Counting Your Chickens: The Livestock Conservancy Launches Census on Rare & Heritage Poultry

Livestock Conservancy Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger explains the upcoming poultry census and ongoing efforts to preserve rare and heritage poultry breeds raised across the U.S.

Cathy_Lafrenz_08_09_13_USA_IA_Miss_Effies_Country_Flowers_and_Garden_Stuff_007.jpg

FarmHER, Inc.

PITTSBORO, N.C. (RFD NEWS)The Livestock Conservancy is working to preserve and promote more than 170 breeds of agricultural animals. The organization is now teaming up with the American Poultry Association to launch a new census of rare poultry varieties raised across the United States.

The goal of the poultry census is to better understand breed numbers and trends in order to guide conservation priorities and support breeders nationwide. This year’s effort will go a step further by documenting color and comb varieties within breeds, providing more detailed insight into genetic diversity.

Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the Conservancy’s mission and its ongoing efforts to protect threatened and heritage breeds.

In her conversation with RFD NEWS, Beranger explained that the 2026 poultry census, conducted every five years, is designed to gather updated data on rare and heritage poultry populations. She also addressed some of the biggest challenges involved in conducting the census, including outreach and accurate reporting. Finally, she outlined how individuals can learn more about the Conservancy and ways to participate in and support conservation efforts for rare poultry.

To participate in The Livestock Conservancy‘s Poultry Census, CLICK HERE

Related Stories
It’s National FFA Week, and today we’re celebrating Alumni Day by highlighting some inspiring former FFA members making an impact in agriculture and beyond.
Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the Dairy Margin Coverage program, recent improvements, and what producers need to know ahead of this week’s enrollment deadline.
William Lee Golden joined us to talk about his farming roots, his storied career with the Oak Ridge Boys, and how his new book and music continue to reflect the values that have guided him throughout his life and career.
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President with the National FFA Organization, joined us to discuss Alumni Day, the lasting impact of FFA supporters, and why honoring that legacy matters during National FFA Week.
UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues through Saturday, showcasing livestock, youth involvement, and agricultural talent, with the Junior Sale of Champions serving as the culmination of the 23-day event.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas discusses expected changes to the 45Z tax credit and what they could mean for agriculture and rural America.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the state’s latest efforts to prevent the New World screwworm from reaching Texas.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.