Photo credit: Jennifer Silverberg Photography of Green Dirt Farm cheese

We are thrilled to announce that six Certified Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) by AGW cheeses have achieved outstanding recognition at the 40th annual American Cheese Society (ACS) Competition in Des Moines, IA!

We are celebrating the following winners:

• Green Dirt Farm in Weston, MO won 3rd place in the Best in Show for their ‘Prairie Tomme’ sheep’s milk cheese and 1st place in Sheep’s Milk cheese aged over 60 days category, and their sheep’s milk ‘Dirt Lover’ won 1st place in the open category made from sheep’s milk under American Originals.

• Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign, IL won 3rd place in the Feta made from sheep, mixed or other milks category, 3rd place in the Goat’s Milk Cheeses fresh rindless goat’s milk cheese aged 0-30 days category for their ‘Chevre Frais’ and 2nd place in the Farmstead Cheeses aged 60 days or more category for ‘moonglo’.

Over the years, AWA farmers have consistently earned accolades at the American Cheese Society Competition, as well as at regional and national food competitions. These achievements underline the undeniable connection between high-welfare, pasture-based management, and the quality and taste of the dairy, meat, and eggs that these animals produce.

If you’re looking to support AGW-certified farmers in making a positive impact on animal welfare and sustainable farming, we invite you to explore our online directory to find Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW cheeses (and more!) near you.

Once again, congratulations to the AGW-certified cheesemakers for their well-deserved recognition. Their achievements demonstrate that high-welfare, sustainable farming equals great-tasting, award-winning food.

Towards a greener world,

Katie Amos

Director of Communications and Outreach