Rare Breeds Canada visits different trade shows across the province, including the Brandon‘s Winter Fair.  The mission of the organization is to educate the public on the vulnerability of livestock and poultry breeds that are rare and on the verge of extinction.

Pam Heath is the office Manager at the Manitoba location in Nesbitt, Manitoba. She says coming to the fair each year helps to educate the population on the facts of these rare livestock and poultry breeds dwindling in numbers. But also, to share the uniqueness of these breeds; their characteristics and special qualities. For example, the Lincoln Red cattle that were displayed at the RMWF had never been in a barn, were never fed grain or corn (only pasture) and their milk doesn't have the same effect on lactose-intolerant individuals as regular milk.

Heath has been involved with Rare Breeds for some 10 years in Canada but has close ties to breeds such as these dating back to her growing up years in England. She says the Lincoln Red cattle breed registers between “critical” and “endangered”. 

“That’s how few there are of these cattle,” she says. “Their herd goes back to 1822 so its not a modern breed.”

Membership with Rare Breeds Canada extends beyond their borders, working with sister organizations in the U.S., Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia with specialized individuals in France and Holland who have a unique interest in rare and dwindling livestock breeds.For more information visit the website www.rarebreedscanada.org