PITTSBORO, N.C. (RFD News) — Rare breeds of livestock and poultry continue playing an important role in preserving agricultural biodiversity and protecting genetic diversity within the industry.
As part of International Heritage Breeds Week, Les O’Dell with The Livestock Conservancy joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the importance of heritage breeds and the organization’s efforts to help protect them.
In his conversation with RFD News, O’Dell discussed the work being done through The Livestock Conservancy, along with highlights from the group’s annual Conservation Priority List.
The conversation also focused on how organizations and producers are celebrating International Heritage Breeds Week and raising awareness about the role heritage breeds continue playing in agriculture.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
January 20, 2026 08:00 AM
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Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
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Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
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Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
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U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
January 19, 2026 11:40 AM
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