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.
