A Greener World's Sustainable Farming Magazine — Fall 2025

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 3

FALL 2025 | $9

GLOSSING

OVER THE

TRUTH

ROLL BACK

GREENWASHING

WITH CERTIFICATION

PLUS

CRATE DEBATE

REGEN UPDATE

PASTURE WEANING

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 3

FALL 2025 | $9

CONSUMER VOICES

CERTIFIED = GROWTH

2025 has flown by,

with a dizzying mix of

challenges, uncertainties,

and—thankfully—

celebrations. As we look

ahead, we are grateful

for the work we do, and

especially for the chance

to do it alongside you all.

In the U.S., congressional hearings have recently

challenged Proposition 12, passed by California

voters to prohibit certain forms of extreme

confinement for farm animals. We are also seeing

efforts to pass legislation that would overturn all

state confinement bans. We’ve been asked about

AGW’s position, and wanted to provide our take.

Proposition 12 and other confinement bans do not

guarantee high welfare by our standards, but can

be seen as a step toward providing animals basic

freedoms. Also, these laws have been a striking

example of how consumers can successfully send

a message to politicians—and the marketplace.

Even without meeting the full definition of

“humane,” the people demanded something

better—clearly, loudly, and in the face of Big Ag

campaigns warning of higher prices. Now, as

attacks on such laws grow louder we’re left to

ask: if neither transparent markets nor effective

regulation exist, how can consumers push for

better practices? Perhaps there is no “right”

way to make consumers’ voices heard, and these

vested interests simply don’t want to change. This

makes it all the more important for consumers to

use the levers they have in meaningful food labels.

And in the meantime, we hope that farmers who

have invested in more humane systems on the

basis of state laws are not left out to dry.

Meanwhile, the regenerative landscape is

bursting with potential, provided we continue

to anchor the term in real standards and

verification. Our focus remains on striking the

balance between meaningful standards, practical

application, and scalable impact.

After a public comment period and farmer

feedback, our 2025 standards review is complete.

The proposed amendments are available on our

website, and we encourage you to take a look

at what may affect your farm or business.

We also recently hosted a training led by

Dr Andy Grist of the University of Bristol.

Designed for plant owners and operators (also

attended by farmers and auditors), we dug into

the science of the slaughter process and its

impact on welfare and meat quality. We look

forward to offering more opportunities like these.

Finally, as 2025 comes to a close, you’ll see

news of our end-of-year fundraising campaign.

It has been another hard year for many, but we

remain committed to supporting independent

farmers and the brands they work with—

regardless of political or economic turbulence.

In uncertain times, we cannot shift our vision to

suit the moment. We must hold fast to what a

truly sustainable food system looks like. Thank

you for helping us do just that.

Emily Moose

Executive Director

A Greener World

GLOSSING

OVER THE

TRUTH

PLUS

CRATE DEBATE

REGEN UPDATE

PASTURE WEANING

ROLL BACK

GREENWASHING

WITH CERTIFICATION

Sustainable Farming

Fall 2025

Volume 10

Issue 3

Cover price $9

Editor: Peter Mundy

info@agreenerworld.org

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OR 97760

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LOOPS7/ISTOCK

New report

finds animal

welfare

and AGW

certifications

drive market

growth

New market research confirms that food labels

backed by credible animal welfare and sustainability

claims are continuing to deliver strong growth in

food and beverage categories.

According to SPINS’ Sustainability Signals:

From Consumer Demand to Category Impact

report, products carrying animal welfare labels

grew by 17% year-on-year. At the same time,

dairy categories are adapting to sustainability

demands, fueling growth across segments.

Certifications from AGW, the Non-GMO Project

and Regenerative Organic Certified—along with

organic and grassfed claims—are now driving

double-digit growth.

The findings highlight the increasing value

consumers place on transparent, third-party

certification. While unverified claims continue

to create confusion and risk ‘greenwashing,’

independent labels backed by rigorous audits

are emerging as a key driver of trust and loyalty.

“This data reinforces what we’ve long known:

meaningful certification matters,” says Katie Amos,

AGW’s Director of Communications and Outreach.

“Consumers are motivated not only by price and

taste, but by a genuine desire to support higher

welfare and more sustainable farming. AGW

certifications Animal Welfare Approved, Certified

Non-GMO and Certified Regenerative provide

the independent assurance people need to feel

confident about their purchases.”

Working with more than 6,000 farms worldwide,

AGW’s programs are helping farmers and

food businesses demonstrate their commitment

to welfare, sustainability and transparency—while

enabling retailers and brands to respond to clear

consumer demand. “As the SPINS report concludes,

sustainable label claims are not just a moral

imperative,” adds Amos. “They are increasingly a

commercial advantage in a crowded marketplace.”

Visit spins.com

IN THE

NEWS …

DEEP SOIL STUDY

A 25-year Michigan State University trial confirms

conservation practices like reduced tillage and cover

cropping build soil carbon and resilience over time.

Published in Soil Science Society of America

Journal, the study highlights measurable gains

in fertility, water retention and climate resilience.

Researchers say the findings prove regenerative

approaches not only improve yields but also

deliver lasting ecological benefits—evidence

farmers and policymakers can use to shape

future soil health strategies. Visit canr.msu.edu

BIG MAC REGEN?

In one of the latest corporate regenerative

commitments, McDonald’s has pledged $200

million over seven years to support grazing

projects on up to 4 million acres of U.S. cattle

ranches. In another sign of growing interest in

regenerative agriculture, the initiative will be

managed with the National Fish and Wildlife

FoundationFunding at this level could have

significant impacts for farmers, animals and

the environment—if outcomes are meaningful

and verified.

ALI GOODE

GM MAIZE CONCERN

Researchers found that pollen from genetically

engineered MON810 maize can reduce survival of

ladybug offspring, raising concerns for beneficial

insect populations. The study, published in

Arthropod-Plant Interactions, tested effects of

Bt maize pollen (Cry1Ab) on the ladybugs (also

known as ladybirds) Hippodamia variegata. While

adult fitness was unaffected, offspring survival

declined. The researchers warn this trade-off could

undermine population growth—and highlight

potential ecological risks of GM maize in Europe.

MARKETING ADVICE

A new crowdsourced white paper gathers insights

on marketing regenerative products from more

than 20 leading food companies. Produced by

Smoketown, Unlocking Demand for Regenerative

identifies four priorities: understanding consumer

motivations, framing regeneration around taste

and nutrition, deepening loyalty among “regencurious”

shoppers, and bold collaboration to raise

awareness. It calls regenerative agriculture a oncein-a-generation

opportunity to transform food

and farming. Visit wearesmoketown.com

2 • SUSTAINABLE FARMING • FALL 2025

FALL 2025 • SUSTAINABLE FARMING • 3

IN THE NEWS …

PENN CROFT PROSTOCK-STUDIO

ENGLISH ROSÉ

Penn Croft Vineyards in Hampshire has become

the first vineyard in England to achieve Certified

Regenerative by AGW.

Planted in 2019 on chalky, south-facing slopes

near Crondall, Penn Croft has built its reputation on

a strong commitment to regenerative viticulture—

using cover crops, reducing soil disturbance, and

encouraging biodiversity across the estate. Alongside

its own wines, the winery also operates under

the Itasca Wines label, providing grape-to-bottle

services for vineyards across Britain.

The certification follows a rigorous assessment

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Two landmark certifications mark an exciting

step forward for the globally recognized Certified

Regenerative by AGW program.

Squeeze Citrus in Georgia, U.S. has become

the world’s first citrus producer to be Certified

Regenerative by AGW, with management practices

focused on soil health, cover crops, pollinator

habitat, and overall ecosystem resilience.

Meanwhile, Braga Fresh, a leading California

grower, shipper and processor, has achieved

certification for its Josie’s Organics sweet baby

process verifying measurable improvements in soil

health, biodiversity, water, air quality, infrastructure,

and social responsibility. Unlike unverified claims,

Certified Regenerative by AGW is audited regularly

to demonstrate genuine progress in rebuilding

ecosystems and strengthening resilience.

“We are delighted to see Penn Croft leading

the way for English viticulture,” says Wayne

Copp, AGW’s Executive Director Europe. “This

certification provides a meaningful assurance that

regeneration is more than just a marketing term.”

Visit penncroftvineyards.com

HAVE YOUR SAY

Don't miss your

chance to fill out

AGW's annual

producer survey!

“This is your

opportunity as

a farmer, rancher

or grower in the

AGW network to

share feedback on

how we can better

support you in the

future,” says Callie

Casteel, AGW’s

Marketing Services

Coordinator.

“This brief survey

helps us shape

our services and

programs, guiding

our work for 2026

and beyond. We

read every response

and consider all

suggested changes

to our services

and programming."

You can take

part in the survey

(and enter the

prize draw!) by

subscribing to

AGW's email list.

broccoli and romaine hearts—highlighting how

regenerative practices can scale successfully across

large-scale vegetable production.

“We are proud to partner with farms and food

businesses like Squeeze Citrus and Braga Fresh

to validate the positive impacts of regenerative

farming,” says Tim Holmes, AGW’s Director

of Compliance. “These achievements show

regenerative agriculture can thrive across diverse

crops and at scale, delivering benefits to farmers,

consumers, and the environment alike.”

SUPPLY LINES

A Greener World played a leading role at the

SupplySide Sustainability Summit webinar in

September, which focused on how brands can

meet the growing demand for sustainable

sourcing and transparent supply chains.

Emily Moose, AGW's Executive Director, joined

a lineup of international experts in the session

'Sustainable supply chain priorities: Understanding

values-oriented consumers and creating new

models to advance sustainable supply.' Moose

underscores the vital role of credible third-party

certification in closing the gap between consumer

expectations and corporate practice.

“Consumers are motivated by health, affordability,

and taste, but they also care deeply about

welfare and sustainability,” she told delegates.

“Yet fewer than two in ten believe company

claims without independent proof. That’s why

meaningful third-party certification is not just

a ‘nice to have’—it’s the foundation of trust.”

Drawing on AGW’s extensive experience

certifying over 6,000 farms worldwide, Moose

demonstrated how rigorous auditing and certification

procedures can combat greenwashing,

add value to brands, and ensure supply chains

deliver measurable benefits for people, animals,

and the planet.

In the final panel discussion session, Moose

emphasized that meaningful collaboration

and credible certification are key to scaling

sustainability, protecting farm livelihoods, and

ensuring consumer trust in local, regional, and

global supply chains.

Visit supplysidesj.com/webinars

LABEL BOOST

AGW’s Labeling Assistance Grants are extended

through 2025, with producers now able to apply

more than once—or for amounts above $500.

“Funding can cover costs to add AGW logos,

including label printing, branded egg cartons, and

application fees at slaughter or packing plants,”

says Callie Casteel, AGW’s Marketing Services

Coordinator. “Grants are available on a firstcome

basis to AGW-certified operations in good

standing marketing animal products in the U.S.

and Canada.” Contact callie@agreenerworld.org

CALIFORNIA

DREAMIN’

AGW staff and

board members

from Borth and

South American

and Europe

gathered both

virtually and inperson

in California

this September for

a three-day training

and planning event.

The meet-up

featured a day of

workshops and

strategy sessions,

followed by handson

training and

discussion at

California Olive

ranch in Artois

and regenerative

viticulture experts.

“Bringing together

colleagues in these

real-life settings

enables us to

align our vision

and strengthen

the impact of our

work,” says Warren

King, AGW board

member.

SILVER FOR AGW DAIRY

Working Cows Dairy of Slocomb, Alabama

(Certified Animal Welfare Approved and Certified

Grassfed by AGW), has earned a Silver Medal

for its chocolate milk at the 2025 Los Angeles

International Dairy Competition. Judged against

entries worldwide, the award highlights the farm’s

dedication to high-welfare, grassfed and USDA

organic practices. Known for its cream-top,

non-homogenized milk and high-welfare ethos,

Working Cows Dairy shows that sustainability

and exceptional product quality go hand in hand.

CANADIAN QUANDARY

Canadian stakeholders are grappling with how

to define regenerative agriculture without undermining

its grassroots momentum.

At a recent webinar organized by the Canadian

Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), experts

discussed findings from a new CSA Group report,

Regenerative Agriculture in Canada: Considerations

for Standardization. The report highlights broad

agreement on five core principles: minimizing soil

disturbance, keeping soil covered, maintaining

living roots, enhancing biodiversity, and incorporating

livestock. It also identifies emerging priorities

such as efficient input use, water conservation, and

ethical considerations like community health and

fair labor.

Crucially, the report frames regenerative as a

journey of continuous improvement and warns

that rigid or prescriptive standards risk alienating

producers and excluding smaller farms. Instead,

it calls for outcome-based, flexible standards

supported by farmer consultation, regional

adaptation, knowledge-sharing, and innovative

funding to ease transition.

“We’re excited to see this debate, which

highlights the core challenge: balancing credibility

with flexibility to ensure regenerative certification

benefits both farmers and consumers,” says Cailtlin

Aguilar, Director of Quality and CR Program Coordinator.

“Certified Regenerative by AGW was

built to work with farmers and businesses, not

dictate to them. Our outcomes-based model

verifies real progress in soil, biodiversity and

welfare, while allowing farmers to adapt practices

to their own land, climate and goals.”



Opinion

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Oklahoma

farmer

Leo Staples

challenges

Congress

on animal

confinement

laws

Leo and Julie Staples

operate Staples Farm

in Lincoln County,

Oklahoma. Visit

staplesfarmok.com

In the 1960s, my parents managed 40 sows

in Oklahoma, raising pigs from birth to market

weight. At the time, farrowing crates (narrow cages

typically used in conventional pig systems during

birthing) were considered state of the art. They

helped reduce accidental crushing—the number

one cause of death in all farrowing operations—

but the crates were used only briefly. Weather

permitting, sows and their litters moved to

outdoor pens within about 10 days.

Once outside, they could root and socialize in

the fresh air. By only breeding sows twice a year,

they had a longer period between weaning and

the time they were rebred. The longer weaning

period was also beneficial to the piglets. It was not

unusual for our sows to remain productive for five

or six years, living healthy, natural lives outdoors.

Compare that with most large-scale industrial

hog operations today. Once bred, sows are confined

to gestation crates barely wider than their bodies—

they cannot turn around or lay down in a natural

position. Just before giving birth, they are moved

into farrowing crates. Piglets are typically weaned

early, often at three weeks, and the sow is rebred

almost immediately. The cycle repeats until her

body breaks down, usually after just two or three

years. The physical toll, combined with the psychological

stress of extreme confinement, makes this

one of the most criticized practices in modern

farming.

At Staples Farm, our family-owned operation

since 1971, we have taken a different path. We

raise Berkshire hogs outdoors on pasture, in

small paddocks, and we are proud to be Certified

Animal Welfare Approved by AGW. Instead of

crates, our sows farrow in mobile outdoor huts,

where they can build nests, move freely, and rest

away from their piglets.

Our piglets nurse for at least six weeks, leading

to healthier animals and less stress at weaning. We

limit our sows to two litters a year, giving them time

to fully recover. As a result, they live longer, more

natural lives than their industrially raised counterparts.

We’ve found these methods are not only

better for the pigs but also healthier for the soil,

the farm ecosystem, and the families who eat

our pork.

This is why I strongly oppose current Congressional

efforts to overturn state laws that ban

the extreme confinement of breeding pigs, veal

calves, and egg-laying hens. Oklahoma’s farmers

have a proud tradition of caring for animals and

land. We understand that good farming means

providing adequate food and water, shelter from

the elements, veterinary care when needed, and

the opportunity for animals to express natural

behaviors.

Consumers can make a real difference by

purchasing products that carry trusted labels

like Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW,

supporting legislation that protects farm animals,

and buying from local businesses such as the

Conscious Community Co-op. I urge you all to

tell your Congressional representatives to reject

any legislation that endorses the use of gestation

crates and other extreme confinement.

Together, we can promote farming practices

that respect animals, people, and the environment

—and protect the values we share as farmers and

consumers.



KREHER AMILY FARMS

ROOTED IN

RESILIENCE

Rafaela Aguiar on turning challenges into innovation,

and adapting for tomorrow at Kreher Family Farms

Kreher Family Farms is a fourth-generation,

vertically integrated farm rooted in western New

York. The story began in 1924, when Henry and

Wilhelmina Kreher started a small poultry operation

in Amherst. Over the last century, that modest

family business has grown into one of the nation’s

top 35 egg producers, and became the first farm in

New York to be Certified Regenerative by AGW for

crop production.

A major part of this evolution has been our

regenerative crop farm—3,200 acres dedicated

not only to producing organic corn, soybeans,

triticale, and barley for the egg farm, but also to

grow vegetable crops, such as winter squash, bell

peppers, and sweet corn. Here, manure from the

chickens is transformed into certified organic

fertilizer, closing the nutrient loop and reinforcing

our commitment to regenerative agriculture.

Facing the challenges

Farming in western New York has always

presented distinct climate challenges, with a

narrow growing window. Soil temperatures often

remain below optimal levels until late April or May,

making it difficult to plant soybeans and corn early,

while wet springs slow fieldwork at planting. Fall

harvests are frequently interrupted by extended

periods of rain in October, and early frosts remain

a perennial risk.

Persistent moisture favors pathogens, such as

Fusarium spp. in cucurbits, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

(white mold) in soybeans, Cercospora spp. and

Phoma spp. in beets, and bacterial infections in

cucurbits, bell peppers, and beets. Managing these

pressures in an organic system requires a proactive,

integrated approach rather than reliance on single

interventions.

On top of these environmental pressures, labor

costs have risen sharply. To maintain profitability,

we have reduced reliance on hand-weeding crews

and adjusted crop rotations and operational

strategies to align with higher labor costs while

protecting our margins. These challenges have

reinforced an important lesson: building soil

resilience is central to over-coming both the

changing environmental and economic pressures

we face. By improving soil health and optimizing

how we harness that resilience, we are creating a

stronger foundation for our farm to withstand the

increasingly unpredictable conditions that define

our growing region.

A regenerative approach

In recent years, we earned regenerative certification

through the Certified Regenerative by AGW

program and have participated in USDAsupported

projects focused on circular farming

systems and carbon resilience. These efforts

have built the foundations for one of our most

exciting recent developments: a new partnership

with Sprouts Farmers Market. Beginning in 2025,

our Certified Regenerative by AGW organic winter

squash will be featured in more than 85 East Coast

Sprouts Farmers Market locations—bringing the

principles we practice in the field to the plates of

families far beyond our local community.

Adaptations on the farm

To meet our changing climate and market

challenges, we are adopting a regenerative

approach that integrates soil health, nutrient

cycling, reduced tillage, and innovations in

biological management.

Soil health and mineral amendments

For the past two years, we’ve trialed silicate-based

minerals like basalt to see if they can improve soil

health and resilience. Basalt rock dust slowly

releases nutrients such as potassium, calcium,

and silicon, acting as a ‘mineral bank’ while also

contributing to carbon dioxide sequestration. In

2024, we applied basalt to soybeans, monitoring

changes in pH, water retention, and micronutrient

availability. This year, we’re trialing it on triticale



KREHER AMILY FARMS (x2)

KUHN

KREHER AMILY FARMS

On-farm trials include identifying optimal rye planting density ...

... and the optimum number of passes The Kuhn Krause Dominator disc ripper shatters compacted soil layers Winter peas provide biomass and soil cover

in two fields with different soil types to see how

texture influences results. Early findings suggest

improvements in nutrient cycling and water

retention—critical for climate resilience.

We also continue our cover crop and compost

timing trials, with red clover consistently delivering

the highest corn yields and the best nitrogen

contribution at the lowest seed cost, making it

our primary green manure crop. However, it can

increase foxtail pressure, impacting soybean yields

—something we now manage with strategic rotation

and different clover planting times. While more

costly, winter peas have also performed well

as an alternative green manure. This nuanced

understanding allows us to match cover crops to

specific agronomic and economic goals, rather

than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.

Reducing tillage and improving residue

management

Transitioning to reduced tillage is a unique

challenge in an organic system, where herbicides

are not part of the toolbox. Mechanical tillage

plays a key role in early-season weed control and

helping soils warm more quickly in spring.

Planting into crimped rye has become an

important part of our efforts to reduce tillage

across the farm. What began as a 5-acre soybean

trial in 2023 has now expanded to 150 acres and

8 acres of winter squash established using this

method. Along the way, we’ve fine-tuned key

details like the optimal rye planting population,

how the number of crimping passes affects

crop performance, and whether rolling soybeans

influences yield outcomes. The system reinforces

our broader regenerative goals—keeping living

roots in the soil longer, adding organic matter

through residue, reducing tillage passes, and

Planting

into crimped

rye has

become an

important

part of our

efforts

to reduce

tillage

across the

farm

encouraging biodiversity in the field while keeping

weeds at bay.

Managing disease and building crop resilience

White mold is a major yield-limiting factor in

organic soybeans. Through multi-year testing,

we’ve developed a two-application biological

control strategy—with an in-furrow treatment at

planting followed by a spray at R1—that increased

yields in 2024 by an average of 14 bushels per

acre across 300 acres compared to previous years.

We’re now integrating this into our conventional

soybean management, while trialing new biological

products for improved cost-effectiveness and

long-term disease suppression.

Innovations and emerging research

We’re also exploring unconventional soil amendments,

like insect frass from black soldier fly larvae

as a nutrient-rich, waste-reducing input for winter

squash. Paired with ongoing work in in-furrow

nutrient applications, these trials seek to boost

early germination, nutrient uptake, and plant

vigor without synthetic inputs.

Participation in the Cornell Spear Program has

also deepened our understanding of how historical

manure applications, cover cropping, and tillage

practices influence soil nitrogen supply and

microbial activity. These insights enable us to

fine-tune nutrient management and reduce

reliance on purchased fertility.

Learning through trial and error

Every season is an opportunity to learn. Some

years bring breakthroughs, while others raise new

questions and challenges. But every trial helps us

understand our land a little better.

In 2024, results from a two-year on-farm trial,

where cover crops were planted the year before

and evaluated alongside different compost

application timings, contributed to our highest

corn yields to date. Similarly, building on past

observations and adjustments in small grain

management helped us achieve our secondbest

triticale yield in company history.

Applying lessons from three years of soybean

trials, where we combined in-furrow microelements

with liquid inoculants and a bio-fungicide, resulted

in a 14 bushel-per-acre improvement. We’ve also

found that in organic systems, liquid inoculants

perform better (even greater than in conventional

settings) than peat-based products, which do

not adhere well to the untreated seed.

Of course, not every trial succeeds. For

example, results from interseeding cover crop

mixes in corn remain inconsistent. Our goal is to

harvest corn or soybeans while leaving a living

mulch to suppress weeds, feed the soil (green

manure), and protect it over winter. We found that

waiting until the V4 growth stage, as the literature

suggests, is already too late—V3 or earlier gives us

better establishment potential in local conditions.

But we’ll keep testing mixes and timings, including

in conventional fields.

Our approach to trials is simple: we start small,

gathering as much data as possible through

repeated trials and varied treatments. If results

are consistently promising over three seasons,

we expand to larger acreages and integrate the

practice into our crop plan. If a trial fails, we

dig into the data to understand why, making

targeted adjustments for the following year. If a

practice shows no measurable benefit after two

consecutive seasons, we redirect those resources

elsewhere, but only after running the numbers on

margins, investment, and risk.

Every

season is an

opportunity

to learn.

Some years

bring breakthroughs,

while others

raise new

questions

Looking forward

For us, regenerative farming isn’t about chasing

trends. It’s about building a farming system that

can weather droughts, heavy rains, pest outbreaks,

and market changes while leaving our soils,

biodiversity, and local community stronger

than we found them. The data we collate keeps

us honest, while the diversity of approaches

keeps us adaptable.

If we could share one piece of advice with

other farmers, it would be this: start small trials,

measure everything, and be ready to adapt.

Seek out research, connect with local extension

experts, and remember that most field outcomes

are the product of multiple interacting factors,

not a single cause.

Test your soil for microbiological activity and

track how different practices affect soil life over

time. Perhaps most importantly, don’t be

discouraged by setbacks. Every unsuccessful trial

still gives you one more piece of the puzzle. In our

experience, mistakes are often the fastest route to

meaningful progress. The most powerful changes

often begin as trials in a single field—and can even

reshape the way you farm.

Rafaela Aguiar is an Agronomy Specialist

at Kreher Family Farms. Based in western

New York, Kreher Family Farms is a fourthgeneration

operation managing over 2.3 million

laying hens and 3,200 acres of certified organic,

regenerative crops. Kreher Family Farms is a

fourth-generation operation managing 3,200

certified Organic, regenerative acres. They are

proudly Certified Regenerative by AGW for

their vegetables, grains, and cover crops.

Visit kreherfarmsregenerative.com



CERTIFICATION

SIMPLIFIED

The Certified

Regenerative

standards

are now

easier to

follow

and more

supportive,

suggests

Rob George

When we first set out to create the Certified

Regenerative by AGW program back in 2017,

we knew it had to be more than a ‘tick-box’

exercise. From the outset, our core aim was to

guard against the risk of ‘regenerative’ becoming

another marketing buzzword—lacking substance,

transparency, or measurable outcomes.

Certified Regenerative by AGW was always

designed to be different. We wanted to create

a program that would actively support farmers,

ranchers and others in the food industry in

transitioning to—and building—truly regenerative,

resilient businesses, while giving retailers and

consumers a standard they could genuinely trust.

Since its official launch in late 2020, Certified

Regenerative by AGW has quickly become

recognized as one of the most robust, credible,

and pragmatic regenerative standards in the

world, providing a roadmap for meaningful

progress without prescribing a ‘top-down’

or ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

Listening, learning and improving

But even the best standards can improve.

Following valuable feedback from farmers,

growers, food businesses and our auditors

over the last five years, we recognized the need

to make the standards easier to use and navigate,

while keeping the same level of integrity and

ambition. The feedback was consistent:

The standards were too long and sometimes

repetitive or overlapping

Some of the language was overly complex

or confusing

More guidance was needed to understand

what was expected—and how to show it

during an audit.

In response, we set ourselves a clear challenge:

Keep the high bar that sets AGW apart

Reduce complexity and unnecessary duplication

Make the language clearer and easier to follow

Provide basic guidance and examples of

acceptable records

Explain what our auditors are looking for—

and why.

Our goal was simple: we wanted the standards

to serve as a clear guide for progress, not the

legalistic document they are often assumed to be.

A major update

After months of work, consultation and review,

we are proud to announce a major update to the

Certified Regenerative by AGW standards. The new

version is shorter, clearer, simpler, and more userfriendly—while

remaining as robust and credible

as ever.

We worked through every section of the

standards—soil, water, air and climate, biodiversity,

cropping and grassland, social responsibility,

and animal welfare—to make them streamlined,

consistent, and supportive.

The updated standards have also been rewritten

with AGW’s increasingly international audience in

WHAT’S NEW

Simpler navigation

New layout with

fewer, betterfocused

standards

Clarity

Straightforward

text that is easier

to read and apply

Support

Practical guidance

notes with basic

examples and

context

Transparency

Clear expectations

of what our

auditors are

looking for

mind, making them easier to translate into Spanish

and French to support our growing international

producer base.

Importantly, while the format has significantly

changed, the outcomes have not, facilitating

a smooth transition for existing certifications.

Key improvements

Here are some of the key improvements:

Fewer, clearer standards: The total number

of standards has been reduced by over 50%,

thanks to the removal of duplication, merging

of overlapping requirements, and general

simplification. The 2025 version now contains

just over 100 individual standards—without

losing any rigor or ambition.

Simpler, more direct language: The standards

were rewritten in plain English wherever possible,

replacing jargon and overly complex phrasing with

clear, actionable statements. Sentences are shorter

and the structure is more consistent across all

sections.

Guidance notes for every standard: Each

standard now comes with guidance notes

explaining why it matters, offering examples of

good practice, and giving real-world context. This

helps producers understand not just what to do,

but why.

“What We’re Looking For” audit prompts:

To increase transparency and consistency, we

added a section that spells out what auditors will

assess. This ensures producers know exactly what

evidence is needed, while auditors apply

the standards fairly and consistently.

Examples of acceptable records: We know that

collating documentation is challenging. We have

included practical examples of the kinds of records

that demonstrate compliance—from field maps

and monitoring logs to invoices and photographs.

This gives farmers confidence they have what they

need come audit time.

What’s next?

The rewrite is a major milestone, but it is not the

end of the journey. The Certified Regenerative

standards will continue to evolve as science

advances—and with further feedback from

our stakeholders. We are also in the process

of simplifying and improving associated paperwork—such

as application forms and reporting

templates—to further reduce the administrative

burden on producers.

These changes are part of our ongoing

commitment to keeping the program robust,

practical, accessible, and supportive. As always,

the standards will continue to be shaped with

farmers and growers at the center—because

regeneration is a process, not a destination.

You can view and download the updated Certified

Regenerative by AGW standards on our website.

We welcome questions and feedback at any time.

Rob George is AGW’s Compliance Director Europe

IVELINRADKOV/ISTOCK



PROOF

NOT

PRETENSE

Certification isn’t perfect,

says Errol Schweizer,

but it’s one of

the few tools that

exposes greenwash

and demands

accountability

Today’s food industry is built on fossil fuels,

animal and human exploitation, and chemical

dependence. The heavily subsidized corn and soy

monocultures that stretch across the Great Plains

form the foundation of the marketplace, providing

‘cheap’ commodities for fuel, livestock feed,

and processed food.

Post-farmgate, a handful of corporations now

dominate every step of the supply chain, while

our political system makes regulation difficult

to win—and even harder to keep.

The rise of conscious consumerism

Consumers seeking ‘better’ products and

healthier foods face a bewildering array of

label claims, backed by billion-dollar marketing

budgets designed to convince them they’re

making positive choices. Yet the real methods

of production often remain hidden, and the

true costs carefully concealed.

Conscious consumerism is no longer niche. This

isn’t about a ‘green elite.’ Global consulting firm

McKinsey & Co. reports nearly 60% of consumers

consider sustainability important in food choices.

They want assurance their food isn’t destroying

soils, exploiting workers, or confining animals.

Similarly, retail analytics company NielsenIQ finds

58% of U.S. shoppers view climate change and

pollution as direct threats to their well-being.

Research also shows lower-income consumers

would buy more ‘better-for-you’ (BFY) foods

if they were more affordable or if support like

expanded SNAP were available.

Consumers are also connecting animal

husbandry to health and environmental issues.

An Ipsos survey in March 2023 found 86% of

respondents under 30 would choose meat,

eggs, or dairy with ASPCA-recognized welfare

certifications over their usual brand.

But they’re not taking brands at their word—

they want proof.

Certification: a panacea?

Certification is one of the few tools consumers

and food producers have to challenge the system.

It sets a baseline, gives farmers a framework to

improve, and gives consumers confidence that

their purchases mean something. Yes, certification

is not a cure-all or quick fix. A credible label

on a carton of eggs or block of cheese doesn’t

transform the food system overnight. But it does

offer transparency that marketing slogans alone

cannot—and proof that system-wide transition is

both possible and achievable.

But crtification does costs money and creates

paperwork. The burden of proof, certification

fees, and higher costs of production fall largely on

farmers and conscious consumers. By contrast,

‘cheaper’ conventional products are not required to

FIRN/ISTOCK

disclose the pollution, soil loss, or animal suffering

behind them. These hidden costs are paid by

ecosystems, taxpayers, and future generations.

Finally, despite its noble intention, certification

can create confusion. Shoppers often face a

barrage of seals, logos, and claims—organic, fair

trade, non-GMO, regenerative, carbon-neutral—

all competing for attention, a veritable NASCAR

effect. This can leave consumers unsure which

labels are credible and represent real change.

Without better guidance and education, the very

tools meant to build trust risk becoming part of

the problem.

Greenwash vs credibility

The risk today is not that people don’t care, but

that their care is exploited. Retailers and brands slap

vague claims on packaging—‘natural,’ ‘eco-friendly,’

‘farm fresh’—without scrutiny. That’s greenwash.

It erodes trust not only in those products, but in

the idea that food can be farmed differently.

Inconsistent food label claims and standards

represent a real threat to consumer confidence.

According to a study commissioned by the

American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals (ASPCA), many welfare-related labels lack

consistent standards, rely on company-defined

criteria, or deliver little benefit for animal welfare.

Shoppers often overestimate the benefits of

common claims—equating ‘natural’ with organic or

believing ‘free-range’ means meaningful outdoor

access. In reality, requirements are vague, poorly

enforced, or non-existent, and labels like ‘humane’

may offer no difference from conventional

production. These gaps fuel confusion and

undermine the credibility of genuine certifications

that are independently audited and represent

meaningful change. Once consumer trust is gone,

it is nearly impossible to rebuild.

Retailers must act

Retailers are not neutral. They are the last line of

defense for promoting and marketing BFY foods,

and consumers link product authenticity to the

retailer. Retailers can do enormous damage by

miscommunicating label claims or confusing

standards. Yet without them, growth in the BFY

sector cannot happen.

Some pioneering retailers are already taking

steps to protect consumers from misleading

claims. Indeed, retailer staff can be among the

most educated stakeholders about certifiers

and supply chains, especially when the company

business models depend on an educated

customer base whose grocery shopping habits,

basket sizes, retention and attention revolve

around BFY products. Despite some headwinds,

this is where the growth is—and the retailer’s role

is pivotal. Here are three things they must do:

Certification

turns vague

claims into

verifiable

ones

The risk

today is not

that people

don’t care,

but that

their care

is exploited

Take a position: Stop filling aisles with empty

claims. If products cannot meet a credible

certification, don’t stock them. (If you do, don’t

oversell their sustainability credentials.) Challenge

suppliers and certifiers to do better. Retailers must

choose: either partner with the highest standards

and the organizations that are free of conflicts of

interest, or side with greenwash.

Support real producers: Stock certified products

and help offset the costs through fair pricing,

promotional support, or direct subsidies. If

sustainability is a shared goal, costs must also be

shared. That means more than shelf space: reduce

or eliminate slotting and ad fees, share markdown

costs, and avoid upcharges or scan-back schemes

that punish smaller, values-driven suppliers.

Educate and inform: Consumers don’t need

more slogans, they need clarity. Educate and inform

customers through in-store events, newsletters,

co-sponsored content, point-of-sale materials,

QR codes, and staff training to explain what a

certification means and why it matters. The goal

is not to patronize consumers but to give them

tools to make choices aligned with their values.

Retailers are often seen as a barrier to BFY

suppliers and certifiers. But when they are firing

on all cylinders—and putting their resources and

supply chain leverage into making a difference in

the marketplace—they can become the greatest

allies for BFY products. Retailers who invest in

authenticity are investing in trust, and trust is their

most valuable currency.

Certification: a compromise

We should be honest: certification is a compromise.

It asks farmers to fill out forms and pay fees. It

asks consumers to trust another label in a sea

of competing claims. It asks retailers to take

responsibility when it is easier to look away.

Yet genuine certification forces accountability

into a marketplace designed to avoid it. It turns

vague claims into verifiable ones. It protects consumers

from deception and farmers from unfair

competition. And it creates a path for progress:

standards can be raised, audits strengthened,

trust built.

Certification will never be perfect. Yet in a food

system built on concealment, it remains one of

the few tools that pulls the curtain back. Without

it, we surrender the field to those who profit from

deception.

Errol Schweizer is a retail and CPG strategist, with

over two decades of experience including at Whole

Foods, where he oversaw $5 billion in grocery

sales. He now leads Errol Schweizer LLC, advising

brands and retailers on sustainability, innovation,

and strategy. Visit grocerynerd.substack.com



MOM

KNOWS

BEST

Hubert Karreman explores

the benefits of weaning

dairy cows on pasture


It is common knowledge that cows grazing wellmanaged

pastures will have dramatically fewer

general health problems, and especially fewer

digestion problems, since they are eating what

they were created to eat. The key to fewer health

problems, of course, is well-managed pastures.

Yet young stock, those around the time of

weaning and then placed out on pasture, are a

slightly different story. As everyone is well aware,

young stock six months of age and older must also

be eating at least 30% dry matter on average from

pasture during the entire grazing season. [NOTE:

Animal Welfare Approved standard 6.1.1 requires

that cattle must be provided with at least 70%

long fiber roughage/forage in their diet on a daily

dry matter basis from weaning onwards to ensure

proper rumen function.] We thus need to balance

the environment and nutrition of these more

delicate animals before being placed on pasture,

so they do not succumb to common problems

that adult animals tend to fend off better.

A lot depends on how strong the calves are as

they are weaned and shortly thereafter. Weaning

time is extremely stressful for the calves, regardless

of how they were given milk: from an individual

bottle in a hutch or if they have been running freely

with nurse cows. Weaning may be more stressful

to calves having been on nurse cows, but those

calves tend to be more robust as well. There are

good points and bad points to everything.

Unlike drying off a cow abruptly to get the best

results by stopping the brain’s signal to make milk,

weaning should be done as gradually as possible

to avoid stressing calves, especially upsetting their

digestion. Prior to weaning, your calves should

already be eating all the kinds of feed that they

soon will be completely reliant on. They should

already be used to the forage and grain. Their

rumens are functional prior to weaning time,

and having forage as part of the feeding routine

enhances health of the rumen by keeping a fiber

mat for the calves to chew cud, which provides

saliva and sodium bicarbonate to help keep the

rumen pH at about 6.8, where it should be for the

best internal environment for the microbes that

live in there. A healthy mat of fiber in the rumen

also helps to slow down the rate of passage of

feed in general.

Calves fed only grain and milk as pre-weaned

animals (a feeding method conjured up by

academic research in the 1990s and most likely

funded by grain company money) tend to have

more digestive upsets and may even experience

rumen acidosis, which can affect their ankles and

hooves for the rest of their lives (seen by strong

pink areas at the ankle). This is a terrible condition

at any age but even worse in an animal so young.

Another stress to calves is dehorning/

disbudding. Hopefully everyone is now using the


PHOTO: ANNA CARSON DEWITT

portable burners on a regular, periodic basis for

different sets of growing calves and not using

choppers as a caveman would use on older calves.

Using a burner is much, much less stressful

than the choppers and also leaves no blood at

all, which reduces the attraction for flies and their

wiggling, burrowing maggot offspring that can

inhabit the chopped site. Make sure when burning

that there is a copper-colored ring at the base of

the horn bud, usually seen after about five to ten

seconds when the burner is good and hot. Do not

flick off the now dead horn cap, it will fall off over

a couple weeks’ time. If you do force it off, it could

cause bleeding.

Still, disbudding even with a burner is stressful

and should be done well before weaning, ideally at

about one to two months old, and with lidocaine

for anesthesia. This of course means you are not

weaning until three months old. Do not dehorn

(by any method) at the time of weaning or shortly

thereafter. Always give a good solid week before

weaning. I’ve seen too many instances when calves

are weaned and dehorned during crummy damp

weather and the stressed animals come down

with pneumonia. [Note: Animal Welfare Approved

standard 4.8.2 prohibits dehorning at any time

or age, but disbudding is permitted according to

standards 4.8.5, 4.8.6 and 4.8.7.]

It makes logical sense that milk production

corresponds to a calf's need. The biological signal

for peak milk production of dairy cows starts to

decrease at two to three months into lactation.

Once the calves reach three months of age or older

they need less milk and rely mainly on solid food.

Calves will naturally be stronger the longer they are

on milk, which will translate into animals that can

weather the common problems that occur when

they are weaned and put on pas ture. But with the

current grazing requirements for animals six months

of age and older, you now have to tend to this

group of animals in regards to pasture management

almost as closely as your milking cows.

By rearing a healthy, robust calf, underlying

problems such as low levels of parasites encountered

on pasture will not be quite as much

of an issue. You need to be aware that as you

put calves out on pasture in the summer, there

are stomach worm larvae waiting there to meet

them if young stock were out there the last grazing

FOUR-SEASONS ORGANIC COW CARE

season. As the warmth and humidity of spring

and summer go on, the stomach worm larvae

population will increase dramatically, so you really

need to make sure that calves are receiving proper

levels of energy, protein and minerals for their

immune systems to mature quickly enough while

the animals are en countering these pests for the

first time.

A young local farmer had a fantastic idea of

putting the young animals on the pasture for a

few days and then take them away for about a

month and then put them on it for real. Without

realizing it, the young farmer was applying a

concept of vaccination in a very natural way:

expose an animal to a low amount of challenge,

withdraw for three weeks for the immune system

to process the incoming information, and then reexpose

the animal to trigger the immune system

to the fullest.

If calves born in February through April

and weaned three months later are sent out

back to the same paddock where such groups

of animals always go, they will quickly become

infested with internal stom ach worms since they

have no natural immunity to them. Typical signs of

infestation include pot-bellied calves with obvious

angularity to ob servable bones, a rough-looking

and reddish-black coat, with diarrhea and dried

manure on thin back legs. Animals in the age

group between one month after weaning up to

about 10- to 12-months-old are the most likely to

become infested. Once past this age, they tend to

have enough wherewithal to build a solid, natural

immunity that will be with them for life.

If any part of their nutritional needs is not met,

however, even the best calves will start to look

worse and worse over the course of the pasture

season. I have seen this occur way too often over

the years. But to be fair I have also seen really nice

calves their first season on pasture, if they are fed

properly and the pasture is managed such that

it is not a wasteland of rank forage growth with

more weeds than actual forage.

This article is an extract from Four-Seasons

Organic Cow Care by Hubert Karreman vmd,

reprinted here with kind permission from

ecofarmdaily.com

Acclaimed veterinarian Hubert Karreman calls on his nearly 30 years of experience

in organic and holistic medicine to guide you on how to recognize, treat and prevent

a year’s worth of problems with your herd. From pneumonia in the winter to heat

stroke in the summer, this farmer-friendly book will introduce early detection

techniques, prevention methods, and the most effective organic-certified

treatments available for livestock. Available from bookstore.acresusa.com


Certification news

CERTIFY

YOUR BRAND

From

application

to audit:

Tim Holmes

outlines the

steps you

need to take

Tim Holmes is AGW's

Compliance Director

Certifying your brand with AGW not only adds

value to your products, it also demonstrates your

commitment to transparency, sustainability and

integrity. If you are sourcing product from an

AGW-certified farm or ranch and would like to

market it under your own brand using one of the

trusted AGW logos, we can help.

Our Certification for Brands, Processors,

and Distributors process is designed to ensure

transparency and integrity throughout the supply

chain, while giving your customers confidence that

your products meet the same high standards as

the farms that produced them.

Step 1: Review the standards

The first step is to familiarize yourself with

the Certification for Brands, Processors and

Distributors standards, available on the AGW

website (or get in touch via email). These outline

the requirements for brands and businesses

seeking to use AGW logos. If anything is unclear,

our team is always happy to answer questions

and walk you through the process.

Step 2: Apply online

Once you are confident you meet the requirements,

you can apply online. After submitting your

application, we will send you additional paperwork

to complete. This includes:

A questionnaire to gather information on how

your products are processed and packaged, and

by whom.

An agreement for brands, further processors

and contract manufacturing operations to sign

that outlines the obligations of both AGW and

the businesses involved.

Product specification forms: SIPs (single

ingredient product specifications) and MIPs

(multiple ingredient product specifications),

which confirm ingredient sources and composition.

Step 3: Risk rating and audit

Once your paperwork is submitted, AGW will

risk-rate your application to decide whether an

on-site or remote audit is required. Most audits

are conducted remotely unless the operation is

considered high risk. This is based on the type

of activity, not your integrity.

If your brand also carries out processing, you

will only need one audit. If you use a contract

manufacturer to process, package or ship

products, that facility will also require an audit.

Step 4: The audit process

The primary aim of the audit is to confirm

traceability from the original AGW-certified

farm through to your brand and any processing

facilities.

Auditors will carry out a mass balance to ensure

the amount of certified product going in matches

what comes out. They will also review your records

and storage, processing and dispatch procedures,

as well as food safety protocols and recall

procedures.

Step 5: Logo use and claims

Depending on the percentage and use of certified

ingredients in the final product, you may be

permitted to use either the full AGW logo or a

“Made With” claim. This ensures labels accurately

reflect the certified content of your product.

Costs and support

While a general fee schedule is available on our

website, we recommend contacting AGW directly

for a tailored quote that covers all costs associated

with your certification. Our staff will guide you

through the process and provide ongoing support

once certification is in place.

We look forward to supporting your brand on

the path to certification. To get started, visit our

website or contact our team directly.


A GREENER WORLD

Global reach

NORTH AMERICA

info@agreenerworld.org

+1 (800) 373-8806

INTERNATIONAL

info@agreenerworld.org.uk

+44 1271 320715

CERTIFICATION

Ashley Khteian

Outreach Specialist

ashley.k@agreenerworld.org

+1 562-276-4102

EMPOWERING SUSTAINABLE

SOLUTIONS IN AGRICULTURE

ACROSS THE WORLD

Now operating in five

continents, A Greener World

promotes practical, sustainable

solutions in agriculture by

supporting farmers and

educating consumers

MARKETING AND LABELING

Callie Casteel

Marketing Services Coordinator

callie@agreenerworld.org

+1 931-548-0664

Promoting A Greener World

AGW is proud to offer

low-cost branded

promotional materials

to help raise awareness

of your certification and

better communicate

the wider benefits of

your farming practices.

Every purchase also

supports our work to

educate and inform

consumers—and helps

keep your certifications

affordable.

For more promotional

materials—and to

place an order (with

shipping)—visit

agreenerworld.org/

shop-agw

From Canada, please

call +1 541-526-1119

AGW APRON $25

• Perfect for farmers’

markets or the kitchen

• 8 oz organic cotton/

recycled polyester

• Black fabric with white

imprint A Greener

World logo

• Adjustable neckline,

two front pockets,

brass rivets, cotton

webbing ties

SHELF TALKER $5

• Sold in packs of five

• Printed on premium

silk stock with

wipeable coating

• 4¼" x 2¾"

• EZ-peal adhesive for

shelf mounting

• Made in the USA

Certified Animal

Welfare Approved by

AGW producers only

REGENERATIVE

BROCHURES $5

• Explains the benefits

of certification

• Ideal for farmers’

markets, farm stores

and other events

• 50 brochures per pack

Certified Regenerative

by AGW producers only

CONSUMER

BROCHURES $5

• Explains the benefits

of certification

• Ideal for farmers’

markets, farm stores

and other events

• 50 brochures per pack

If required for

educational use,

please email info@

agreenerworld.org

CERTIFIED

NON-GMO

BY AGW

Available in the U.S., Canada, and select international

regions, Certified Non-GMO by AGW ensures all food

ingredients and supplements are non-GMO—and that

meat, dairy, and eggs come from animals fed a non-GMO

diet and raised according to AGW’s world-leading animal

welfare standards.

Producers receive independent annual audits for trust

and transparency.

For certification and market access, visit

agreenerworld.org/certifications/certified-nongmo-agw

Call +1 800‐373‐8806 or email info@agreenerworld.org

CHONG KEE SIONG

CERTIFIED ANIMAL

WELFARE APPROVED

BY AGW STICKER

LABELS $8

• 1" x 1" high-quality

stickers

• Long-life adhesive

• 1,000 stickers per roll

Certified Animal

Welfare Approved by

AGW producers only

CERTIFIED GRASSFED

BY AGW STICKER

LABELS $8

• 1" x 1" high-quality

stickers

• Long-life adhesive

• 1,000 stickers per roll

Certified Grassfed by

AGW producers only

CERTIFIED NON-GMO

BY AGW METAL SIGN

$12

• Ideal for farm gate

or barn wall

• Aluminium 10" X 15"

• Full-color embossed

imprint

• Corner holes for

easy mounting

Certified Non-GMO by

AGW producers only

CERTIFIED

REGENERATIVE BY

AGW METAL SIGN $12

• Ideal for farm gate

or barn wall

• Aluminium 10" X 15"

• Full-color embossed

imprint

• Corner holes for

easy mounting

Certified Regenerative

by AGW producers only

EMBROIDERED

BASEBALL CAP $20

• Our popular styled

baseball cap with

Certified Animal

Welfare Approved

by AGW logo

• 100% Made in USA

• 100% Union made

by Workers United





SAY CHEESE

AT A GLANCE

Farm: J2K Capraio

Certification date:

March 2017

Size: 85 acres

Soil type:

Sandy loam

Altitude: 725 feet

Rainfall:

30–39 inches

Enterprises:

Cheesemaking from

Certified Animal

Welfare Approved

dairy goats

j2kcapraio.com

J2K CAPRAIO (x2)

Meet the farmer

J2K Capraio is home to Joe and his wife Jody

Klinedinst’s herd of Certified Animal Welfare

Approved by AGW dairy goats. Since 2011, the

family has been handcrafting artisan cheeses—

aged in Indiana’s first underground cheese cave—

and selling at local markets and restaurants, and

direct to their local community.

How did you get into farming?

Our story started with a love for goats and a desire

to raise our children close to the land, and naturally

grew into the business we run today. When we

realized our passion for raising goats should turn

into a family business, J2K Capraio was born. We

have been handcrafting artisanal goat and cow

milk cheese here at our family farm at the heart of

Walkerton since 2011.

Describe a typical day

We rise to coffee and kids before diving into

chores: collecting milk, making cheese, and

packaging or preparing cheese for aging.

Afternoons often involve errands or paperwork,

before it’s back to family dinner and more cheese

checks. We sell cheese four days a week, so there’s

always plenty of prep for the next day.

Sustainable farming: why does it matter?

It is healthier for our family, farm, community,

and the environment. And, in the long run, it’s

a lot cheaper for everyone.

How did you hear about AGW?

We first learned about AGW through another

vendor at our farmers’ market—Jake’s Country

Meats. AGW certification helps us meet requirements

at major markets like Green City Market,

and it keeps us striving for better management

and welfare practices for our goats. With practice,

patience, and a whole lot of elbow grease, quality

isn’t just a promise—it’s our guiding value. We want

our customers to know they’re getting the freshest

product, made according to the highest standards.

Who are your customers?

We meet most of our customers at farmers’

markets, but we also sell in retail stores and

restaurants across Illinois. Closer to home, we run

an artisan deli and cheese shop—Oh Mamma’s on

the Avenue in South Bend, Indiana.

What are your plans for the future?

We’re working to expand our pastures,

add a bigger barn, and increase our

herd by breeding more milking does.

What is the biggest threat

to sustainable farming?

Many people don’t have

direct experience with farming

or food production. Without

that knowledge, it’s easy to

undervalue the work and

the product. We’d love to see

more local-level advertising and

education—through markets,

information booths, 4-H fairs,

conventions, and community

events.

What keeps you awake at night?

Project lists.

What do you love most about

what you do?

Working with our family, caring

for our land, and educating

people about farming.

A GREENER WORD

Catch up with Sustainable Farming articles online via A Greener World’s blog

FIT OR FAT? — AGW standards require farmers to

maintain all animals at a Body Condition Score (BCS)

of at least 2, while breeding animals must not exceed

a score of 4. But what do these scores actually mean,

and how can farmers use BCS as an

effective management tool?

https://agreenerworld.org/

a-greener-world/-fit-or-fat/

REGENERATIVE 101 — Unless you've been living

under a rock, you’ve likely noticed the surge in media

coverage around ‘regenerative farming’ or ‘regenerative

agriculture’. As the latest buzzword in the farming

world, ‘regenerative’ is everywhere—but

what does it actually mean in practice?


a-greener-world/regenerative-101/

A PESKY PROBLEM — Effective parasite management

is crucial for both animal well-being and farm

productivity. However, every move toward a more

ecological approach not only supports animal

health but also builds a more resilient,

cost-effective, and less labor-intensive

farming system.


a-greener-world/a-pesky-problem/

CUTTING IT TOO FINE — Modern slaughter facilities,

particularly smaller operations, often face significant

challenges in delivering efficient services to their

customers. By understanding these challenges,

farmers and ranchers can help improve

facility efficiency and minimize

unnecessary delays and costs.


a-greener-world/cutting-it-too-fine/

SUMMER 2019 • SUSTAINABLE FARMING • 13

12 • SUSTAINABLE FARMING • SUMMER 2019

Through consistent observation, you always noticed

which herd members were more susceptible to

internal and external parasites. Fecal sampling

helped you identify a few silent carriers: heavily

infested animals spreading parasites on your

pastures even though they showed no visible signs

of disease. Over time you selected only diseasefree,

low-burden stock for breeding. Today, your

animals graze diverse pastures replete with a

variety of bioactive forages. Dung beetles thrive,

dispersing manure piles and destroying many

eggs, while predatory insects devour any fly larvae

that manage to hatch. Of course, parasites are

still present on your farm, but you understand their

particular life cycles, move animals before they can

re-infect themselves, and rest pastures or graze

non-susceptible species such that the majority

of parasites die before they ever find a victim.

If the above describes your farming operation,

congratulations! The chances are you have little need

for this article … But if seasonal ponds recently

emerged in your well-drained grassland … if that

doe with perpetually high fecal egg counts happens

to be your best milker … if recent fires, floods or

lease modifications caused you to group more

animals in a smaller area … then you might benefit

from additional strategies to manage parasites.

Applied Terrain Theory: Pasture

Exposure to parasites occurs for a variety of

reasons. Most internal parasites arrive on your farm

via infected livestock or wildlife, so maintaining a

closed herd or screening new arrivals can help

keep your pastures clean.

Snails and slugs act as intermediate hosts for

some parasites; wet conditions favor these mollusks,

but vegetation or gravel can act as a barrier

to help exclude them. Environment also plays a

role in risks related to external parasites. For example,

woodland grazing increases exposure to

ticks. If local wildlife are known to carry a specific

worm, deterrents such as guardian animals or

double fencelines can reduce their contact with

your herd.

Dung beetles, earthworms, parasitic wasps and

poultry are some of the most effective and economical

tools to inhibit parasites on range areas.

Dung beetles break up manure piles, damaging

or desiccating eggs. Along with earthworms, they

move manure into the soil and prevent many

hatched larvae from returning to the surface. One

interesting study assessed the impact of dung

beetles when calves followed infested adults.

Without any other intervention, calves in pastures

with reduced dung beetle populations had nine

times as many roundworms as those in pastures

with more dung beetles. That’s a huge difference!

If you’re among the large percentage of U.S.

farmers who have recently considered building

an ark, note that heavy rainfall can temporarily

override dung beetle benefits.

Applied Terrain Theory: Livestock

Research shows that 25% of the flock carries

A PESKY PROBLEM

75% of the worms. With moderate exposure,

many animals develop adequate immunity as

they mature. Those that do not could be underexposed,

or deficient in immune function.

Varied sources of trace nutrients, such as

biodiverse pastures and cafeteria-style minerals,

can help animals fulfill individual needs. Excellent

nutrition, low-stress environment and handling—

and a good night’s sleep—all contribute to optimal

immune function.

Excessive licking or rubbing, rough haircoat,

poor appetite and weight loss can signal external

parasites. Fly rubs, traps and vacuums have all

been found to curtail fly populations when combined

with other good management practices. An

untreated back scratcher—a stiff brush attached to

a pole—can significantly reduce lice.

Signs of internal parasites include poor haircoat,

diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, reduced feed

intake, weight loss, weakness and bottle jaw or pot

belly. In many studies, bioactive plants, such as

sericea lespedeza, birdsfoot trefoil, chicory and

other tannic forages, were found to reduce fecal

egg counts and clinical disease associated with

gastrointestinal parasites in a variety of livestock

species.

Treatments

The table (overleaf) describes several nonpharmaceutical

substances commonly used to

treat external and internal parasites. While some

may be used alone, many are combined in sprayon,

pour-on or oral formulations.

If parasites threaten animal welfare or farm

viability, prompt, effective treatment is essential

—and required under AGW’s standards. Treat-

ment may include pharmaceutical parasiticides.

Ivermectin has become the best-selling antiparasitic;

however, studies show that it is also

toxic to dung beetle larvae and other beneficial

organisms. Milbemycin is sometimes recommended

as a less toxic alternative, although

research also demonstrates negative effects

on dung beetles and parasitic wasps.

The bigger picture

Effective management of parasites is essential

for animal wellbeing and productivity. Ecological

parasite management focuses on stewarding a

functional agroecosystem where robust immune

protection is facilitated by moderate exposure.

Sustainable adaptation is slow process, but every

step toward more ecological parasite management

is a step toward a more resilient, more economical

and less labor-intensive farm.

Jennifer L. Burton dvm is a veterinarian and

educator with a special interest in the intersection

of food animal medicine and public health

Jennifer

L. Burton

looks at the

perennial

problem

of parasites

ESSENTIAL

ADVICE

Treat individual

animals as needed

to ensure welfare

and maintain

economic viability.

Manage pastures

to maximize natural

controls for the

specific parasites

present.

Tailor fecal

sampling to inform

management

decisions: pooled

fecals reflect worm

loads on pasture,

while individual

tests identify silent

carriers.

Record regular

observations,

including FAMACHA

for small ruminants,

to identify signs of

infestation.

Choose diseasefree

animals

with low parasite

burdens as

breeders.

Obtain treatments

from reputable

sources. Try to

work with someone

who has used a

particular product

successfully.

Ask your vet

to screen for

interactions and

residue risks,

establish dosage,

monitor for toxic

effects, and

determine triggers

for switching

treatments.

Fly rubs, traps and vacuums have all been found to help reduce fly populations, combined with good management practices

Dung beetles break up manure piles, helping to

damage or desiccate roundworm eggs

Parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside pest fly

larvae in the manure



slaughters 20 beef a day, five days per week,

would need to hang carcasses for up to 28 days.

Cut instructions

To ensure the plant has a clear idea of what

cuts you want, most operators will supply a cut

sheet in advance. Yet many customers have false

expectations about the quantity (and sometimes

quality) of meat they will receive from their animal.

A general rule for beef is that after the head,

hide, feet, blood, and viscera (internal organs)

are removed, the carcass will weigh 50% to 60%

of the live weight. This is called ‘hanging weight’.

The amount of hanging weight is influenced by

many factors, such as age, muscle score, genetics,

amount of fill, clean vs dirty hide, and so on.

Depending on the cuts ordered, you may lose

anywhere from 30% to 50% of the hanging weight

during processing into final cuts.

Pigs typically have a hang weight of 72% of

liveweight and approximately 48% of liveweight

for final cut. The final weight depends on size,

age, breed, and if skinned or dehaired. Sheep and

goats typically have a hang weight of 50%-58%

of liveweight and 37% to 40% of liveweight for

final cut, again depending on age, breed, grassfed

versus grain-fed and so on.

Once the carcass is cut and packaged, the

producer will receive anywhere from 400-600 lbs.

of packaged meat. The amount greatly depends

on what cuts are wanted; ground beef, roast,

ribs, or steaks, and the age of the animal. Bovine

spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) regulations

require the removal of the backbone from

animals over 30 months, thus eliminating T-bone,

porterhouse, and some rib cuts.

A recurring issue arises when meat does not

meet the farmers’ expectations, with some

Farmers

have a vital

role to play

in improving

slaughter

plant

efficiency,

says Charlie

Hester

farmers insisting they did not receive meat from

their animals or even accusing plant workers of

shortchanging meat. Remember that most plants

now have a highly traceable inventory systems to

ensure the animal brought in is the meat going out.

Collecting the final cut product in a timely

manner is equally important, as freezer space is

a premium. Delays in picking up meat will require

additional freezer space and energy to maintain

the frozen meat. Remember to ensure you have

sufficient space and equipment to safely transport

and store the meat for your customers. Contact

the facility if you need any advice.

Labeling

When it comes to labeling your packaged meat,

the facility (and you) must comply with numerous

regulatory requirements.

The labeling process is sometimes protracted,

so it is important to contact the plant facility well

in advance and inquire what labeling services they

can offer and, if appropriate, what information the

facility needs from you. Some facilities may only

offer a basic statutory labeling service, or they may

require a specific type of label for their machines.

You may find that you need to get your packaging

labels designed and printed elsewhere, or even

apply them yourselves after you collect your

packaged meat.

Understanding the challenges that slaughter

plants face—and how we can help minimize

disruptions and delays as customers—will help

to ensure these vital facilities remain available

to support the development of the sustainable

livestock sector for the future.

Charlie Hester is AGW's Lead Slaughter Specialist

CUTTING IT TOO FINE

Modern slaughter facilities—especially smaller

operations—can face significant challenges when

attempting to provide an efficient service to their

customers. By understanding the most common

challenges that plants may experience, farmers

and ranchers can help improve efficiencies at

slaughter facilities—and avoid unnecessary

delays and costs.

Slaughter plant challenges

Running a slaughter facility can be financially

challenging, particularly for small-scale

operations with high overhead costs, including

equipment, maintenance and labor, and regulatory

compliance. All slaughter facilities must comply

with copious regulations and standards set by

government agencies, such as the USDA, requiring

significant time, training and ongoing financial

investments, while fluctuating market prices can

make profitability uncertain.

As you might expect, ensuring food safety

is critical for slaughter facilities. They must

implement stringent procedures and protocols

to prevent contamination and the spread of

foodborne illnesses, with a regimen of regular

testing and equipment inspection. And that’s

before we consider the actual day-to-day work

involved in one of the most stressful and

dangerous aspects of meat production.

The work environment is physically demanding

and potentially dangerous, requiring specialized

training and experience. As a result, finding and

retaining skilled labor can be very challenging,

particularly in rural areas or regions with limited

workforce availability.

AGW-reviewed slaughter facilities must

prioritize animal welfare, with proper handling

to minimize stress, requiring significant training

to ensure humane handling and treatment

throughout the process. Like farms, slaughter

facilities must also address the environmental

concerns associated with effluent discharge

and animal by-products. As we all know,

implementing sustainable practices and adhering

to environmental regulations can be costly and

require ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts.

It is in the mutual interest of every farmer and

rancher to ensure the future viability of local, highwelfare

slaughter infrastructure for the benefits

of animal welfare AND the viability of their own

businesses. So, as customers of slaughter plants,

what steps can we individually take to help

minimize disruption and improve efficiencies

for these essential business partners?

Scheduling

Most slaughter facilities schedule animals

anywhere from three to 18 months out, so early

and regular communication with your facility is

paramount to ensure your product is available

when you need it.

Once you are scheduled in, it is absolutely

essential to notify the plant as soon as possible

if any circumstances change—including changes in

slaughter weight, mortality, and market demand—

that make it necessary to cancel. This allows them

to fill the slot.

Arriving on time with the animals clean and in

appropriate condition is also very important, as

most facilities start early in the morning. Should

you arrive late, remember slaughter employees

get the same pay per hour whether you are on

time or late. Similarly, cooler space is often limited,

particularly at smaller facilities, and requesting

longer hang times without notice creates storage

issues. Think how much cooler space a plant that

ISTOCK/DENYS

USING YOUR

AGW LOGO

AGW's new

traceability standards

require producers to

display the relevant

AGW logo(s) on all

certified products,

unless agreed with

AGW (see news,

page 4). The new

rules also require

producers to ensure

their labels are in

compliance with

the guidelines and

are approved by

the program.

AGW’s marketing

team offers a label

design service at

no cost to certified

businesses. Find

out more at

agreenerworld.org/

labeling-support


Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you

cannot have missed the growing coverage of

‘regenerative farming' or 'regenerative agriculture’

in the media. While not a new concept (after all,

humans have been using ‘regenerative’ practices

for thousands of years), ‘regenerative’ is the latest

farming buzzword.

Here at A Greener World, we’d go so far as to

say that the collection of practices described as

regenerative could have huge potential to put

the brakes on—and even reverse—many of the

negative impacts of intensive agriculture.

So, what exactly is regenerative?

What is regenerative?

The term ‘regenerative agriculture’ is generally

used to refer to a range of sustainable stewardship

practices, many of which have been used

by indigenous and traditional agricultural

communities for thousands of years, However,

rising interest has led to wide and growing variation

in how ‘regenerative’ is defined and practiced.

As commitments to adopt regenerative

practices increase, so does the risk of misusing the

claim to imply sustainability without delivering it—

also referred to as ‘greenwashing.’ Indeed, a number

of regenerative programs and initiatives have

sprung up across the world. Some highly considered

and commendable; others vague and highly

questionable. We’re also now seeing ‘regenerative’

used across social media and the farming press,

while a growing number of food manufacturers

and retailers are co-opting the word.

If regenerative farming is ever to achieve its

true potential—and to prevent regenerative from

becoming yet another meaningless industry claim

—we believe we must legally define, validate and

AGW is not a set of prescriptions or outcomes. It

is a tool for measuring and managing the process

of regeneration with continual improvement

expectations until a state of ecological equilibrium

is reached. Using data and observations gathered

over years of certification, producers will be able to

confidently quantify the positive impacts of their

farming methods through reduced fossil fuel use,

increased biodiversity, improved soil health and

a range of other metrics.

We recognize the constant struggle to meet

the ever-changing demands of a market that is

disconnected from agriculture. One of AGW’s

goals in developing this program was to address

sustainability in such a holistic context that

farmers would effectively be ready for any new

food fashion or sustainable buzzword—in other

words, trend-proof.

If you’re a farmer or rancher reading this

magazine, the likelihood is that you’re already

using at least some regenerative practices. The

Certified Regenerative by AGW logo is a way to

show your customers that how you farm benefits

the local ecosystem and community, their health

and nutrition, animal welfare, and the planet.

We know farms and businesses pursue

regenerative certification for a wide range of

reasons. Some are proactively trying to meet

the rapidly expanding market for products with

proven environmental and social benefits. Some

want to formalize a strategy to reach core business

goals they may have had for years, but just need

accountability in measuring, monitoring, and

achieving them. Others may simply be responding

to pressure from buyers or other stakeholders.

Whatever the reason, AGW is glad to be a partner

on each farm’s regenerative journey.

certify that farming systems using the regenerative

claim truly are regenerative. We must also ensure

that any farm making a regenerative claim is

progressing towards building healthy, biologically

diverse soils that produce healthy food while

enhancing the environment and the farmer’s

livelihood. Finally, regenerative certification

programs must be accessible to farms and

holdings of all sizes and shapes and backgrounds—

or we risk regenerative becoming another ‘elite club’

for a handful of farms producing artisan food for

a well-off minority.

It's for these reasons that we launched the new

Certified Regenerative by AGW label this summer.

Certified Regenerative by AGW isn’t something that

we have hastily pulled off the shelf to jump on the

‘regenerative bandwagon.’ It is the culmination of

more than four years of work across four continents

to develop effective, appropriate and workable

standards for all manner of farm operations.

Certified Regenerative by AGW

Certified Regenerative by AGW is unique in that

it is the only third-party certification system that

truly measures change by meeting producers

where they are and partnering on a journey of

measurable regeneration.

Certified Regenerative by AGW is the only

regenerative agriculture program that audits in

conjunction with a Regenerative Plan, ensuring

site-specific, measurable progress. The program

also stands alone in measuring change through

soil, water and air, while also requiring regenerative

practices in biodiversity, buildings, animal health

and welfare, and assurances of key principles of

social responsibility.

Unlike other labels, Certified Regenerative by

Does regenerative have to be organic?

Certified Regenerative does not require organic

certification, but it can be highly complementary.

This means a more diverse set of farmers and

landholders can participate in the regenerative

journey.

While AGW embraces the spirit of organic

farming (and is substantially aligned with many

European Union organic standards), the complete

ban on antibiotic use is a fundamental flaw in

the USDA Organic standard—one which results

in increased animal suffering. AGW believes in

using antibiotics as they were intended: rarely,

only when necessary, and within a system

designed to promote health.

While people often assume organic principles

are ‘regenerative,’ organic standards do not actually

require benchmarking of things like soil health,

water or air quality, wildlife species/habitats,

social fairness, nor measurement over time to

ascertain any improvements. This is not a criticism

of the organic movement, which has pioneered

environmentally sensitive farm management

and helped to raise public awareness. It’s simply

that these key aspects are not benchmarked or

measured under organic certification.

Unlike organic certification, there is no

multi-year transition period. Instead, Certified

Regenerative is the transition period. As part of

a rigorous initial audit confirming compliance with

the baseline standards,, the farm history and risks

are reviewed. If there is a risk of pesticide or other

chemical residues, the farm may have to enact

a plan of remediation before products can reach

the market. Certified Regenerative by AGW can be

complementary to an organic certificate or a highvalue

sustainability certification in its own right.


REGENERATIVE

REGENERATIVE 101

Katie Amos

introduces

the new

Certified

Regenerative

by AGW

program

—and how

to apply

The word

regenerative

is increasingly

used across

social media

and the

farming

press, while

a growing

number

of food

businesses

are co-

opting it

WINTER 2018 • SUSTAINABLE FARMING • 17

16 • SUSTAINABLE FARMING • WINTER 2018

FIT OR FAT?

cycle, such as birthing, weaning and service, will

provide a good indication of overall herd or flock

condition, particularly at these critical periods.

Fortunately, this usually coincides with times when

animals are being handled anyway, allowing you to

integrate BCS with other management procedures.

The key is to get an idea of what the optimum

BCS levels are for the different production stages

—and to be alert to those animals that fall outside

these norms.

Remember: if all you do is look for individual

animals that are thinner (or fatter) than their herd

mates, the overall herd condition score could be

going up or down without you noticing. You will

need to assess a reasonable proportion of the

herd or flock to really know what is going on.

What if the BCS is too high or too low?

If you find animals at the extremes of body

condition levels, it is usually best to temporarily

remove them from the herd or flock for special

treatment. Never try to change body condition

score too rapidly, as sudden changes in feed levels

can lead to further problems. But by incorporating

regular BCS assessments into your management

practices, you should find in the future you only

need to tweak nutrition to allow condition to

return to optimum levels.

Anna Heaton is Lead Technical Advisor with

A Greener World

quickly and easily. Monitoring BCS allows early

management intervention to either start or stop

supplemental feeding, treat animals for parasites

and other health problems, change pasture

rotation and any other actions to keep animals

in the right condition.

BCS for pigs, goats and sheep is generally

assessed on a scale of 1-to-5, while cattle are

assessed on either a 1-to-5 or a 1-to-9 scale.

(There is at least one 1-to-9 scale for goats, too.)

Several guides are available with example scales

and photographs of animals at different scores

(see ‘Further Information,’ right).

While a visual assessment can provide a rough

idea of the BCS for cattle or pigs, this is clearly

not an option with wool sheep. The most accurate

way to carry out BCS for all species is with a

combination of visual and physical assessment.

When to carry out BCS

Each type of animal has specific areas you

should look at and feel by applying gentle pressure

to establish how much muscle and fat surrounds

the bones. For cattle, key areas include the tail

head, ribs and loin areas; for sows, the backbone

and hips; for sheep and goats, the main area is

the backbone in the loin area behind the last rib.

Depending on species, additional points, such as

the shoulders, the ribs and the hip bones, can also

be assessed to improve the accuracy of the score.

Carrying out BCS at key times in the production

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW

standards require farmers and ranchers to

maintain all animals at a Body Condition Score

of 2 or more, while breeding animals must not

exceed a score of 4 (both on a scale of 1 to 5).

But what does this mean—and how can Body

Condition Scoring be used as a livestock

management tool?

What is Body Condition Scoring?

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a measure of an

animal’s energy reserves (or fat reserves) and

muscularity. Animals can lay down fat at times

when feed is plentiful and mobilize it when the

available feed does not meet their nutritional

demands. The aim is not to keep BCS at exactly

the same level all the time, as some variation

in energy reserves will naturally occur during the

production cycle, but to maintain the BCS within

expected limits—and to avoid extremes. Although

the best live weight for a cow, sheep, goat or pig

will vary depending on its breed or age, the

optimum BCS is the same for all, making it

a useful monitoring tool.

BCS can be used as a measure for individual

animals, as well as an indicator of overall herd

or flock condition. If there is a wide range of condition

scores within the herd or flock—or numerous

animals at either the lowest or highest extreme

—a whole herd/flock review of nutrition, health

and management will be needed.

Body Condition Scoring is an important management

tool for maintaining animal health and fertility, says

Anna Heaton

JEN HUNTER/FERNHILL FARM

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SUSAN SCHOENIAN/SHEEPANDGOAT.COM

PENN STATE EXTENSION (WWW.EXTENSION.PSU.EDU)

BCS and fertility

BCS offers a useful indication of an animal’s

nutritional and health status, so it makes sense

that animals with poor BCS will suffer slower

growth rates and greater susceptibility to disease

or parasite problems. However, BCS is also useful

for assessing and predicting fertility.

Research shows that animals with a BCS

of less than 2 have little spare energy reserves

and are less likely to get pregnant. If they do

get pregnant, they are more likely to lose the

pregnancy or produce offspring with low birthweights,

and therefore a lower chance of survival.

Lactation will also be poor. Similarly, animals

with a BCS of 4 or more are also less likely to get

pregnant—and if they are pregnant during the time

their BCS increases to this level, the developing

calf, lamb(s), kid(s) or piglets can grow so large

the mother has trouble giving birth. Animals with

high BCS can also suffer from leg problems and

lameness from the additional stress of their weight

and fat levels on their feet and limbs.

Aside from affecting health and welfare, failure

to meet expected BCS levels can be costly due

to poor animal performance, the extra costs

associated with providing veterinary care and

wasted money spent on unnecessary feed.

What’s involved?

BCS is a simple, practical management tool.

With practice, it is possible to assess animals

FURTHER

INFORMATION

AssureWel

BCS for beef cattle,

dairy cattle, sheep

and pigs. See

assurewel.org

Alberta Agriculture

and Forestry

BCS for sheep

(1-to-5 scale) and

other species. Visit

agric.gov.ab.ca

and search “body

condition”

American Institute

for Goat Research

BCS factsheet for

goats (1-to-5 scale).

Visit luresext.edu

and select ‘library’

Canadian

Pork Producers

BCS for sows

(1-to-5 scale); Animal

Care Assessment

manual (appendix

10). Visit cqa-aqc.

com

Mississippi

State University

Extension

BCS for cattle

(1-to-9 scale). Visit

extension.msstate.

edu and search

“body condition”

NC State

Cooperative

Extension

BCS for goats

(1-to-9 scale).

Visit ces.ncsu.edu

and search “body

condition”

Ontario Ministry

of Agriculture

Food and

Rural Affairs

BCS for dairy

cattle (1-to-5 scale)

and other species.

Visit omafra.gov.

on.ca and search

“body condition”

When carrying out BCS, each type of animal has

specific areas you should look at and feel

For sheep and goats, the main area is the

backbone in the loin area behind the last rib

Feel by applying gentle pressure to establish

how much muscle and fat surrounds the bones

This dairy cow has a BCS 2 and is not meeting

the nutritional demands of her body

FROM 1 TO 5

BODY CONDITION

SCORING A EWE

Score 1

The loin is thin

with no fat cover

Score 2

The loin muscle is

a moderate depth

but with little fat

cover

Score 3

The loin muscle is

full with moderate

fat cover

Score 4

The loin muscles

are full and

rounded, and have

a thick covering

of fat

Score 5

The loin muscles

are very full and

covered with very

thick fat

PO Box 115, Terrebonne OR 97760

NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

BEND OR

PERMIT NO. 12

“The most important aspect of our farming here is the welfare and wellbeing of our animals. Our decade

of AGW certification reflects that and assures our customers we really are farming the way we say we are.”

Jennifer Sisney, Landon Farm, Sperryville, VA

COVER PHOTO: LEANDROHERNANDEZ

PRACTICAL, DOWN-TO-EARTH, RESPECTED

A GREENER WORLD

FARMING IS OUR BUSINESS

visit agreenerworld.org

call 800-373-8806

MIKE SUAREZ

A Greener World | PO Box 115 | Terrebonne OR 97760 | 800-373-8806 | info@agreenerworld.org

@AGreenerWorld | @AGreenerWorld | @AGreenerWorldOrg

A Greener World's Sustainable Farming Magazine — Fall 2025 — V10 I3

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