TrueChurro™
Why should we care about a sheep that is a desert landrace in North America?
Our trademark TrueChurro™ and its initiative program recognizes and supports the primitive desert Churro sheep that was significant in all cultures of the Southwest deserts since the 1500s. Its resilience and versatility have made it a revered figure in the tapestry of human history, embodying the shared experiences and interconnectedness of different cultures. As we reflect on the enduring significance of the Churro sheep, we are reminded of the profound ways in which simple yet noble creatures can transcend boundaries and bring people together, weaving a common thread that binds us all.
We recognize and support this cultural identity with the Churro without bias.
TrueChurro™: A Fresh Perspective of the Churro’s Role in Culture, Conservation, and Agriculture
Rio Milagro Foundation is proud to introduce TrueChurro™, not as a new breed registration, but as an initiative that celebrates, safeguards, and creates economic incentives to protect the most primitive desert Churro sheep. Through the TrueChurro™ initiative, we have created a "fresh approach" to re-evaluating the vital role of Churro sheep in cultural identity, agriculture and conservation.
These special sheep show impressive adaptive traits that used to be common before the 1800s that allowed them to survive the exceedingly harsh desert environment. Now, these traits are rare. We are dedicated to the protection of desert landrace species, and to the celebration of the joy and mysteries of how they can help us.
TrueChurro™ Initiative:
— Recognizes and redefines the most primitive traits of the Churro sheep and its wool, reigniting appreciation for the resiliency of the Churro in range management, and to bring notice to their coarse but resilient three-fiber fleece.
This paradigm shift from trying to “improve” the adaptive traits to fit into more modern idea of livestock, and view them more as “Range Doctors”, will transform how we approach and prioritize soil preservation through new practices, research, and community involvement. We will do this by using Churros and their wool as its catalyst for rangeland health in a drying and heating climate.
— Acknowledges the Conservation Significance of Churro Sheep
The Churro sheep's distinct traits and deep historical significance uniquely position it to make substantial contributions to the evolving realms of cultural heritage, agriculture, and conservation. Recognizing the inherent value and significance of these exceptional attributes is crucial in reshaping the narrative of the Churro sheep. This strategic approach will not only enhance its cultural revival but also fortify agricultural and conservation initiatives, underscoring the economic importance of its cultural heritage.
What TrueChurro™ will do:
— TrueChurro™ locates and discerns the most primitive flocks and through our TrueChurro™ initiative, provides support and assistance with economic incentives created by our program to the shepherds that protect them.
— Using our trademark that identifies the primitive churro in research and sustainable product development, will allow us to create a community where we are laying the foundation for a strong, cohesive, and influential collaborative collective. It will foster a sense of unity and belonging among our collaborators, as they see their contributions being recognized and promoted under a shared identity. This will encourage continued engagement and participation in our research and development efforts.
— We advocate for and encourage other groups that support and promote the Churro’s preservation like the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association, Livestock Conservancy and others.
— Pioneer holistic approaches that not only protect water and soil integrity but also support thriving ecosystems and the livelihoods of shepherds and farmers. This is all done by protecting and restoring the Churro genetics.
What makes a Churro unique?
The most primitive genetics of the Churro sheep, have unique adaptations that can help them withstand the extreme climate conditions seen in current weather patterns around the world.
They possess relict characteristics or genetic variants that are either absent in most modern domestic stock or exist only in rare breeds. But they also carry a number of non-visible traits that have allowed them to survive — like disease resistance, adaption to marginal food sources, can travel long distances without water, ect.
The genetic variability and relic characteristics are key to their ability to help us.
Learn more here.