Becoming Better Breeders: - American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

Becoming Better Breeders:
Tools and Strategies for Success
2006
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
29th Annual Conference and Members Meeting
To be held at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds, East 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway,
Indianapolis, Indiana and Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana
November 16, 17 & 18, 2006
Held in conjunction with the APA/ABA National Poultry Show
hosted by the Cross Roads of America Poultry Club

Frank Reese, Jr. owns and operates Good Shepherd Ranch in Lindsborg, Kansas. Frank has raised standard varieties of turkeys
since his childhood, and is currently leading the effort to conserve heritage turkeys through breeding, production collaborations with
regional farms, and regional and national marketing strategies. He is dedicated to raising all of his poultry humanely on pasture and
providing his customers with the highest quality turkey available. Frank also breeds chickens, ducks, and geese and has begun
marketing selected breeds. In 2003 Frank received ALBC’s Bixby-Sponenberg Breed Conservation Award for his contributions to the
recovery of standard varieties of turkeys. Frank also works full time as a nurse anesthetist.
Glenn Drowns and his wife Linda conserve and promote rare breeds and varieties of turkeys, ducks, geese, and chickens, as well as
an array of heirloom vegetables at their Sand Hill Preservation Center, in Calamus, Iowa. Glenn has raised standard turkey varieties
for over 20 years, and continuously since 1989. The Drowns actively maintain populations of rare and endangered varieties of
naturally mating turkeys as a resource for other conservationists. They offer information and education on the different turkey
varieties and their appropriate habitats. Glenn received ALBC’s Breed Conservation Award in 1999 for his contributions to the
identification and survival of rare turkeys. Glenn is also a full-time science teacher for middle and senior high students.
Marjorie Bender is a Research and Technical Program Manager for the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC). She
joined the staff in January 1999. She has a M.Ed. in Agricultural Science from the University of California-Davis, has been involved
in sustainable agriculture since 1991, and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Marjorie’s responsibilities include
coordinating the poultry census, promoting rare breeds into appropriate habitats, and working closely with other staff on timely
conservation activities. She has led ALBC’s heritage turkey conservation effort. During her free time, Marjorie enjoys riding her
Choctaw pony, a line of Colonial Spanish.
Jeannette Beranger joined the ALBC team in August of 2005 and is a Research and Technical Program Manager. She comes to the
organization with over 20 years experience working with animals in the non-profit sector. Beginning her career as a veterinary
technician, Jeannette progressed to become a head zookeeper at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island. Her responsibilities
included managing a wide variety of species, and in particular the animals within the rare breeds farm of the zoo. Through her work
for the American Association of Zookeepers, Inc., she developed international outreach programs that included zookeeper training
workshops and the first-ever international conference on zookeeping. Jeannette's experience facilitating research, organizing
workshops and conferences, applying technology to improve animal husbandry, combined with her skills in outreach and networking
have made her a welcome fit to research, plan, develop and implement important breed conservation programs for ALBC.
Donald E. Bixby, DVM is a Technical Program Manager for ALBC. He served as ALBC's Executive Director from August 1988
through July 2002, and was responsible for providing the vision and overseeing the implementation of the conservation activities of
ALBC. Don has been involved with the organization since the 1980s, organizing the first North American rare breeds show and sale
and establishing the ALBC Rare Breeds Gene Bank, which has expanded over the years. He has been the liaison to the USDA
National Animal Germplasm Program and a leader in founding Rare Breeds International. He has overseen the livestock and poultry
research, and promoted rare breeds to the sustainable agriculture community. He was honored in 2000 by Slow Food International for
the work of ALBC in conserving genetic diversity in the farm animal species. In his current position as Technical Program Manager,
Don is able to devote more time to technical outreach to promote sustainable integration of livestock and poultry.
Don T. Schrider joined the ALBC staff in February 2004 and serves as the Communication Director. Don has nearly two decades of
experience working within the visual communication and marketing fields. He brings firsthand experience of breed conservation to
this position, having raised Tunis sheep and Brown Leghorn chickens for more than a decade and having served as an officer for the
breed associations for these breeds. Don is author of many articles on breeding and raising chickens and writes a monthly column for
Poultry Press. These attributes make him a unique fit to research, plan, develop and implement poultry related programs for ALBC.
Mark J. See became a member of ALBC in 1992 and has been involved in raising ducks and geese for the past 8 years. His primary
conservation effort has been with the Cotton Patch goose, after he located two relic flocks. Mark is author of The Cotton Patch Goose,
which appeared on the cover of the November/December 2005 issue of the ALBC News, and which generated interest for the breed in
Canada and the United Kingdom. Mark’s article was re-published in the British Waterfowl Association’s spring 2006 newsletter.
Establishing additional flocks for breed conservation is the central focus of his work, which combines historical research together with
modern communication and documentation.
D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Ph.D. has served as the Technical Coordinator for ALBC since 1978. He is a veterinary
pathologist and geneticist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg. He has written several books on color
genetics and rare breed conservation – including A Conservation Breeding Handbook and is sought after as a speaker on genetics as
well as rare breed conservation. Phil has taken the lead on Spanish horse rescues and is a conservation breeder of Spanish horses, and
Tennessee Fainting goats. He works closely with several breed organizations as well as individual breeders of several different breeds.
Tom Walker is a retired higher education administrator with a lifelong interest in poultry. His lifetime conservation focus has been
on turkeys and geese. Tom grew up on a “two-mule” farm in southwestern Arkansas during the Great Depression. During his youth,
auto-sexing common geese were used by cotton farmers to weed the cotton fields of grasses and other unwanted vegetation.
Approximately a decade ago, Tom began a search to find some of these “cotton patch” geese he remembered from his youth. After
more than 10,000 miles of traveling in his minivan, he succeeded in acquiring one line from Arkansas, two lines from Mississippi, and
three lines from Tennessee.

Becoming Better Breeders – Tools and Strategies for Success
Schedule of Events
November 16-18, 2006
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Fairgrounds Conference Room
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fairgrounds Conference Room
and West Pavilion
The Fairgrounds does charge a
parking fee – their weekend
pass may be most economical if
attending full conference.
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Fairgrounds – ALBC Booth
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Fairgrounds – Edy’s Grand Hall
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fairgrounds – Edy’s Grand Hall
then moving to West Pavilion
Lunch – 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Fairgrounds – West Pavilion
3:30 – 5.00 p.m.
Fairgrounds
6:00 p.m.
Indianapolis Marriott East
Indianapolis Ballroom
After Reception
Indianapolis Marriott East
7:45 – 8:15 a.m.
Conner Prairie
Fishers, IN
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Pre-Conference Heritage Turkey Breeder Clinic Sign-in
Marjie Bender
Pre-Conference Heritage Turkey Breeder Clinic
Presenters: Frank Reese, Jr., Marjorie Bender
The ALBC conference starts with a day-long, pre-conference Turkey Breeder Clinic, led by heritage
turkey master breeder Frank Reese, Jr. of Good Shepherd Ranch in Lindsborg, Kansas. Participants
will learn how to evaluate standard varieties for the conformation needed to produce healthy, viable,
marketable turkeys that will reproduce naturally. Participants will have the opportunity to handle
birds and develop both an understanding and a feel for evaluation points. ALBC’s Phil Sponenberg
and turkey breeder Danny Williamson will be on hand to share their expertise. This is a rare
opportunity; previous turkey breeder clinics have filled quickly.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Conference Sign-in
• Pick-up nametag and conference packet
• Walk-in registrations. Reception and banquet
registration based on availability
• Submit Silent Auction donations and Photo
Contest entries. Photos become the property
of ALBC unless otherwise indicated; size
limit 5”x 7”.
Biosecurity – Practices to Protect Livestock and Poultry
Presenters: Donald E. Bixby, DVM , Jeannette Beranger
Biosecurity is a management tool that can help prevent diseases from occurring in livestock and
poultry. Learn the basics of disease transmission, biosecurity strategies that reduce exposure to
disease, and additional measures that can be implemented during times of disease threat. Participants
will receive a certificate of attendance and materials to personalize a biosecurity plan to fit their own
farm. Anyone who manages livestock or poultry will benefit by attending.
Judging, Selecting, and Breeding Chickens for Production
Presenters: Don Schrider, Jeannette Beranger, and Frank Reese, Jr.
This program will answer these important questions: How do you know if a hen is laying? Which
offspring should be retained as breeding stock to improve rate of growth, size, or fleshing? Attendees
will learn how to use tried-and-true techniques for evaluating the productivity of chickens. Program
includes discussion and a hands-on opportunity to apply skills learned. These techniques have been
successfully applied to rare Standard bred poultry lines by both Frank Reese and ALBC.
Lunch on your own; food will be available at Fairgrounds vendors or off site
Rare Breed Poultry Tour
Join us for guided tours of the rare breeds of poultry present at the poultry show. See living examples
of Nankin and Java chickens, Cayuga ducks, Pilgrim geese, Bourbon Red turkeys and others, and
learn about the history and the unique characteristics of these breeds. Tour leaders will include staff
and members of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, members of the American Poultry
Association, and members of the Society for Preservation of Poultry Antiquities.
Free Time To Explore Poultry Show
Rare Breed Tasting Reception with Cash Bar
Join ALBC for a rare breed tasting at the Indianapolis Marriott East. This will be an opportunity to
sample a number of rare breeds listed on the ALBC Conservation Priority List while mingling with
other rare breed stewards. Cash bar is available.
Silent Auction and Photo Contest Begin
ALBC Member Meeting and Member Sharing
The reception will be followed by the Annual ALBC Members Meeting. Come prepared to share
your experiences and stewardship successes.
Conference Sign-in and
Walk-in Registration for
Late Arrivers
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Submit Silent Auction donations and Photo Contest entries to ALBC
booth at Fairgrounds. Photos become the property of ALBC unless
otherwise indicated; size limit 5”x 7”.

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Conner Prairie
Fishers, IN
10:30 – 12:00 noon
Conner Prairie
Fishers, IN
12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Conner Prairie
Fishers, IN
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Conner Prairie
Fishers, IN
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Conner Prairie
Fishers, IN
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Conner Prairie
Fishers, IN
6:00 p.m.
Indianapolis Marriott East
Indianapolis Ballroom
7:00 p.m.
Indianapolis Marriott East
Indianapolis Ballroom
Following Banquet
Indianapolis Marriott East
Indianapolis Ballroom
What Is a Breed? How Do Associations Help Breeds?
Presenters: D. Phillip Sponenberg, Donald E. Bixby
The answers to these two questions are fundamental for successful breed conservation and
promotion. Learn the definition of a breed and how understanding this definition informs the
decisions and activities of both breeders and breed associations.
Genetic Resource Rescue – How to Save Rare Breeds and Rare Strains
Presenters: D. Phillip Sponenberg, Mark See, and Tom Walker
In this program you will learn the strategies used to expand small populations without the addition of
outside genetics. These strategies can be applied equally to breeds, strains, or rare bloodlines. Mark
See and Tom Walker have applied these strategies in the identification and rescue of the Cotton Patch
goose. You’ll be better informed on this crucial aspect of breed conservation, which will help you
regardless of your breed.
Lunch
Provided by ALBC
Conservation Breeding Strategies for Rare Breeds
Presenters: D. Phillip Sponenberg, Glenn Drowns
Learn how to manage populations in breeding groups and how to apply breeding theories to maintain
the genetic integrity of the breeds you conserve. The proper application of tools such as selective
breeding for productivity will be put into the larger context of conservation. Discussion will include
strategies to implement when circumstances alter breeding plans.
Master Breeders – Who are They, How Do I become One?
Presenters: D. Phillip Sponenberg, Marjorie Bender, Donald E. Bixby
While the work of many conservationists contribute to the future of a breed, a small handful of
breeders dramatically affect the integrity and conservation of a breed. These stalwart breed
supporters seem to have a natural affinity for the breeds under their care. Come and learn the
characteristics of Master Breeders, the commitment required, and the steps needed to become one.
Free Time to Tour Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie is an outdoor history museum that offers a chance to encounter the past. While the
museum is closed to the public during our visit, conference participants will have a chance to tour
unique historic theme areas: 1886 Liberty Corner farm; 1836 Prairietown; 1823 Conner House; 1816
Lenape Indian Camp; and Past-Port, their hands-on discovery area. For more information about
Conner Prairie visit: www.connerprairie.org
Reception with Cash Bar
Silent Auction and Photo Contest conclude - Payments and pick-up due at this time.
ALBC Banquet
The banquet menu will feature rare breeds. This is another opportunity to taste the rich flavors of rare
breeds while enjoying the company of other stewards.
Keynote Address: Conservation – One Breed at a Time
The Conference keynote speaker will be Glenn Drowns, owner of Sandhill Preservation Center in
Calamus, Iowa, and a lifelong steward of rare poultry and heirloom vegetables. In his keynote
address, Conservation – One Breed at a Time, Glenn will speak from the heart about the personal
commitment and rewards of dedicating oneself to the conservation of rare breeds.
Airport
Accommodations
Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodations.
Indianapolis International. Travel distance to motels is 12.9 miles and to the Fairgrounds is 14.45 miles.
Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 E 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219 is the headquarters hotel and will be the
site of an ALBC Friday Reception and Saturday night ALBC banquet. 1-800-228-9290 or 1-317-352-1231
NOTE: All rooms at the Marriott are sold out for this event.
Because of the large number of attendees at the upcoming Poultry Show, most of the motels near the show site
are already full. If you have not already made your reservations, contact the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors
Association (1-800-824-INDY or icva@indianapolis.org or www.indy.org ) for a list of motels in the surrounding
area to help you find one that has rooms available.
ALBC PO Box 477 Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-5704 Fax: 919-545-0022
E-mail: albc@albc-usa.org Web: www.albc-usa.org

The 29th Annual Conference of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
Becoming Better Breeders – Tools and Strategies for Success
November 16-18, 2006
Please join the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) for a number of workshops designed to give current and
future stewards of livestock and poultry the tools to successfully manage breeding populations.
Fee Structure (per Attendee) - Please use the letters A, B, C, D to indicate which participant is registering for which activities.
Full Conference Package (includes Friday and Saturday meetings, and Reception and Banquet)
ALBC/APA/ABA Members $125.00 Registrant A B C D (Please circle all that apply)
Non-Members $155.00 Registrant A B C D (Please circle all that apply)
Thursday Pre-Conference Turkey Breeder Clinic (not included in Full Conference Package price)
Also Attending Full Conference $50.00 Registrant A B C D (Please circle all that apply)
Not Attending Full Conference $75.00 Registrant A B C D (Please circle all that apply)
Friday Reception only $25.00 Registrant A B C D (Please circle all that apply)
Saturday Reception and Banquet only $50.00 Registrant A B C D (Please circle all that apply)
Registration Deadline is November 1, 2006
Please Print:
Name (A) ______________________________________
Name (B) ______________________________________
Name (C) ______________________________________
Name (D) ______________________________________
Total per attendee:
$______________
$______________
$______________
$______________
Grand Total:
$_________________
Address to which you would like the conference registration certification and information mailed:
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip_________________________
Telephone (day) __________________________________E-mail ___________________________________________________
Payment:
Total Enclosed: $________________________________ Check Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard only)
Account # ___________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ___________________________
V-code: __________(last 3 digits on back of card) Name on Card: __________________________________________________
Billing Address (if different from mailing address above):
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip_________________________
Return completed form with payment to: ALBC Conference PO Box 477 Pittsboro, NC 27312
If you have any questions contact us: Phone: 919-542-5704 Fax: 919-545-0022 E-mail: albc@albc-usa.org
Registrations paid by credit card may be submitted by fax, phone or e-mail. Registration forms also available online: www.albc-usa.org.
Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodations.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy would like to thank these
sponsors of our 29th Annual Conference and Members Meeting
Heifer’s USA Country Program is
very pleased to support ALBC’s
annual conference!
Heifer International works with communities around
the world to end hunger and poverty and care for the
earth. Livestock and genetic diversity are key tools
in the programs we support.
In the USA our programs focus on building communitybased,
just food systems and food sovereignty.
For more information about
Heifer International’s USA Country Program
please contact our office at 859-497-0603.