| Dear Dennis,
This week marked Thanksgiving in Canada, Indigenous Peoples Day in the United States, and National Farmers Day (see some of your fellow farmers celebrated here). We’re sharing a info about upcoming grants, an opportunity to comment on labeling of cultured “meat” (you can bet we’ve got something to say about this), as well as share veterinary resources you may find helpful for your pasture-based operation. In the online world, we’re getting ready to launch a series about how consumers can get involved with AGW and how to find and support AGW-certified producers in their area, so be on the lookout and share widely with your networks. As always, we invite you to get in touch with any questions, comments or if you need assistance, and please see this week’s update from AGW below.
Should Cell-Cultured “Meat” Be Labeled? We Think So!!
What sounded like science fiction only a few years ago is quickly becoming a reality, and there is a desperate need for clarity on how—or even if!—this new technology will be labeled (will it be marketed as “sustainably raised”? Will we even know when we’re eating it?). The agency responsible for meat labeling in the U.S., FSIS, is seeking comments. If you think products made from cultured animal cells should be labeled, let your voice be heard by November 2. Stay tuned as we share AGW’s comments in the coming weeks.
Stay Tuned: Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) Fund-a-Farmer Grants
FACT awards grants of up to $2,500 to farmers for projects that help them to build capacity, improve animal welfare and expand pasture-based systems for their animals. Grants are specifically geared toward Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farms (or those seeking certification). The next application period will open in mid-November 2021, so stay tuned for more details!
Featured Blog Post: ‘Breaking News’
While COVID-19 has been the focus over the last year and a half, other diseases impacting livestock and poultry have potential for devastating global health and economic consequences. In this recent article Jennifer Gravley Burton DVM, veterinarian and educator, reviews some of the major current disease threats and efforts to mitigate their risk.
Featured Resource: Veterinary Questions addressed on Farm Health Online
Looking for assistance with veterinary advice geared to pasture-based, high-welfare production? In addition to your vet, you may be interested in checking out the free online resources from Farm Health Online.
From Your Peers
This week,
- Big Picture Farm in Townshend, VT—and home to a herd of AGW-certified dairy goats was featured in a Forbes article about the rising popularity of farm stays on Airbnb during the pandemic.
- 5280, Denver’s Mile High Magazine, featured AGW-certified Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch, in Cortez, CO in an article about how drought in Colorado is impacting farmers and ranchers.
- Working Cows Dairy in Slocomb, AL and their Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Grassfed by AGW dairy cattle were featured by WDHN news about their dairy products available both locally and nationwide.
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North Carolina Small Farm Association 