehouses to businesses, until
the emergence of motorized transportation. Today’s Shires are used in riding, jousting
and archery competitions, forestry, and exhibition – especially pulling exhibitions that
demonstrate their power. A handful of breweries in the United Kingdom continue to
use Shire horses to draw carts that deliver ale from the brewery to the pubs. Careful
conservation of these beautiful and useful horses will be essential to their future.
Page 6 | The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021
DOING WELL
Galloway cattle moved from Watch to Recovering this year, thanks in large measure
to continuing growth of the breed in other countries. Originating in Scotland,
Galloway cattle are cold adapted and sturdy. Their thick double coats shed snow,
sleet, and rain, insulating these medium-sized, polled cattle. Although they do not
grow rapidly, patience pays off in their well-marbled, flavorful beef. While Galloway
cattle were never as popular in North America as their Belted Galloway cousins,
sizeable populations in England, Germany, Denmark and other countries pushed the
global population to more than 10,000.
STUDY
Breeds in the Study category require further research to learn whether their history, genetic integrity, global status, and U.S.
numbers merit listing on the Conservation Priority List. This step is necessary to clearly target The Livestock Conservancy’s
conservation efforts toward breeds that not only require conservation, but can also benefit from our conservation efforts. After
investigation, three breeds will be removed from the Study category, and one was added for further investigation. Breeds in Study
will only be listed on The Livestock Conservancy's website and not on the printed Conservation Priority List.
North American yaks are long-haired bovines of Tibetan origin. They were imported
to North America in the late 1800s to early 1900s to produce cold tolerant cattle
hybrids for beef production in the harsh northern climates of Alaska and Canada.
After more than a century of genetic separation from their cousins in the Himalayas,
purebred yaks in the U.S. may merit recognition as a distinct genetic pool, and were
added to our Study category this year. The breed is useful in grass-based ranching,
especially where stocking levels are restricted and environmental conditions are
harsh. Yaks produce lean, nutrient-rich beef, and their fur and milk are valuable to
high-end fiber producers, dairy farmers, and cheesemakers. The next steps for North
American yak are to confirm their genetic composition and to further investigate their
purebred population status, both in America and internationally.
California Vaquero horses were added to the Study
New Year – New CPL Look
category in 2018. This small subset of the Sulphur
mustang population was defined as exemplifying a We updated the format for our
classic Iberian phenotype. The Livestock Conservancy 2021 Conservation Priority List
determined that the population is not large enough to highlight uniquely North
for a stand-alone breeding effort. California Vaquero American breeds, as well as
horses will continue to be tracked within the Sulphur Non-American importations
population of Colonial Spanish horses. both before and after 1900.
The existing categories of
Golden Guernsey goats were imported from the Critical (C), Threatened (T),
United Kingdom to the United States and remain Watch (W), and Recovering
few in number here. Most Golden Guernsey flocks (R) remain and are noted with
in the U.S. are derived from embryo transfers or their corresponding letter.
We also removed the Study
from upgrades using imported semen. Fortunately,
category in the print version
numbers of this useful dairy goat breed appear to be to streamline the document.
rising in their country of origin. However, breeds in Study will
Manx Rumpy/Persian Rumpless chickens have a continue to be listed online.
reduction in the number of tail vertebrae and lack a
fleshy rump and tail feathers. This characteristic is controlled by a single dominant
gene, and is best described in South American chickens, known in the United States
as Araucana. The trait is also observed in other breeds. The Livestock Conservancy was
unable to confirm any breeding populations of Manx or Persian rumpless birds that
meet the criteria of a true genetic breed.
Ayrshire cow, Shire horse, Miniature donkeys, and rumpless chicken by Jeannette Beranger. Navajo-Churro ewe by Nikyle Begay.
Galloway bull by Susan Waples. North American yak courtesy of Nicole Porter. California Vaquero mare by Deborah Jones. Golden
Guernsey goat by Bob and Ross Featherstone.
The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021 | Page 7
2021CONSERVATION PRIORITY LIVESTOCK BREEDS
Critical (C) Breeds with fewer than 200 annual registrations in the United States and
an estimated global population less than 2,000. For rabbits, fewer than 50 annual
registrations in the U.S., estimated global population less than 500, fewer than 150
recorded at rabbit shows in the previous 5 years, and 10 or fewer breeders.
Threatened (T) Breeds with fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the U.S. and
an estimated global population less than 5,000. For rabbits, fewer than 100 annual
registrations in the U.S., and estimated global population less than 1,000, fewer than
300 recorded at rabbit shows in the previous 5 years, and 11-30 breeders.
Watch (W) Breeds that present genetic or numerical concerns or have a limited geographic distribution, with fewer than 2,500 annual registrations in
the U.S. and an estimated global population less than 10,000. For rabbits, fewer than 200 annual registrations in the U.S., estimated global population
less than 2,000, fewer than 500 recorded at rabbit shows in the previous 5 years, and 31-60 breeders.
Recovering (R) Breeds once listed in another category, but have exceeded Watch category numbers and still need monitoring. For rabbits, more than
500 recorded at rabbit shows in the last 5 years, and more than 60 breeders.
NORTH AMERICAN BREEDS
CATTLE GOATS PIGS RABBITS SHEEP
Canadienne (C) San Clemente Choctaw (C) Silver Marten (C) Florida Cracker (C)
Milking Devon (C) Island (C) Mulefoot (C) American (W) Gulf Coast or
Randall or Spanish (W) Ossabaw Island (C) American Gulf Coast Native (C)
Randall Lineback (C) Myotonic or Guinea Hog (T) Chinchilla (W) Hog Island (C)
Texas Longhorn (CTLR - Tennessee Red Wattle (T) Giant Chinchilla (W) Navajo-Churro (C)
Cattleman’s Texas Fainting (R) Hereford (R) Palomino (W) Santa Cruz (C)
Longhorn Registry) (C) Silver Fox (R) Jacob - American (T)
Florida Cracker (T) Karakul - American (T)
Pineywoods (T) Romeldale / CVM (T)
Barbados Blackbelly (W)
St. Croix (W)
Tunis (W)
BREEDS IMPORTED BEFORE 1900
CATTLE PIGS RABBITS SHEEP
Dutch Belted (C) Tamworth (W) Belgian Hare (R) Cotswold (T)
Heritage Shorthorn - Native* (C) Beveren (R) Dorset Horn (T)
Red Poll (T) Lincoln (T)
Guernsey (W) Oxford (W)
Galloway (R) Shropshire (W)
Dexter (R) *Milking Shorthorns that qualify for the “Native” designation are identified Southdown (R)
Red Devon (R) as pure, old line, dual purpose Milking Shorthorns, by the AMSS office.
BREEDS IMPORTED AFTER 1900
CATTLE GOATS PIGS RABBITS SHEEP
Kerry (C) Arapawa (C) Large Black (C) Blanc de Hotot (C) Teeswater (C)
Lincoln Red (C) Oberhasli (R) Meishan (C) Silver (C) Black Welsh
Ancient White Park (T) Gloucestershire Argente Brun (T) Mountain (T)
Belted Galloway (W) Old Spots (T) Checkered Giant (T) Clun Forest (T)
Ankole-Watusi (R) Creme d’Argent (T) Leicester Longwool (T)
Standard Chinchilla (T) Wiltshire Horn (W)
Lilac (W) Shetland (R)
Rhinelander (W)
Page 8www.LivestockConservancy.org
| The Livestock Conservancy News| info@livestockconservancy.org
Spring 2021 | 919-542-5704 | PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312
2021CONSERVATION PRIORITY EQUINE BREEDS
Critical (C) Breeds with fewer than 200 annual registrations in the
United States and an estimated global population of less than 500.
Threatened (T) Breeds with fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in
the U.S. and an estimated global population of less than 5,000.
Watch (W) Breeds that present genetic or numerical concerns or
have a limited geographic distribution, with fewer than 2,500 annual
registrations in the United States and an estimated global population
less than 10,000.
Recovering (R) Breeds once listed in another category, but have exceeded Watch category numbers, and still need
monitoring.
NORTH AMERICAN BREEDS
HORSES
American Cream (C)
DONKEYS Banker1 (C) *Colonial Spanish Strains:
American Mammoth Jackstock (C) Canadian (C) Baca-Chica (T)
Florida Cracker1 (C) Choctaw (T)
1 Each of these breeds has an independent, stand- ˜ (C)
Galiceno1 Santa Cruz (T)
alone registry and conservation program. Each Marsh Tacky1 (C) Sulphur (T)
has also contributed to the Colonial Spanish breed. Morgan - Traditional2 (C) Wilbur-Cruce (T)
2 Includes horses whose pedigrees are absent of Newfoundland Pony (C)
outcrosses after 1930. Colonial Spanish3 * (T)
3 Includes several different registries, each with Rocky Mountain/
somewhat different goals (SMR, SSMA, SBHA,
AIHR, HOA). Under this umbrella some strains have Mountain Pleasure (T)
independent conservation programs and are Puerto Rican Paso Fino (T)
noted individually. Belgian (R)
BREEDS IMPORTED BEFORE 1900
HORSES
Cleveland Bay (C)
Hackney Horse (C)
Shire (C)
Suffolk (C)
Clydesdale (T)
BREEDS IMPORTED AFTER 1900
HORSES
DONKEYS Caspian (C)
Poitou (C) Dales Pony (C)
Miniature Donkey (W) Dartmoor (C)
Exmoor (C)
Fell Pony (C)
Highland Pony (C)
Akhal-Teke (T)
Gotland (T)
Irish Draught (T)
Lipizzan (T)
www.LivestockConservancy.org | info@livestockconservancy.org | 919-542-5704 | PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312
The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021 | Page 9
2021CONSERVATION PRIORITY POULTRY BREEDS
Critical (C) Fewer than 500 breeding birds in the United States, with five or
fewer primary breeding flocks (50 birds or more), and an estimated global
population less than 1,000.
Threatened (T) Fewer than 1,000 breeding birds in the United States, with
seven or fewer primary breeding flocks, and an estimated global population
less than 5,000.
Watch (W) Fewer than 5,000 breeding birds in the United States, with ten or
fewer primary breeding flocks, and an estimated global population less than
10,000. Also included are breeds that present genetic or numerical concerns or have a limited geographic distribution.
Recovering (R) Breeds once listed in another category, but have exceeded Watch category numbers, and still need monitoring.
NORTH AMERICAN BREEDS
CHICKENS DUCKS TURKEYS *Varieties that are distinct, but not
Holland (C) Ancona (W) Beltsville Small White (C) APA recognized include Chocolate,
Jersey Buff, Lavender, Midget
Cubalaya (T) Cayuga (W) Black (T)
White, and other distinct color
Rhode Island White (T) Royal Palm (T) varieties. Does not include broad-
Buckeye (W) GEESE White Holland (T) breasted varieties because they are
Chantecler (W) Cotton Patch (C) Bourbon Red (W) not endangered.
Delaware (W) Pilgrim (T) Bronze (W)
Dominique (W) American Buff (W) Narragansett (W)
Java (W) Slate (W)
Jersey Giant (W) All Other Varieties* (W)
New Hampshire (W)
Breed identity in poultry is challenging. Breeders of all kinds, including exhibition, production, and hatchery,
Rhode Island Red -
are diligent in breeding standard-bred birds. Other breeders sometimes resort to crossbreeding to achieve their
Non-Industrial (W) goals and promote their birds as standard-bred. The Livestock Conservancy is unable to validate each breeding
Plymouth Rock (R) program, but buyers are encouraged to ask if birds are purebred and meet breed standards.
BREEDS IMPORTED BEFORE 1900
CHICKENS Houdan (T) Sumatra (W) GEESE
Campine (C) Sebright (T) Brahma (R) Pomeranian (T)
Crévecoeur (C) Ancona (W) Cochin (R) African (W)
La Fleche (C) Andalusian (W) Leghorn - Chinese (W)
Malay (C) Cornish (W) Non-Industrial (R) Toulouse - Dewlap (W)
Modern Game (C) Dorking (W) Sebastopol (T)
Redcap (C) Hamburg (W) DUCKS
Sultan (C) Langshan (W) Aylesbury (C)
White-Faced Minorca (W) Buff or Orpington (T)
Black Spanish (C) Polish (W) Rouen - Non-Industrial (W)
BREEDS IMPORTED AFTER 1900
CHICKENS Buttercup (W) DUCKS GEESE
Nankin (C) Catalana (W) Dutch Hookbill (C) Roman (C)
Yokohama (C) Phoenix (W) Magpie (T) Shetland (C)
Aseel (T) Shamo (W) Saxony (T) Steinbacher (C)
Faverolles (T) Australorp (R) Silver Appleyard (T)
Icelandic (T) Sussex (R) Campbell (W)
Lakenvelder (T) Swedish (W)
Old English Game (T) Welsh Harlequin (W)
Russian Orloff (T) Runner or
Spitzhauben (T) Indian Runner (R)
www.LivestockConservancy.org | info@livestockconservancy.org | 919-542-5704 | PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Page 10 | The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021A POULTRY CLUB'S PANDEMIC PIVOT
By Dr. Joshua T. Ream
Despite the challenges that 2020
presented, the Last Frontier Poultry
Association (LFPA) in Alaska has made
the most of our time and our 2019
Livestock Conservancy Microgrant.
Like many organizations, the LFPA
had to develop new and unique ways
to continue engaging our members
during an ongoing global pandemic.
We moved our monthly meetings to an Non-Chicken Poultry
entirely virtual format, which resulted
in some unanticipated benefits like Yes, they exist, and they’re pretty darned cool.
reaching a state-wide audience. We
also began recording our meetings Presentation given at a 2020 LFPA member meeting. Graphic courtesy of Joshua T. Ream.
and presentations for future viewing
opportunities on social media platforms. LFPA has also found lots of other ways The pandemic caused the Alaska
We offered several presentations to keep our members engaged in fun State Fair to cancel its events for 2020,
focused on heritage poultry breeds and activities, from photo and art contests but LFPA still purchased the supplies
ran a Breeds of Conservation Priority to virtual silent auctions. The key to necessary for a successful 2021 event.
informational campaign in the spring. our online success has been regular We more than doubled our poultry
These efforts are ongoing, and we fully communication with our members and exhibition cages and will have a licensed
expect them to continue when life frequent opportunities to participate APA and American Bantam Association
returns to normal. in both entertaining and educational judge under contract to attend our
Though we are choosing to focus virtual events. show next year. Our microgrant also
on the positives of our transition to a Furthermore, we experimented with helped us obtain ribbons and small
virtual organization, we still hope that a delegation of tasks from the Executive prizes for champion poultry exhibitors.
one day we will be able to socialize with Board to members at large to increase We told members that the show was not
our members in-person. Social media involvement and ownership in the club. canceled, just merely postponed. We fully
platforms are great, but only allow so These efforts were mostly successful and expect the show in 2021 to be bigger
much personal interaction and learning. increased our ability to offer extensive and better than ever.
When it comes to poultry exhibition programming throughout the year. In light of the many challenges before
and judging, learning about a bird is as One major component of our Livestock us, the LFPA has rolled with the punches
much about observing it and feeling it Conservancy Microgrant was to host our of 2020 and will be successful in reaching
as seeing a picture of it. There are many second annual Big Dipper Classic Poultry both our mission and the mission
aspects of poultry husbandry that are Show with a licensed American Poultry of The Livestock Conservancy. We
difficult, if not impossible, to teach Association (APA) judge. Our first annual intend to continue promoting poultry
remotely but we do our best. show was held in 2019 in conjunction breeds of conservation priority in the
with the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, northernmost state. Alaska may be cold
Alaska. This event was a huge success with long dark winters, but we have a
and generated exceptional interest in wonderful group of poultry enthusiasts
professional showing of standard bred here that care deeply about this hobby
poultry, including heritage breeds. and profession. Thank you for helping
However, it was soon clear that our small our small club to do great things.
club could not logistically or financially
sustain an annual event. We did not ***
have enough exhibition cages for all the Joshua T. Ream, Ph.D. is the president of the
expected entries, nor the funds to fly a Last Frontier Poultry Association, Alaska’s
licensed judge to Alaska under contract. only poultry association. Their goal is
There are currently no licensed poultry to promote purebred poultry, educate
judges living in our state. The microgrant members about raising and breeding
LFPA member Tessa Reimer won the 2020 set LFPA on a path to a sustainable healthy birds, and to connect Alaska’s
art contest design for the club hoodie. future of providing poultry exhibition poultry people. Learn more at https://www.
Photo courtesy of Joshua T. Ream. opportunities in Alaska. facebook.com/LastFrontierPoultry/
The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021 | Page 11HERITAGE BREED PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT
A Delaware rooster named Clarence. Delaware chickens are an American breed listed as Watch on the Conservation Priority List.
By Kim Carr with my grandparents until I had a farm Angus for 4-H kids. The bull, Stormy,
of my own. Over the years, I added more was handsome, and for a split second
As a kid growing up in St. Louis critters to my farm, leaning toward the I thought about selling McReid, but he
County, I had the good fortune to spend old-fashioned breeds that I knew as a was still young and growing. He also had
my summer between fourth and fifth child; however, I still had no idea about personality, which Stormy lacked. One
grade on my grandparent’s farm in heritage breeds and their importance. of the cows had a less than sunshiny
southern Missouri. At the ripe old age In 2004, I went with my cousins to a attitude, so I sold her and Stormy as a
of 10, I decided I would grow up to be Farmers Market in Troy, Missouri, that pair and began my life as a full-fledged
a farmer. I made plans to have chickens was known for livestock and poultry. cattlewoman and advocate for heritage
like my grandparents, Rhode Island Reds, My intentions were to come home with breeds. Over the years, I’ve had an
Dominiques, and other egg-producing young laying hens and instead I met a assortment of heritage breed chickens,
breeds found on the farm. I had no idea man who had a baby calf in the back of Chinese geese, Bourbon Red and Royal
about heritage breeds, I only knew that I his pickup. The mom was older and not Palm turkeys, a Mammoth Jack donkey,
wanted what my grandparents had. able to raise the calf and the gentleman Indian Runner ducks, and Katahdin
In college, I majored in Animal Science did not want to bottle feed a baby. This sheep. I no longer seek out animals to
so I could learn more about becoming was my first introduction to Irish Dexters. add to my farm, but if I did, they would
a farmer. I soon found out farming is My plans were to raise the calf for be a heritage breed.
90% hands-on and not so much book meat, however the more I researched the My small farm is purely hobby and
learning. While in school, I don’t recall breed, the more intrigued I became. I I raise enough to keep my family fed.
ever being taught about heritage breeds had always dreamed of starting a herd of In 2008, I finally landed a job that paid
or their importance. We concentrated on cattle. Dinah had passed years ago, and me for my degree. I had insurance,
commercial breeds. However, it was still I was excited to have a bull on the farm, vacation, 401K - all the things I dreamed
a good experience because it gave me with potential for more. Since we had of, besides being a farmer. The problem
the confidence I needed to start a farm of not come to the market with thoughts is the money and benefits did not keep
my own. of bringing a calf home, I held the baby me from hating my job. It was a true
Four years after graduation, I found in my lap as we drove back to the farm. soul sucker. Fortunately for me, the
myself sitting on 20 acres of cropland With the help of my cousins, we came up company stepped in after two years and
in mid-Missouri that I converted to with the name of Reid. Since he was an did me the huge favor of eliminating
pasture because I lacked any farming Irish Dexter, we decided to add a "Mc" to my position. In hindsight, it is one of the
equipment and knew my dream was to the beginning of his name. McReid was absolute best things to ever happen to
have livestock. While in school, I worked my introduction to heritage breeds. me. I did not realize it then, but I do now.
on the university farm where they had As McReid grew, I looked for some While dazed and confused and
horses and cattle. I ended up bottle cows to add to my herd of one. I found a wondering what to do, I started going
raising a black Angus calf that had lost gentleman selling four registered cows, to my local Farmers Market in Warren
its mom. I had to fight to keep her, but I each with a calf on them, and a bull. He County. I took my excess eggs and a few
graduated with a calf, Dinah, who stayed was switching from Irish Dexters to Red veggies to sell every week. Somehow,
Page 12 | The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021during this time, I became the Market
Master and was in charge of ringing the
opening bell and other tasks. I became
friends with lots of farmers. I started
attending a local food group for potluck
dinners to discuss farming methods,
saving seeds, foraging and such. I met
lots of other like-minded folks here.
Along the way, as I was still trying
to figure out what to do with my life
that didn’t involve me working for a
corporation or any job that required me
to sell my soul, my cousin mentioned
that he would buy my pictures. I
received a camera for my tenth birthday,
and it just became a part of me. I never
thought about selling my pictures, but
now my cousin set off a light bulb.
With the encouragement of a friend
and my mom, I put together 24 blank
note cards with my photos from around
the farm. I took them to my Farmers
Market and sold them out of a wooden
Pepsi flat alongside my eggs. The note
cards failed miserably because everyone
at the market had a chicken or they
drove past a field of cows every day.
Lucky for me, I don’t get discouraged
easily. I now had a purpose and a voice
through my images.
Slowly I found myself transitioning into
an artist, selling my note cards at first,
then going bigger by offering prints, McReid, Kim's first Irish Dexter bull, as a calf on his way home from the market (top). Kim's
then canvases with my photography at first collection of greeting cards (left). Kim holding a heritage rooster on her grandparents'
every craft fair I could get into. Gradually farm, before she knew what heritage breeds were. (right)
galleries and small shops started to
carry my work. Even today, I get a little Conservancy’s directory to let them and my photos help give voice to that
giddy when I walk into a shop and know I was working on a photo series of mission today and in the future.
come face-to-face with my note cards. heritage breeds in the hope to someday Most people realize that we have
I have transitioned once again, from publish a book. exotic animals such as tigers and
blank cards to creating handmade Now in my third year, this project rhinos in danger of extinction, but very
greeting cards. I try to be funny and light, has become near and dear to my heart. few realize this is also a concern with
choosing pics of animals that will bring a I have visited 18 small farmers and domestic farm animals. With your help I
smile. With my handmade cards I can use photographed 34 endangered species of can add an extra voice to raise awareness
at least three images, which makes for an livestock and poultry, including American and hopefully educate the general public
incredibly unique card and a great way Milking Devon cattle, an American to the benefits, rewards and extreme
to highlight heritage breeds. Mammoth Jack donkey, a Poitou donkey, importance of conserving our old-
By 2017, I was ready to take my Arapawa goats, Meishan pigs, Hog Island fashioned breeds for future generations
photography to the next level. I was sheep, and many more. to come.
juried into the St. Louis Art Fair, one of I can’t even begin to say how much
the top 10 art shows in the United States. happier I am in life as I am doing ***
To show there you need to be at the top something I truly love. I've met the most Kim Carr is a professional photographer
of your game, you need a distinctive amazing folks along the way and this based in Missouri. She is still looking for
voice, and you need to tell your story photo project has helped me share the heritage breed farmers and breeders
through your art. Here, I set my sights on importance of small farms, biodiversity, to participate in her photography
heritage breed farm animals. I contacted sustainability, slow food, traditional project. Find her online at www.
every farmer I met at the market and farming, the fact that we have farm KimCarrPhotography.com and on
in the food circle. Then I contacted animals in danger of extinction and so Facebook, Instagrm, and Pinterest
Missouri farmers listed in The Livestock much more. I feel like I have a mission @KimCarrPhotography.
The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021 | Page 13CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF EXMOOR PONIES
By Sue Burger, Exmoor Pony Society
Exmoor, home to one of the United
Kingdom’s rarest equine breeds, is a
wild upland area of 430 square miles,
straddling the counties of Somerset
and Devon in South West England.
Managed by the Exmoor National Park
Authority, its northern boundary is
made up of craggy cliffs overlooking the
Bristol Channel. Dropping down to lush
farmland in the South, its highest point
is Dunkery Beacon at 1,700 feet above
sea level, from where, on a clear day, you
can see across the Bristol Channel to the
mountains of South Wales.
The moor is characterized by wide
expanses of rough grassland and
heather, dotted with gorse bushes,
known as Commons. Intersected by deep
valleys known as combes that are cut
by fast flowing streams, the Commons
is where you are most likely to find the
iconic native ponies grazing.
The ponies have grazed these moors
for centuries, probably thousands of
years, and are remarkably well-adapted
to survive the harsh environment of
A three-day-old Exmoor Pony filly foal and her mother playing on the Commons of the
Exmoor. Icy winds sweep off the Bristol
Exmoor Nationa Park. Photo by Tricia Gibson, courtesy of the Exmoor Pony Society.
Channel in the winter bringing heavy
snow and rain. The ponies evolved many and prominent with a well-defined fleshy Thomas Acland, took 30 of the ponies
survival characteristics enabling them to hood. Also known as a “Toad Eye,” the and founded the Acland herd, now
endure the extreme weather. hood helps deflect the weather. The the Anchor herd. Exmoor farmers also
ponies have a deep strong jaw with large bought stock at the dispersal sale and
BUILT FOR EXTREME WEATHER teeth and a fleshy tongue, allowing them founded several herds, some of which
The breed standard, as laid out by to browse on gorse and other tough are still in existence, such as Herd 23
the Exmoor Pony Society, reflects their plants like thistles and rushes. on Withypool Common, Herd 12 on
ability to survive in the harsh moor The muzzle is broad with large nostrils Dunkery, and Herd 44 at Litton.
environment. They are short and stocky, so that air can be warmed before it In the early 20th century, it became
rarely over 13hh, preferably 11.2 to reaches the lungs. The neck is relatively fashionable to “improve” native ponies
12.3hh. Their height enables them to find short, which also helps to conserve through cross-breeding to produce finer
shelter in clumps of gorse and natural body heat. A double-layered winter coat riding ponies. The Exmoor Pony Society
dips and hollows in the terrain. comprised of a short, downy insulating was soon founded by local enthusiasts
To the untrained eye the ponies are under-layer is topped by longer greasy who wanted to preserve the purity of the
almost identical with a uniform coloring hairs to repel water. This is essential in breed. The primary objective was to form
of brown with light markings under the poor moor weather. The mane and tail a stud book to register purebred ponies
belly and inside the thighs. The mealy- are thick, with the tail having a fan of and ensure the future of the ponies for
colored muzzle and pale eye markings shorter hairs at the top known as the generations to come.
make them easy to identify. The muzzle snow chute, which channels rain away The inaugural meeting was held at the
should look as though it was dipped in a from the dock area. In summer, the coat Red Lion Hotel, Dulverton, in the heart
bowl of oatmeal. Their Pangaré coloring is short and glossy. of Exmoor on March 10, 1921. The newly
is also excellent camouflage on the formed Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) first
moor, enabling them to blend in with the SETTING UP A STUD BOOK formulated a breed standard, which is
bracken and heather. The ponies thrived on the moor for little changed today. Every pony entered
Exmoor Ponies also have short, thick many years, but in 1818 the Royal Forest into the stud book must meet standard.
ears, a wide forehead with large eyes set of Exmoor, as it was formerly known, The next few years were spent with
well apart, outlined by pale coloration, was sold. The outgoing Warden, Sir highly-experienced breeders inspecting
Page 14 | The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021ponies for acceptance into the stud book The following 40 years saw a steady
as foundation stock. Closed in 1961, only increase in numbers so that by the
foals from parents already registered 1980s there were around 500 registered
in the stud book can be accepted for purebred Exmoor ponies, mostly in the
inspection and registration. Every foal UK. Their popularity increased apace, and
2021 Rare Equine
is still inspected to ensure it meets the there are now more than 3,000 registered Webinar Series
standard. If it does not, the foal is entered Exmoor ponies worldwide.
into Section X, which denotes purity and Despite their increased numbers,
pedigree but is considered below the Exmoor Ponies are still included as
required standard. category two, endangered, on the Rare
Appointed by the EPS, the first foal Breed Survival Trust (RBST) watch list
inspectors were moorland breeders who and listed as critically endangered by
had generations of knowledge about The Livestock Conservancy. Fewer than
the breed. As the ponies’ popularity 200 foals are registered most years and
grew and they became more widespread only around 500 mares are in active
with breeders throughout the UK, breeding situations. The breed has a RARE BREED
the inspection system became more relatively small gene pool and the overall EQUINE WEBINARS
formalized. Potential inspectors had to genetic health of the breed, as a whole, is
be EPS members with previous pony regularly monitored. Love rare equine breeds and want
involvement. Once accepted, inspectors At the beginning of the 20th century, to know more about DNA testing,
completed a three-year training, which the majority of the Exmoor pony promoting and marketing your
included handling and assessing foals, population was found on Exmoor itself. equine group, or how to train
and learning to brand with hot irons. Today, a few hundred ponies roam the young horses to make them more
Today, only ponies spending their lives moor while the rest are scattered across attractive to buyers? Stay tuned for
living free on the moor are branded, the UK and other countries, including the The Livestock Conservancy's Rare
in compliance with UK law. The vast United States and Czech Republic. Equine Webinar series this summer.
majority of foals are now identified by
microchip. DNA samples are taken from A BRIGHTER FUTURE Thanks to a grant from the NC Horse
all foals for identification analysis and The EPS has worked closely with RBST Council, we're excited to present an
a complicated system of paperwork, and other organizations to ensure the online webinar series this summer
including for a passport, is completed. future of the breed. EPS members and instead of an in-person conference.
That said, inspection time is still one breeders Debbie Davy and Michael
of the highlights of the Exmoor pony Dewhurst recently received the Marsh Dates and times for the webinar
year, presenting the opportunity for Christian Award, presented by RBST for series will be announced soon. Look
enthusiasts new and old to get together conservation in genetic biodiversity. An for an email in your inbox. If you
and discuss their favorite subject. exciting and innovative Ph.D. project at have any equine webinar topics to
Glasgow University in Scotland was also suggest, please let us know! Email
ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION funded by the EPS. Results will have an info@livestockconservancy.org.
In the 1930s, Exmoors were popular important impact on the ponies’ future
childrens' riding ponies because of the survival on the moor.
success of the Moorland Mousie stories These days the Exmoor ponies turn
penned by “Golden Gorse.” On Exmoor, as their hooves to many activities. Some
they had for generations, ponies carried grace the show ring with great success, WELCOME TO OUR
the farmers shepherding, hunting, to others are family pets, and some are NEWEST LIFE MEMBER!
market and even ploughed the land, active in competitive disciplines such
while the unhandled breeding herds as dressage, long distance riding and The Livestock Conservancy would
continued to graze the Commons. cross country. Some are now becoming like to give a special thanks to
After the end of WWII, the late 1940s conservation grazers. Their hardiness the following individuals who
nearly saw the demise of Exmoor Ponies and grazing technique make the Exmoor recently chose to support us and
on the moor. Many were taken for food, Ponies ideal for helping to restore a our conservation programs by
leaving the population dramatically variety of natural habitats. becoming Life Members:
reduced, with only around 50 purebred
ponies surviving. Thanks to Withypool *** Gloria Basse
resident and keen pony breeder, Mary The Exmoor Pony Society is celebrating Damascus, VA
Etherington, the farmers and moorland its centenary in 2021 with a wide range
breeders were encouraged to work of events. The Society will continue as For more information about
together to re-establish their herds. a guardian of the breed as long as it is becoming a Life Member, contact
Free living herds were also established needed by the ponies. Learn more at www. Karena Elliott at 806-570-0874 or
in Cumbria and Scotland, providing a exmoorponysociety.org.uk kelliott@livestockconservancy.org
reservoir of genetic variety.
The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021 | Page 15PASS IT ON
AMBASSADOR GOAT
By Mary Ellen Nicholas
(Nov/Dec Newsletter 1998)
When I first bought Bentley, my first
Nigerian Dwarf and first goat in over 35
Sandy West educates about Ossabaw Island pigs, courtesy of Ossabaw Island Foundation.
years, I had no idea what the future held.
REMEMBERING SANDY WEST I had decided I'd like to own a goat again,
but I did not want to raise and milk them.
The idea of a Nigerian Dwarf appealed
By Don Bixby and Elaine Shirley of eight recognized donkey breeds, and to me immediately. And so it was that I
considered “endangered” by the Food bought a wild little kid named Bentley.
Eleanor “Sandy” Torrey West passed and Agriculture Organization. That once-wild goat is now two years
away on January 17, 2021, her 108th Don Bixby, former director of The old and one of the best-known Nigerian
birthday. Sandy’s parents purchased Livestock Conservancy, worked closely Dwarf goats in the country. Through the
Ossabaw Island as their winter retreat in with Sandy for several years on pig and use of positive reinforcement, popularly
1924 and built a Spanish style mansion donkey conservation projects. He and his known as "clicker training," Bentley has
learned to obey 23 different commands
overlooking the Sound. family were guests of Sandy’s for several
and is constantly learning new ones.
Though very close to Savannah, visits. The house was a virtual museum He comes when called, rolls over, plays
Georgia, Ossabaw Island is a truly with extraordinary furnishing from the dead, fetches and is getting pretty good
unique place. It remains one of the early to mid-20th century. In addition, at soccer. Because of his numerous tricks,
only unspoiled barrier islands on the there was a spectacular library and art Bentley gets lots of social invitations ... and
East Coast and is important as a buffer collection created during the 1960s we are off on another adventure.
against storms and as habitat for wildlife when Sandy and her husband provided a Taking Bentley out in public gives me
and marine turtle nesting. Sandy West retreat center for writers and artists. the opportunity to educate the public
recognized that this island was a treasure The impressions and memories that about goats in general, dispelling myths
such as the ideas that goats smell bad
and worked unceasingly to preserve its stand out from these visits include:
and eat tin cans. People always ask a lot
wilderness for future generations. Sandy sitting on the laundry room floor of questions about Bentley, which gives
She also realized that the Ossabaw bottle feeding an orphan donkey; Lucky me the chance to highlight the Nigerian
Island pigs, introduced by Spanish the pig, who was saved from a hawk Dwarf breed. Promoting the Nigerian's
adventurers as early as the 1600s, were as a piglet, opening the screen door gentle, personable nature gives breeders
unique as well. DNA studies suggest and coming into the kitchen for treats; a market for their excess bucks in the form
the foundation stock originated in a deer licking the hand of our teenage of pet wethers.
the Canary Islands, and centuries of son; being awakened in the morning by As a breed, the Nigerian Dwarf is
adaptation to the unique environment peacocks on our balcony; and a pair of currently the subject of much debate, and
its future may indeed rest on the outcome
of Ossabaw Island make this population braying donkeys chasing through the
of these discussions. But everyone
genetically distinctive. The status of patio cookout. All of this took place in involved seems to agree on one thing:
this breed is “critical” on The Livestock a semi-tropical jungle with sea turtles, this is a productive, personable, colorful,
Conservancy’s Priority List. conch shells, and horseshoe crabs on the intelligent, and highly desirable little goat.
Donkeys also roamed the island, beach, a heronry nest site, alligators, and It is these qualities that I will continue to
descended from animals imported all sorts of other birds and wildlife. promote, with Bentley, the ambassador
from Sardinia in the 1940s as pets Sandy West was a force of and for goat, in tow.
for the Torrey children. The donkeys nature. She will be greatly missed and ***
eventually joined the other animals long remembered. We all owe a debt of Mary Ellen Nicholas, who passed away in
2020, was best known for her conservation
living feral lives on the island. They gratitude to her vision and energy for
of American Mammoth Jack donkeys. She
represent an isolated population of saving a magical place and its treasures. also celebrated Nigerian Dwarfs with her
donkey genetics differentiated from partner Bentley, the Ambassador Goat.
current Sardinian donkeys, which is one
Page 16 | The Livestock Conservancy News Spring 2021You can also read
