Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Marjie spent countless hours on the census for chickens and brought many fine
breeds to the forefront, using the ALBC newsletter to promote and recharge the in-
terest in heritage poultry. Breeds such as the Delaware, Buckeye, Java, and Barred
Holland were given a second chance through the guidance of Don Schrider, Jeannette
Beranger, and Marjie.
At the close of 2010, after an event-filled tenure as research director, Marjie left
the ALBC. She was always very modest about her accomplishments, but the impact
of this woman who never kept poultry of her own during her stint at ALBC was phe-
nomenal.
What seemed to be a dismal trend in the 1980s and 1990s became a much brighter
future for the genetic diversity of the poultry world. We can thank Marjie Bender and
the ALBC for their role in changing that trend.
While not everyone can raise and maintain hundreds of different breeds — nor
should
everyone do that — every capable person can help keep our food supply genetically rich.
Begin with one breed that interests you and fits your needs. Don't start with the rarest
of rare birds. You don't want great challenges just out of the gate, or you'll become dis-
couraged. Choose a breed with a fairly well-established gene pool and learn your raising
techniques.
Once you have your methods down and you feel the calling to expand your experi-
ence, it's time to try caring for and raising one of the rare species, simultaneously main-
taining and strengthening the genetics of that breed. Even if you raise only half a dozen
heritage birds, you are doing your part to keep the gene pool diverse and the unique spe-
cies that populate the world flourishing.
