Aaron lives in Arkansas, and is a founding member of the Breeders Academy and a breeder of the Breed known as the Buckeyes. This breed is very special. It’s the only breed created by a woman. Nettie Metcalf create this breed in the late 19th century. The breed was almost lost, and only a handful of breeders even raised this breed.
They were brought back to life by Don Schrider and the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. It was known as the Buckeye Recovery Project. And, Aaron Baker was one of the breeders to take this project on.
Sit back as we talk with Aaron about his breeding practices and his fowl.
We talk about:
- The Breeders Academy membership website and what he has learned from being a member.
- The history of the Buckeye Breed.
- The progress they are making with the Buckeyes.
- How he is dealing with undesirable traits, such as the single comb.
- The many misconceptions about the breed, and what made up the breed.
- The creator of the Buckeyes, Nettie Medcalf, and how she created a breed, while living in a man’s world.
- The traits he’s trying to improve.
- The benefits and use of breeding programs.
- The downside to breeding “best to the best.”
- The breeding programs Aaron is using today, and how well his fowl are progressing.
- The importance of breeding to type (conformation of body).
- The importance of the hen and breeding to mature birds.
- How he culls his birds and what he looks for during the selection process.
- Breeding to improve resistance to disease.
- We talk about biosecurity and the importance of quarantining new birds or show birds.
- He acknowledges his mentors
- His experience at the shows with the Buckeyes.
- His feeding program.
- How he is expanding his interest by taking on another breed.
- How he deals with the heat.
We want to thank Aaron Baker talk with us, and sharing his experiences and practices.
