(Ethan O’Brien and Courtney Schuur | Photo courtesy of North 44 Farm)
The sheep and beef cattle at North 44 Farm are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW)—North America’s most trusted and transparent farm certifier.
One of a portfolio of leading farm certifications offered by A Greener World, the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW label lets consumers know animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S. and Canada, using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. Consumer Reports has rated Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW as the only “highly meaningful” label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability—and the only animal welfare certification in which they have confidence.
Courtney Schuur and Ethan O’Brien’s beef cattle and sheep are also Certified Grassfed by AGW. Certified Grassfed by AGW is an optional, additional accreditation for Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farmers and ranchers raising cattle, sheep, goats or bison according to the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW high-welfare standards and a 100 percent grassfed feeding protocol.
Schuur and O’Brien of North 44 Farm are first generation ranchers who began farming in 2016. Schuur, a former chef, and O’Brien, with a background in engineering, combined their skills and experience to begin farming—driven by environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and the highest quality end product in mind. The couple raises Angus Murray Grey cross beef cattle and Katahdin Texel cross sheep, both traditional livestock breeds well suited to pasture-based management and known for their high-quality meat. They chose to pursue Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW and Certified Grassfed by AGW certifications because they felt the programs best mirrored their exemplary animal husbandry practices and commitment to sustainability.
“North 44 Farm is known for producing high-quality grass-fed and finished beef and lamb, and for our commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship,” said Schuur. “We’re glad to have the backing of our Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW labels.”
“In a marketplace crowded with misinformation and greenwashing, trusted third-party certifications like Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW and Certified Grassfed by AGW deliver real transparency for farmers and consumers,” said Emily Moose AGW executive director. “We’re proud to work with farmers and ranchers like North 44 Farm to promote their high-quality products and sustainable farming practices.”
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW beef and lamb from North 44 Farm is available through multiple outlets including nationwide shipping, local delivery and area retail outlets including grocery stores, restaurants and farmers’ markets. Please check the AGW directory for details.
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