Animal Science Program

Heritage Breeds

Heritage Breeds of Livestock and Poultry

“Preserving the past to build a strong future”

The purpose of 4-H heritage breeds clubs is to create an awareness of the importance of preserving the heritage breeds and to help others to:

• Experience first-hand the many unique characteristics of heritage breeds of livestock and poultry.
• Learn about the various uses of animal products and/or effective marketing of those products.
• Experience caring for and exhibiting a heritage breed.
• Learn about the lifecycle of livestock and poultry.

In 2004, a dozen Tennessee Fainting Goats were adopted by 4-H youth interested in working with heritage breeds. The goats were raised at Swiss Village Farm in Newport, Rhode Island. Another adoption initiative provided Dominique Chickens and Bronze Turkeys to 4-H youth, compliments of the 4-H Heritage Farming Club of Montague.

Massachusetts 4-H is fortunate to have four clubs dedicated to the preservation of the heritage breeds. The clubs, led by members of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, include the Hancock Shaker Village 4-H Club (Berkshire County), the 4-H Heritage Farming Club (Franklin County), the Plimoth Plantation Rare Breed Goat Club (Plymouth County) and Plymouth’s Animals Are Us 4-H Club.

We invite you to join or start a 4-H heritage breeds club. You can make a difference!

Heritage Breeds Sources:
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

If interested in joining or starting a 4-H heritage breed club, please contact:

Carrie Chickering-Sears
Phone: 413-549-3257
Via e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it