As weather events around North America are getting more severe, many producers in parts of the United States as well as western Canada are still struggling with widespread drought (see the article at bottom for more about how one ranch is handling this). For many, the challenges of the pandemic haven’t resolved, just evolved and compounded with other challenges. If you are re-thinking how to manage risk and optimize your operation (or thinking about re-thinking), you may find this article from last year helpful: Farming in the Shadow of Coronavirus: Plan and plan–and then Plan Some More. Of course not every risk can be mitigated but it can help to have a plan to start with, even if you have to change course. As always please keep us in the loop in case we can be a resource.

Read on for more important updates below, especially our upcoming farmer survey (watch your inboxes!), and resources from the AGW team. Thanks for doing what you do.

Farmer Survey Drops Next Week: We want to hear from you!
We care about all the farmers and producers in our networks and want to make sure that we are meeting your needs, whether that’s through our services, content, marketing materials or something else. We’re launching a survey next week to learn more about you and the other farms and businesses we serve, how we can better support you, and what you would like to see from us in the coming year. Be sure to watch your email next week (hint, hint: there are several nice prizes, and all respondents are entered to win 😊).

Featured Blog Post: Going Non-GMO
To tie in with our non-GMO series on social media, we wanted to share this blog post for any of you who may be considering non-GMO certification. Despite long-term public consumption of GMO foods and increased awareness and understanding of GMO technology in North America, the proportion of consumers actively avoiding GMOs has almost tripled since 2007, with 46% of consumers now saying they avoid them. According to The Hartman Group—a leading international food and beverage market research company—more than one-third say that “no GMO ingredients” is an important factor when selecting which food or beverage products to purchase. Make sure your product and labels speak to this growing market.

Featured Resource: Get it Together, Stronger Together
Cooperatives and producer groups offer today’s sustainable farmers and ranchers the opportunity to work together to provide the consistency and quantity often required by larger buyers or contracts. Group marketing also suits farmers and ranchers who are not interested in marketing themselves or selling directly to the consumer. Read more in this blog post, originally featured in Sustainable Farming Magazine.

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

• TK Ranch in Alberta was featured in the news about the devastating drought that is driving up prices for cattle feed. They are calling on their community to help feed their cows this winter.
• Superior Fresh, the first Salmon Welfare Certified by AGW farmers in the U.S. are featured in Craig Medred for being a leader in the recirculating aquaculture systems farming business.
• Enjoy this Artisan Cheesemakers of Central New York State video which showcases Painted Goat Farm and their Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Non-GMO by AGW goat dairy.

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.