I hope this update finds you doing well this spring season. Between lambing and kidding, handling storms and drought, preparing for spring and summer markets and growing seasons, we know it is a busy time. Please always let us know if there are ways we can help you through the rhythms of your days and seasons.

There is also a lot going on at AGW. We recently announced the first Certified Regenerative by AGW farm in the UK! Many years in the making, this is an exciting step in the journey of AGW’s newest certification. The Certified Regenerative by AGW pilot program is expected to wrap up later this summer, and the program will be open and accepting new applications. For interested producers, the Certified Regenerative by AGW standards are available online and open for public review and comment. We welcome suggestions and feedback from reviewers through this online form.

Please read on for more updates and news from your AGW-certified peers around the globe.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
We are continuing to monitor Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and support AGW-certified producers in following biosecurity measures to ensure the safety of their flocks. Sharing helpful information for U.S. producers; Canadian producers. AGW farmers, our tech team is also here for any questions—just be in touch with your regional coordinator to get connected.

Deadline Approaching for USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
The USDA’s Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program is taking application for their 2022 grants. This grant program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products with the goal of creating new products, expanding marketing opportunities as well as producer income. While online applications are no longer accepted, paper applications can be postmarked by May 2, 2022.

Featured Resources: Sheep Breeding and Lambing; Doe Fertility and Healthy Kids
If you’re in the middle of lambing or kidding season, be sure to flag these Farm Health Online resources: Sheep Breeding and Lambing and Doe Fertility and Healthy Kids

For Your Customers: New Blog – The Incredible Pasture Raised Egg
Our newest blog post highlights the fact that healthy pastures = healthy birds = healthy eggs and links an earlier study noting that pasture raised eggs are more nutritionally dense than their conventionally produced counterparts. Check it out and feel free to share with your networks.

In the Press

• Canada’s National Observer features Certified Regenerative by AGW pilot participant Spray Creek Ranch located in Coldstream, BC in a recent article about regenerative agriculture and climate change.

• KSHB Kansas City featured Green Dirt Farm located in Westin, MO in a “One Take Trips” segment about their AGW-certified sheep milk cheese, farm tours and café in Weston, MO.

• Tampa Bay Times mentions AGW-certified country ham from Lady Edison located in Chapel Hill, NC in their article about Noble Rice, a new area restaurant opened at Sparkman Wharf.

• CI Living and WCIA features Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery located in Champaign, IL and their AGW-certified dairy goats and goat milk cheeses.

• Digits & Threads features Providence Lane Homestead located in Rocky View County, AB for their AGW-certified wool sheep.

• Southwest Farmer features AGW-certified Westcountry Premium Venison, now offering biltong.

• UGA Today features Hart Dairy in Waynesboro, GA, whose AGW-certified chocolate milk was the winner of the Dairy category and Grand Prize of Flavor of Georgia contest

• Leader Telegram features AGW-farmer Hubert Karreman of Reverence Farms in Saxapahaw, NC

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.