June came quickly, and for many farmers, weather has posed ongoing challenges especially with drought and wildfires. We are thinking of the Canadian farmers and ranchers, especially those who are facing wildfires in various parts of the country, both in recent days, weeks, and, in some cases, months on end. We join everyone in hoping for rain and cooler temperatures. As a reminder, if you’re an AGW farmer who has been impacted by severe weather events in the last few weeks or who is experiencing them now, please let us know. We hope everyone stays safe this season.

Please read on for resources and updates from the AGW program.

For Processors: Local Meat Capacity Grant (Local MCAP) Office Hours, 3 Part Series 

The Local MCAP team has announced a series of Office Hours for processors and interested applicants to learn about the Local Meat Capacity Grant program, ask questions, and receive answers. Register and learn more. 

For AGW-certified producers: Attending Upcoming Conferences? Let’s Collaborate

Even though the days are warming up, the fall and winter event season is just around the corner and conference organizers are starting their event planning. Do you have ideas for workshops and presentations at regional and/or national farming events you’re planning to attend? If so, let us know if we can help! Our Marketing team has been working to submit workshop proposals, and we would love to collaborate and hear your input. Please get in touch with your workshop suggestions by contacting info.

Featured Blog Post: In the Drink

There’s more to livestock drinking water than you think, warns veterinarian and educator, Jennifer Gravely, in this new blog post originally published in Sustainable Farming magazine. Read to learn more about preventing water-related health issues to ensure animal health and productivity.

Featured Resource: Avoiding Heat Stress in Pigs

Despite the well-known saying, pigs don’t actually sweat (aside from their snouts) and can struggle to maintain their body temperature. As a result, overheating in outdoor pigs is a key health and welfare concern, and can affect growth rates, fertility and, in severe cases, can lead to death. Read more in the blog post.

REMINDER to AGW-certified producers: Update Your Directory Listings

Our online directory is ever-changing as we add new grocery stores, restaurants, distributors, local markets and outlets that carry AGW-certified products. Are your listings current? To make sure, just search your farm name in our online directory, and your listings should populate. Need to make changes? Update your vendor listings here or get in touch with your regional coordinator.

In the Press:

• Earth 911 features the Certified Regenerative by AGW program in “Where to buy regeneratively grown foods.”

• MSN features the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW program in “5 ways to ensure you get humane meat for grilling season.”

• HealthNews.com highlights the Certified Regenerative by AGW label as a third-party certification to look for in “Regenerative Foods: Nutritional Values and Carbon Reduction.”

• Farmers Exchange features J2K Capraio of Walkerton, IN in “Cheesemaker turns love of goats into business.”

• Country Folks features Mack Brook Farm of Argyle, NY in “Beef with an emphasis on environmentalstewardship.”

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.