In this first update of 2021, I want to start by letting you know how grateful the AGW team is for you. Whether you are a certified farmer reading this email, an aspiring farmer, someone considering certification or someone newly interested in the work that we do, thank you for being here. We are gearing up for a big year, and our teams are working hard to provide the best certification services and support that we can possibly offer. We also cannot ignore the fact that our country is going through incredibly difficult times right now. As an organization with deep connections to farmers and the land, we know that day-to-day work has to continue—farmers are still farming and we’re still supporting them. We’ll keep sharing resources about food and farming through our channels, including this one, all while thinking of those impacted and working harder to do better every day. Please read on for updates from the AGW program.

Thank You for Helping Build a Greener World
We would like to pass along sincere thanks to each and every donor who helped us exceed our original end of year fundraising goal to provide resources and support to independent farmers hit hard by the pandemic. We are grateful for you and hopeful for everything we will accomplish together in 2021!

Sustainable Farming Magazine Subscription Reminder
Notice to print subscribers: We are now transferring all Sustainable Farming Magazine print subscriptions to digital UNLESS you are either an AGW-certified farm or business or you sign up to receive the hard copy ($36/year). This change helps us save valuable non-profit funds.

Featured Resource: Farm Health Online
Farm Health Online is a free access website for farmers, ranchers, advisors and veterinarians, offering practical information to support high-welfare management of food animals in outdoor systems. With entries on over 100 common livestock diseases, information on nutrition, housing, breeding and husbandry, as well as public health, biosecurity and legislation, Farm Health Online is an essential tool to support sustainable farming practices. Find out more here.

Updates From Your Peers
Please catch the latest press mentions about AGW-certified producers and the program below. This week,

• AGW-certified Straight Arrow Bison Ranch was the final stop on an archaeological survey, covered by SandHillsExpress.com  
• The Wall Street Journal featured Big Picture Farm in Townshend, VT in their article “Three Ways to Hibernate in Vermont During Covid.”
• The Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW label was noted as a label to look for when shopping in a recent article from Salon.com.