Heritage breeds or rare livestock breeds were raised traditionally by our grandparents or great grandparents. The adoption of modern agricultural practices have caused these breeds to become endangered and are likely to be extinct.

To know more about them and how we can save these rare livestock breeds, Cathy Payne had a discussion with Between the Lines Host, Corine La Font. Cathy is a retired teacher. After retirement, she started her home-based farm. She is passionate about heritage breeds and actively promoting biodiversity in our food system. She published her first book, ‘Saving the Guinea Hogs’ in 2019, which earned the Readers Favorite Award.

Apart from guinea hogs, she is also working on saving the other rare heritage breeds. She stated that many livestock breeds are likely to be extinct if we do not take measures to save them. Using the example of heritage turkey, she said that these days 99% of turkeys are raised in factory farms, and have visibly large breasts, which affect them breeding naturally. In fact, the definition of the heritage turkey is that which can breed naturally or without any human assistance.

Generally, people only want the food to be tasty and cooked well, but they don’t consider all the processes involved in the production of ingredients. Like homegrown vegetables are great in taste and have good smell and texture. The same is the case in heritage animals. They taste really good and delicious without additives.

Nowadays, these heritage animals are becoming so rare that it is very hard to find them in any store or farm. Several associations are working on providing the information and awareness to the general public through their websites and newsletters, for example, The Livestock Conservancy in the USA.

She further added that people should start buying the heritage turkey and other heritage animal meat, which will support the farmers and encourage them to raise these animals and breed them more.  And this will ultimately help us in saving these rare livestock breeds.

What You Learn:

· Heritage animals exist, but they are livestock breeds and are endangered.

· The more you buy heritage animal meat, the more it will encourage the farmers to breed them.

· Heritage animal meat is great in taste and healthier to consume.

· Different organizations are increasing the awareness of heritage animals.

· Heritage animal’s meat provides you with greater satisfaction and quality, as it is coming from a completely natural process.

· You should go back to the basics. Having organic things provides you more benefits.

Final Thoughts:

Cathy Payne and many others are working really hard to saving the rare livestock breeds and promoting biodiversity in the food industry. After knowing the benefits, you should maximize the use of heritage animals in your life and save them from being extinct.

Like Cathy Payne, if you can teach people or can make them aware of something, Visit Us to book your 30 mins spot on our show today!