Rare Breeds Canada is a federally registered charitable organization formed in 1987 dedicated to conserving, evaluating and studying heritage, rare and minor breeds of Canadian farm animals. We believe this can be best achieved by maintaining viable breeding groups and preserving the genetics of these rare and endangered breeds.

So many of the breeds that played a vital part in feeding Canadians in the past are now in danger of extinction. All these breeds have had a part in Canada's agricultural history and have qualities that may be invaluable in the future. Today's commercial farming methods of extreme intensification and specialization have put much at risk by creating a dangerous dependency on a narrow genetic base.

We favour the heritage breeds for their valuable traits of disease resistance, birthing ease, good milk production, superior mothering abilities, ability to thrive on poor pastures and for their nature of survival independent of mankind. Many have superior taste, and all add beauty to the farm. They are ideally suited to organic and sustainable agriculture approaches such as rotational grazing and natural, outdoor livestock housing, and complement small homestead settings. They can be equally successful commercially when niche markets are developed.

Our organization is presently quite small in membership but extends right across Canada, with local chapters in Alberta, Eastern Ontario, Niagara, and British Columbia. We have a very dedicated Board of Directors and a rural office in Castleton, Ontario. Our mission is to preserve these animals by increasing numbers, assist people to find particular breeds, educate the public, and help farmers AND the breed numbers through our Host Farm Program.

We try to provide a network so that should breeds become endangered we can intervene or rescue them where necessary. Rare Breeds Canada is becoming a resource centre for rare breeds survival efforts across Canada. We need many more members, especially on farms where breeding units can thrive, or temporary housing can be obtained. We especially need experienced husbandry people who can get animals (or poultry) to thrive in well-managed units. Equally, we also need urban members who support us with their membership fees and believe in the work we do. Our urban membership is currently slightly less than half of our total membership - we couldn't do it without them. Do you have a particular skill that is not animal related? Perhaps organizing, fundraising, report writing, telephoning, design, printing etc is something that interests you. We need it all. We are 'membership and donations' funded as we do not receive any government support.

For a minimum of only $35 per year {you are welcomed to send more} your tax-deductable Rare Breeds Canada membership includes Genesis free. It's not much when you consider how invaluable a contribution you are actually making. Your donation will help preserve the genetic biodiversity of farm animals that have important historical and agricultural significance.

We hope you make the choice to make a difference - become a supporter of Rare Breeds Canada.

We have information packages available to explain a little further about our organization. If you wish to receive one contact the office (email is preferred) to request one. If you have friends, neighbours or relatives that may be interested in becoming a Rare Breeds Canada member, we'll send them a package. We also invite Corporate Memberships as well. Do you know a like-minded organization? Give us their contact information and we'd be happy to send them a letter of invitation.

A membership to RBC also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who may wish to support our conservation efforts. We greatly appreciate your concern for preserving our heritage livestock!

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