As with most of US livestock and poultry production, only a few genetic lines of chickens are used to supply the eggs and chicken products to supermarkets. Consequently, other breeds decline and their unique characteristics can be lost if there is not thoughtful conservation. “While these breeds might not be commercially important today, there is no assurance that we won’t need them in the future,” says Bender. “Agriculture changes, and we may yet need the genetics these breeds have to offer.”