Hoping you are doing well as our next program update comes around. Lots of good news to share this week, including the announcement that we are accepting applications for Auditor and Slaughter Facility Specialists. AGW is seeking contract farm auditors and slaughter facility specialists to conduct farm audits and slaughter plant reviews on behalf of our certification programs. This is an opportunity to join a great team working with amazing farms and businesses; please share this with anyone who might be qualified and interested. Information is available here.

Read on for more program updates below.

Origin of Livestock Comments
The USDA’s AMS recently reopened the comment period on their 2015 proposed rule to amend the origin of livestock requirements for dairy animals under the USDA organic regulations. As a nonprofit and farm certifier working in the U.S. and globally, we understand the challenge and importance of ensuring integrity throughout the supply chain and appreciate having the opportunity to comment in support of transparency and fairness.

AGW products in Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program
AGW-certified products from farms and businesses have a real and positive impact, and we’re glad to provide helpful tools for shoppers everywhere to choose products that match their values – this is why you can now find A Greener World’s “Animal Welfare Approved” logo when searching for Climate Pledge Friendly products on Amazon. If you’re selling AGW-certified products on Amazon and would like to be featured on this page please be in touch with your regional coordinator for more information. Check out AWA listings here.

Featured Resource: Technical Advice Fact Sheet 22 – Fecal Egg Counts
This technical paper discusses fecal sampling to monitor the internal parasite burdens of livestock, explaining what’s involved and how the results can be used, as well as providing links to public and private laboratories that can carry out the tests.

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

• Daily Hampshire Gazette features Kinne Brook Farm in Worthington, MA, where Eliza Lake and Bart Niswonger raise Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW beef cattle, focusing their operation on grass and soil health.

• Hudson Valley 360 features AGW-certified Hawthorne Valley Farm in Ghent, NY in a community reminder about an upcoming day of education around soil health.

• The Caswell Messenger features AGW-certified Rocky River Farms in their regional news interest round up.

• Wisconsin State Farmer highlights Superior Fresh, producer of Salmon Welfare Certified by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW salmon, in “Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley fertile ground for a plethora of crops and produce.”

You can help us reach more farmers by sharing our weekly farmer updates. Just pass this linkalong and thanks for helping us get the word out about farmer resources and AGW-certified businesses.