|
Modern industrial farms favor the handful of selected breeds of sheep, cattle,
or whatever they raise, which give maximum output in ultra-controlled environments.
Uniformity and predictability are the order of the day. This makes for great
business but less great dinners.
This trend has left many heritage breeds of sheep (and other heritage barnyard animals),
on the brink of extinction.
The Tunis for example, now listed as rare, these sheep with the creamy wool
and reddish face and legs, are one of the oldest breeds in North America. Originally
a gift from the Bey of Tunis to the U.S. in 1799, when they mowed the lawn of the
White House. (That must have been a trully wonderful sight)
Tunis sheep thrived and reproduced, their meat was in great demand. Unfortunately,
during the Civil War when there was a great shortage of food, the Tunis population
was decimated.
Katahdin sheep, not as endangered as the Tunis, were originally bred in Maine,
especially for meat. They have short hair which does not require shearing.
Like the Tunis (and other heritage breeds), they thrive in forage based management
systems and have delicious mild-flavored meat preferred by American palates.
Navajo-Churro descended from the Churra, an ancient Iberian breed brought to
North America by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. They were acquired by
Native Americans through raids and trading and became an important part of Navajo
economy and culture.
It's not that they are endangered because they are delicate breeds, quite the opposite,
they are endangered because there has been no demand for them. Not until recently
anyway, when people are becoming aware that in their breeding and culling lies their
future.
To find a farm growing heritage sheep near you, or to order heritage meats online, browse
the LocalHarvest website.
|
view basket
Photo by Petit Cove Katahdins
