We’ve officially kicked off event season and our outreach team was thrilled to chat with new friends and old at the recent EcoFarm conference in California. Talking with farmers at our exhibit booth, we fielded great questions and look forward to working with many of you on certification. It was also good to hear positive feedback on our updates—it’s always a bit of leap in the dark sending emails out into the world, so thanks for letting us know what you think. Never hesitate to reach out if there’s something you’d like to see here! A few helpful resources this week and more below:
 
Two Programs for Revenue Losses due to Natural Disasters and Pandemic
In early January, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced two new programs for revenue losses from natural disasters in 2020 and 2021 or the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two is available for those who experienced revenue losses from eligible natural disasters in 2020 and 2021—and who did not receive assistance in ERP Phase one. The Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) is for those experiencing revenue losses in 2020 due to the pandemic. Learn more and apply by June 2, 2023.
 
2022 Census of Agriculture
Conducted every five years, the Census of Agriculture is a count of U.S. farms and ranches along with the people involved in their operation. If you did not receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture questionnaire and should have, or if you are operating a new farm, you can sign up to be counted in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. All responses are due February 2023. Details about the Canadian Census of Agriculture can be found here.

Congratulations 2023 Good Food Award Finalists
Earlier this month, the Good Food Foundation announced the finalists for 2023 Good Food Awards, and we were thrilled to see members of the AGW family on the list! Congratulations to these AGW-certified farms and products: Texas Iberico, Serrano Salami; Sun Raised Foods, Finocchiona Lamb Salami; Tomales Farmstead Creamery, Atika cheese; Working Cows Dairy, Griene Tsiis, Slocomb Tomato & Garlic and Wiregrass Tsiis cheeses. Good luck and we’re so proud to work with you!

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.

In the Media

• Big Picture Farm in Townshend, VT was featured in Michelin Guide’s “Road Trip Along the Vermont Cheese Trail”

• Sirocco Ridge Farm in Henryville, IN was featured on Hoosier Ag Today in “Five Hoosier dairies receive funding to expand dairy operations”

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.