Homestead Breeding Stock

The need for livestock conservation is significant.  Ten percent of livestock breeds have become extinct, with an additional thirty percent at risk.  The decline of many breeds has paralleled the modernization of agriculture and the focus on maximizing production over other valuable traits such as adaptation to localized habitats, mothering skills, and parasite resistance.  The loss of these breeds represents a loss of genetic diversity.  It risks food security by eliminating the potential genetics to combat future pests, diseases, and environmental shifts.  

Skara Brae Homestead focuses on the conservation breeding of these at-risk breeds to perpetuate their genetics and establish a market for them and their products. Only through the creation of demand will these breeds ensure their place in our food system and agriculture.  Our breeding programs have two focuses - preservation of historical genetics and superior stock to meet the needs of homesteaders, small farmers, and niche markets.

Why choose heritage breeds?

• They have adapted to survive and thrive in local climates.

• They are self-sufficient, have good fertility and strong parenting skills, and need less hands-on management and input. 

• They are hardy against diseases and parasites when properly maintained.

• They are well suited for pasture and forage raising.

• They have histories and stories we can connect to.

Management

At Skara Brae Homestead, we manage our stock in a way that harks back to the days before the local feed store. Our commitment to traditional management practices ensures the authenticity and quality of our breeding stock.

• Rotational Foraging Year-Round: Pastures are given rest periods to recover from foraging and break parasite cycles. Portable shelters allow stock to stay on pasture.

• Our livestock is forage-fed with supplementation of produce grown here on the farm.  Poultry is primarily forage–fed and supplemented with locally grown and milled non-GMO soy-free feed and produce from the farm.  All recieve minerals.  During inclement weather, hay is offered.

• Modern veterinary practices are utilized in life-or-death cases. We primarily depend on balanced nutrition, proper management, superior genetics, and alternative medicines for health care.

Why choose Skara Brae Homestead Breeding Stock?

Raising livestock and poultry can be expensive.  Your investment in breeding stock should see a return in value, whether monetary or results for your personal use.  Our stock is the perfect addition to any diversified homestead or small farm.  

• Multi-purpose breeds to fill multiple needed

• Genetic diversity - the ability to create genetically diverse, closed starter herds

• Pedigreed, Registered, Data Driven, Performance Tested

• Annual transportation routes for delivering stock to you

• Breed the best.  Cull the rest.  Cull doesn’t necessarily mean processing but removal from the breeding program.