What we do: the quick view

RARE BREEDS LISTING AND ADVOCACY

We compile listings of rare domestic livestock and poultry breeds in Australia. We do this by conducting triennial counts of registered livestock animals and surveys of pure breed poultry. We advocate for breeds on our lists through responding to relevant government discussion papers and inquiries. 

Our current listings can be found on the Watchlist pages along with information on how we categorise the levels of rarity. 

• Livestock Watchlist
• Poultry Watchlist
• Guidelines for Categorisation

BREED PROFILES

We provide profiles of each rare breed listed on our Watchlists. You'll find information on breed traits, histories and origins for each of the profiled breeds. Access the profiles by clicking the Meet the Species menu of our website. 

RARE GENETIC MATERIAL

We fund the storage of rare genetic materials (straws and embryos) at secure gene bank facilities across Australia.  We run an annual online Auction to raise funds for storage costs. Find out about the Gene Bank and how to get involved on our Future Farms web page. 

DIRECTORIES

We list our members who make their rare breed animals available from time to time. We also provide listings of breed associations many of which provide their own breeders directories. Find the directories and listings at:

• Livestock Breeders Directory
• Poultry Breeders Directory

MEMBER SERVICES AND SUPPORT

We support members through access to specialist Species Coordinators, regular informative Newsletters, listing eligibility for the Trust's Breeder Directories, eligibility for youth members to apply for grants,  listings of donated rare genetic material, and as needed advice and support. Species Coordinators are listed on our home page. Board members are listed on our Meet the Team page. 

Not yet a member? Find out more about Membership. 

SPONSORSHIP AND EVENTS PROMOTION

We sponsor rare breed awards at shows. Email rarebreedstrustau@gmail.com for further information on sponsorship opportunities. We also promote events wth a rare breed focus or component, as well as conduct rare breed displays at selected shows. Check out our Events page.

YOUTH GRANTS

We support young people through the Terry Heiner Youth Grants program. The program is aimed at supporting members aged 16-25 years old gain skills and knowledge in the care and breeding of rare breed livestock and poultry. An annual grant of up to $1,000 is made each calendar year.  Find out more on the Youth Grants web page.

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

We provide links to useful legal resources, regulations and codes on our Information and Resources web page. Members also have access to a members only area with access to back issues of our Newsletters, as well as ia library of poultry information sheets.