We hope everyone’s managing all that comes with this season, with longer days and to-do lists. Our thoughts continue to be with Canadian farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfires. AGW-certified producers, please let us know if you experienced damage and/or need assistance. This week we are sharing information about an upcoming training course, labeling assistance grants (closing later this summer) along with a technical resource about managing heat stress in pigs. Please be in touch with any questions, comments or feedback, and thank you for reading.

Welfare Officer Certification Courses – Raleigh, NC July 29-30 and July 31-August 1

Are you interested in adding significant value to the production of your animal protein products? Do you want to understand how proven animal welfare practices can improve the bottom line? If so, get in touch to learn more about a program designed for live production managers, animal welfare professionals, and processing plant supervisors interested in practices to improve product quality and animal welfare. AGW is offering two, two-day Welfare Officer certification programs taught by a leading specialist from the University of Bristol (United Kingdom). These research-based events deliver proven animal welfare and slaughterhouse practices in a practical format. Contact info to learn more.

REMINDER – Labeling Assistance Grants, APPLY NOW!

For a limited time, AGW is offering grants to support producers in the process of incorporating AGW logos on their products (ex: label printing costs, branded egg carton purchases, slaughter plant fees for adding AGW logos to label, etc.). The maximum grant is $500 per operation and is only available for animal products holding AGW certifications marketed in Canada and the U.S. Operations must be certified and in good standing to receive funding, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Marketing Services Coordinator, Callie Casteel, at callie for information on how to apply.

Featured Resource: Hog Roast

Despite the well-known saying, pigs don’t actually sweat (aside from their snouts) and can struggle to maintain their body temperature. Without proper management, heat stress in pigs can lead to reduced growth rates, fertility issues, and even death. Get more information about understanding heat stress in pigs in this recent blog post.

AGW Family in the Media

• Working Cows Dairy in Slocomb, AL was featured by WTVY in “Sweet Grown Alabama hosts farm to table dinner.”

• Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW was noted as a certification to seek out when shopping in Tasting Table’s “Why You Can Ignore ‘Farm-Raised’ On Meat Packaging.”

• The Lands at Hillside Farms in Shavertown, PA was featured by LehighValleyLive.com in “Pa.’s new ice cream trail has 51 cool stops you should check out.”

• Canyons of the Ancient Guest Ranch was featured by Denver Post in “Pet-friendly Colorado hotels and resorts.”

• Globe Newswire featured Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW AGN Roots in “AGN Roots Named ‘Protein Product of the Year’ In 17th Annual Mindful Awards Program.”

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.