Frank Reese, now in his 70s, is the last remaining breeder of certified Standardbred poultry for commercial food production in the United States. If we do not preserve his legacy, these birds will disappear. His farm is a living museum of the oldest strains of poultry left in the world. His working farm is also home to the Good Shepherd Conservancy, an agri-tourism destination of the first order, boasting a hatchery, museum on the history of fast food and soon to be built professional kitchen.

Apprentice experiences will include choosing the right birds and breeds; how to select top quality breeders; how to collect, clean, and store eggs; how to incubate and hatch eggs; how to control for predators; managing and controlling pathogens; how to catch and transport birds humanely; how to slaughter and process your own birds; record-keeping and production management.

His Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch stands as the last remaining stronghold for many of America’s most important market breeds of chickens and turkeys. We have assessed these to be the Plymouth Rock, New Hampshire, Rhode Island White, Cornish, Leghorn, Minorca, Bronze, Narragansett, White Holland, and Bourbon Red. Having only one commercial farm left in the country to protect these natural treasures leaves them extremely vulnerable. In order to provide a safe future for these breeds, we must drastically increase their numbers. To address this issue, we’ve started a nationwide conservation effort which will increase the 10 breeds’ numbers to 100,000+ birds spread out over hundreds of farms throughout the United States. His farm is also home to the Good Shepherd Conservancy.

Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch Turkeys