The Next Generation in Conservation

by D. Phillip Sponenberg, D.V.M., Ph.D. and Allison Kincaid

Celebrating the Next Generation in Heritage Breed Conservation

This month marks International Heritage Breeds Month, and the “Celebrating 250” blog is taking a break from exploring the history of breeds on the Conservation Priority List to focus on the vital role that young people play in agriculture and in conserving heritage breeds. From America’s earliest homesteads to innovative programs we see today, young people have always been central to farming. They bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and a tireless spirit that helps keep agricultural traditions alive.

Why Youth Matter

Throughout history, young people’s involvement in farming has been crucial for passing down knowledge, culture and genetics from one generation to the next. In the days when farming was more widespread, youth often learned by doing – feeding animals, herding livestock, collecting eggs, milking, shearing, building fences and nurturing the land. These tasks weren’t merely “chores”; they provided valuable lessons in breeding, animal care, responsibility and stewardship.

Today, farm life is less common. As we concentrate on the intentional conservation of rare heritage breeds in today’s culture, it is essential that we pass on the knowledge of farming traditions and adaptations to the next generation. Only knowledgeable and dedicated caretakers can ensure the survival of heritage breeds, and this is where the youth come in – they will select, raise and cherish these breeds to ensure they thrive in our modern world. But we must provide them with the opportunities to learn about them.

Engaging Young Leaders

International Heritage Breeds Week offers an excellent opportunity to engage young people in our mission. Programs like 4-H, founded in the early 1900s, and the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America), founded in 1928, provide great frameworks for youth involvement by emphasizing skill-building, record-keeping and leadership. Initially, youth in these programs worked with a wide variety of livestock breeds, but after World War II, the focus increasingly narrowed to commercial breeds, leading to a decline in knowledge about heritage breeds.

Over the last half-century, concern about genetic loss and conservation has grown, sparking renewed interest among youth in heritage breeds and fostering the development and strengthening of heritage-breed organizations. Today, young people play an expanding role in conserving heritage breeds. Through these organizations and individually, owners and breeders of heritage breeds can find creative ways to empower these future stewards of genetic diversity.

Effective breed conservation is chain that goes from generation to generation of stewards. Any break in the chain can threaten the survival of a heritage breed Our youth are a valuable and essential “next link” in the chain that will keep these breeds vital and viable for a sustainable future. Sometimes these youth connections aren’t necessarily family-based. They might appear as a passionate youth at a local fair, an interested student in an FFA chapter at the local high school or a young neighbor whose opportunity to interact with heritage livestock or poultry is through your animals. We each can play a role in mentoring and encouraging the next generation of heritage-breed stewards if we look for and use these opportunities.

Looking to the Past for Inspiration

History shows that youth and young adults rise to the occasion when their involvement is needed. During World War II, young volunteers stepped up to fill labor shortages and support food production. Today’s challenge for heritage breeds is equally significant. With the decline in biodiversity and a widening gap in agricultural experience, we need to inspire and mentor younger generations to carry on this important work.

Building the Future Together

As we celebrate this International Heritage Breeds Week, let’s consider how we can support the next generation. Breeders can encourage young leaders within organizations, create youth-friendly membership options and fund scholarships. Educators and mentors can develop engaging programs that equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to become the next generation of heritage-breed owners and advocates.

Youth and young adults already communicate in ways that resonate with their peers – through social media posts and videos, and by participating in virtual events. By engaging them as leaders, we can ensure that the narrative of heritage breeds evolves with our culture, showcasing their importance in modern agriculture and local food systems.

Join Us in Celebrating the Next Generation

As we launch International Heritage Breeds Week, we hope you’ll join us in bringing youth to the forefront of heritage breed conservation this week and throughout the coming year. We invite you to share ideas, experiences and activities this week on our social media pages to help us showcase the incredible contributions of young people working with heritage breeds in your organizations and communities.

Thank you for being a part of our mission. Together, we can equip the next generation not only to farm, but also to safeguard irreplaceable genetic resources, build a vibrant future for heritage breeds and become agricultural leaders!

Happy International Heritage Breeds Week!

Phil Sponenberg is professor emeritus of pathology and genetics at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech and serves as techinal adviser to The Livestock Conservancy. Allison Kincaid is executive director of The Livestock Conservancy.

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