The funding priorities for this year’s cycle include improved genetics, increased outdoor access, welfare improvements in the slaughter process and non-lethal predator control. A primary goal of this grant program is to facilitate the growth and success of high-welfare, pasture-based systems. Program Director Andrew Gunther explains: “The biggest challenge in agriculture right now is getting animals outside. The science tells us that when farm animals are responsibly managed on open pasture or range, a whole host of challenges inherent in industrial agriculture simply disappear. For instance, the incidence of pathogenic E. coli is much lower in pasture-based systems, and animals are proven to have higher welfare. This ultimately leads to more nutritious, healthier products.”

In Marengo, IL, Hasselmann Family Farm’s 2009-2010 Good Husbandry Grant funded the construction of new mobile housing for the farm’s farrowing sows, facilitating the transition to pastured production. Since moving the sows onto pasture farmer Scott Hasselmann has seen numerous benefits – not only in terms of animal health and welfare, but in improved disease prevention, farm sanitation and whole farm fertility. AWA’s Good Husbandry Grants program will also continue its focus on welfare improvements in the slaughter process.  Another 2009-2010 awarded to Fruitland American Meat in Jackson, MO funded the purchase of a new knock box and handling facility improvements. The modifications have allowed the plant to safely and humanely handle smaller animals such as lambs, hogs, and calves – improving animal welfare and helping the plant diversify its business.

Visit AWA’s Good Husbandry Grants page for additional information.

Now in its third year, the AWA Good Husbandry Grants program is helping promote innovative, forward thinking farming techniques that ultimately enhance farm viability. Twenty-eight grants have been awarded to farms and slaughter plants across the nation to improve animal welfare and allow pasture-based farmers to increase productivity for their operations.

Program Director Andrew Gunther said of the Good Husbandry Grants program, “We are so grateful to be able to continue this program into its third year. The interest has been overwhelming, and our review panel had a tough time selecting proposals from the many worthy applicants.” He continued, “We are confident that the projects chosen for this round reflect the most promising proposals with the most significant welfare benefits.”

The 2010-2011 Good Husbandry Grants range from $600 to $6000 and were open to current Animal Welfare Approved farmers and those who have applied to join the program, as well as slaughter plants working with or seeking to work with AWA farmers. The funding priorities included genetic improvement for pasture-based systems; outdoor access and mobile housing; welfare improvements in the slaughter process; non-lethal predator control and other innovative projects that improve the welfare of animals.

Highlights of the 2010-2011 AWA Good Husbandry Grant Program

Deutsch Family Farm of Osseo, WI was awarded funds to purchase gravity-flow watering equipment, mobile fencing and mobile shelters for their breeding sows. These shelters will allow for increased pasture rotation while offering protection from the sun, rain, ice and snow of the sometimes harsh Wisconsin climate — ultimately resulting in healthier and happier sows and piglets.

One of the grants will be used to help create a breed of chicken at Midsummer Farm in Warwick, New York. This new bird will be adapted especially to pasture-based management. Midsummer Farm will also use grant funds to convert an existing building into a breeding, hatching and brooding facility. This means chicks will no longer have to go through the stressful process of being shipped to the farm, a dramatic step to increase chick health and well-being.

Nelson Land and Livestock in Wadesboro, NC was granted funding for a Mobile Processing Unit for chicken. This unit will be shared among six farms and will contain the necessary equipment for humane, on-farm processing for thousands of birds each year. This unit will facilitate the growth of pastured poultry operations in the area to meet the ever-growing demand for pastured chicken raised according to high welfare standards.

The Royal Butcher in Braintree, VT was given funds to purchase a new squeeze chute. This new equipment will facilitate safer, humane handling, reduce stress for animals and plant workers and improve overall welfare for cattle, sheep, pigs and goats slaughtered at the plant.

Visit our 2011 grants page for a complete list of this year’s winners. More information about the Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grants, including profiles of grants given in the past, is available at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org/farmers. Stay informed about grant opportunities by signing up for the AWA mailing list.

Jeremy Vargo of AWA-certified Vargo Farms in Bullock, North Carolina, raises hogs and received a 2010 grant to improve his mobile housing system. “The huts have greatly benefited my hogs,” he explained, “by improving herd health and expanding our ability to rotate pastures while providing shelter from the elements. This grant program, like AWA, is a win-win for the whole farm.” Organic Pastures Dairy Company, LLC in Fresno, California – the largest retail-approved raw and organic dairy in the United States (California allows sales of raw milk in retail outlets) – used a Good Husbandry Grant to improve its shelters and allow for greater pasture access.  Farmer Aaron McAfee reported positive feedback: “Our nutritionist has noticed an overall improvement in the health of our calves.” He went on to say, “This project was very beneficial to our herd and overall AWA standing.”

Slaughter plants working with AWA farms are also eligible to apply but should contact Grants Coordinator Emily Lancaster to discuss proposed projects before submitting a proposal. The deadline for proposals is October 1, 2010. Guidelines, FAQ’s, project profiles and an application form are available on the AWA Grants for Farmers page or by contacting Emily Lancaster at 919.428.1641 or Emily@AnimalWelfareApproved.org.

Many farmers raising birds for meat operate under the 1,000 bird exemption, meaning that they are not required to have an inspector on-site at the time of processing. However food safety is even more important for the small farmer than it is for a large plant, and sanitation, biosecurity and recordkeeping were emphasized as important tools to ensure a safe product for the consumer. A very knowledgeable and gracious staff from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, including Don Delozier, State Director for the NCDA&CS Meat and Poultry Inspection Division and Compliance Officer Melanie Pollard, presented on the relevant regulations for on-farm processing, how to comply and where to go for more information. The attendance of state officials was sincerely appreciated and added a great deal to the workshop. The information learned will not only help to ensure that farmers are upholding the highest standards of food safety, but will also help them avoid costly mistakes. Composting Specialist Brian Rosa from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources talked about how to properly compost processing waste while maintaining environmental quality and complying with state regulations. This engagement of state officials with farmers at the on-farm level was a much appreciated gesture of openness and approachability. As one farmer told us, “It was the information I needed.” To find out about future workshops and events, sign up for the AWA email list, join us on Facebook or visit our Upcoming Events page.

This is not the dry, legalese grants guide of a dusty bureaucrat – this is written with the genuine goal of improving our access to good, healthy food and assisting the people and organizations working towards that goal. This guide is a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in funding a food systems project. This is NSAC’s first edition and they have done a brilliant job – we look forward to more!

Selected projects include mobile housing for pigs, sheep and poultry, and stunning equipment for humane slaughter. A number of proposals were funded to incorporate breeding stock that is better suited to pasture-based management. “Choosing from among the many worthy proposals was a difficult task,” remarked Program Director Andrew Gunther. “But we are confident that the projects that have been selected for funding will contribute to positive developments in high-welfare pasture-based farming.”

Gunther continued, “Based on the success of last year’s projects, we anticipate a continued positive impact on farms and farm animals across the nation. As more farmers adopt sustainable farming methods such as those outlined by AWA, we all see the benefits – in terms of animal welfare, farm profitability and environmental stewardship.” A major emphasis of the AWA grants program is to assist farmers in reaching compliance with Animal Welfare Approved standards, ranked for two years running as the highest of any third-party certifier. Through these grants, AWA seeks to support the efforts of those who are exemplifying the best high-welfare practices, and also to fund the development of new practices that can be adopted on other farms.  “Farmers are truly the greatest innovators,” says Gunther. “What we do as an organization is set the standards. There is no single right way to achieve them, which is why we end up with a myriad of creative, industrious solutions that can be implemented how and where they work best.”

The on-farm benefits of the grant program often extend beyond the grantee, as an emphasis was placed on projects that could impact other farms in the region. For instance, a slaughter facility in Idaho has been awarded funds to purchase a stunning knife, facilitating compliance with AWA slaughter standards. The stunning knife will increase welfare and reduce stress (both human and animal) during processing. In addition to the inherent welfare improvements, this has the added benefit of making it possible for area farms to achieve AWA standards, which include using a compliant plant. One project in South Carolina involves setting up a local hatchery for non-industrial turkeys. The availability of healthy birds adapted to life on pasture will positively impact production among turkey growers in that area. Another project in North Carolina will provide new breeding stock to members of a pastured pork cooperative. These new genetics will improve mothering abilities, body conformation and suitability for outdoor management–and incorporate these qualities into the breeding herd. The resulting genetic improvement will benefit not only the member-farmers, but also other growers in the area.

Also funded in the 2009-2010 cycle were hatcheries in Wisconsin and Oregon (for chicken and ducks, respectively). The focus on poultry genetics is key to ensuring high welfare in pasture-based operations. Gunther explained, “Since most of the genetic stock available to farmers is adapted to industrial systems, we can’t expect those animals to do well on pasture. Our goal is to increase the availability of animals that are adapted to life outdoors on pasture or range. Pasture- and range-based management is the fundamental requirement of our standards – it is what sets us apart as a program and food label.” He went on, “We are proving our commitment to our ideals by funding projects that will have concrete, positive results for both farm animals and farmers.”

Selected proposals for 2010 include:

7B Bar Ranch, Roopville, GA, predator prevention
Albert D. Jones Farm, Chinquapin, NC, genetic improvement, pigs
Bedinger Farm, Catlin, IL, genetic improvement, sheep
Border Springs Farm, Patrick Springs, VA, genetic improvement, poultry
Carolina Heritage Farm, Pamplico, SC, outdoor access, pigs
Circle O Livestock, Vale, OR, genetic improvement, pigs
Coulee View Farm, Wauzeka, WI, genetic improvement, poultry
D&A Farms, Autryville, NC, genetic improvement, pigs
Davis Creek Farm, Lovingston, VA, improvements in slaughter process
Dogwood Nursery Farms, LLC, Maple Hill, NC, genetic improvement, poultry
DreamCatcher Farm, Louisville, KY, mobile housing, cattle, pigs and sheep
East Fork Farm, Marshall, NC, breeding system, rabbits
Eden Earthworks, Mountain View, HI, improvements in slaughter process
Ellis Family Farms, Benton Harbor, MI, pasture improvement, poultry
Generation Farm, Walnut Cove, NC, genetic improvement, sheep
Grassy Way Organics, Arena, WI, mobile housing, cattle
H&H Farm, Pink Hill, NC, pasture rotation, pigs
Hight Farms, Macon, NC, mobile housing, pigs
HomeGrown Poultry LLC, New Plymouth, ID, improvements in slaughter process, poultry
JJR Family Farm, Tebbetts, MO, mobile housing, poultry
Jones Farms, GrassRoots Pork Co., Beaulaville, NC, genetic improvement, pigs
Lil’ Farm, Hillsborough, NC, mobile housing and feeding equipment, poultry
M.R. Goats, Worthington, WV, mobile housing, goats
Organic Pastures Dairy Co, LLC, Fresno, CA, mobile housing, cattle
Patient Wait Farms, Piedmont, SC, genetic improvement, poultry
The Boondockers Farm, Creswell, OR, genetic improvement, poultry
Vargo Farms, Bullock, NC, mobile housing, pigs
Yoder’s Natural Farm, Bloomfield, IA, improved pasture and water access, cattle and poultry

Legislation in the recent farm bill included funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which offers farmers incentives for using sustainable agriculture practices. Specific “enhancement” projects relating to animals and livestock production include: Incorporate Native Grasses and or Legumes into 15% or more of the forage base, Grazing Management to Improve Wildlife Habitat, Monitoring Nutritional Status of Livestock and Wildlife Corridors. A complete list can be found here.

Interested farmers can call the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) through its 1-800-346-9140 (English) and 1-800-411-3222 (Spanish) toll free hot-line or contact their local NRCS staff. More information on the CSP, including a self-screening checklist, is available through the ATTRA website.

Application deadline for the 2009 calendar year is September 30, 2009.

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GRANTS OF UP $5,000 TO FOCUS ON OUTDOOR ACCESS, GENETICS AND IMPROVING SLAUGHTER FACILITIES

President of the Animal Welfare Institute Cathy Liss and Animal Welfare Approved Program Director Andrew Gunther are pleased to announce the 2009 Animal Welfare Approved grant cycle. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded for the sole purpose of improving farm animal welfare, with a concentration on three areas: increased outdoor access, improved genetics and improved slaughter facilities. Current Animal Welfare Approved farmers and those who have applied to join the program are eligible, and farmers may apply for certification and for a grant simultaneously. The deadline for applying is October 1, 2009.

The Animal Welfare Approved program audits and certifies family farms whose farmers raise their animals with the highest welfare standards, on pasture or range. “We are pleased to be able to offer the program again, especially in today’s economic climate,” says Gunther. “Our farmers are seeing the payoff for their efforts with increased sales and increased consumer awareness. The grants allow them to continue to focus on providing the best care possible for their animals while meeting the challenges of running a business. It’s win-win.”

“I feel that the grants program is really useful to address challenges faced by independent livestock producers,” says Jude Becker of Becker Lane Organics, an Animal Welfare Approved farm in Dyersville, Iowa. Becker used his grant to improve the availability of nutrients in his feeding system for sows in gestation. Donny and Alease Williams of D & A Farm in Autryville, N.C. used their grant to purchase improved outdoor shelter for their piglets. Fruitland American Meat LLC, a family-run slaughterhouse in Jackson, Mo., was awarded a grant to upgrade its facility to humanely handle smaller livestock, such as pigs and sheep. Gunther says, “As the final reports come in, we can see the progress farmers have made to ensure the well-being of their animals. The level of thought and care that went into the applications has been really impressive.”

Farmers may submit a proposal for one project, for a total maximum grant of $5,000. Grants will be awarded based on the projects’ potential to deliver the greatest benefit to farm animals. In order to receive a grant, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application and a budget by October 1, 2009. Eligible costs include design fees, contractor costs, materials, and project-appropriate equipment. Grants applications must be postmarked by the deadline date and will not be accepted via e-mail.

Guidelines and an application form are available at Animal Welfare Approved’s website. For questions, contact Emily Lancaster at (919) 428-1641.

Located in the rolling hills of southern Missouri, American Grassfed Beef is a family farm owned and operated by Mark and Dr. Patricia Whisnant along with their six children.  Dr. Whisnant is president of the American Grassfed Association and co-founder of American Grassfed Beef, the name under which they market their beef. In addition to the farm, the family owns and operates a processing facility, Fruitland American Meat located in Jackson, MO.

The Whisnant’s cattle are born, raised and finished on open grass pastures and never put in a feedlot.  Utilizing a holistic approach to farm management The Whisnant’s sustain and nourish the environment through pasture restoration and soil improvement.  The family is passionate about the care and respect given the animals and land.  They consider the stewardship of both to be a privileged legacy for future generations.

American Grassfed beef is dry aged for 14 days to concentrate the beefy flavor and tenderize the beef.  It is then broken down by skilled butchers who take pride in their art of cutting beef.

According to Dr. Whisnant, “Our family is passionate about providing our customers with the healthiest, safest and highest quality beef on earth. Beef you can feel good about eating!”

American Grassfed Beef holds the following certifications:

AGA Certified Grassfed- the cattle are bred for the quality of their beef and receive a forage diet as they are continually rotated to fresh pastures.  The animals are never held in confinement, are never fed antibiotics and never receive synthetic growth hormones.  This standard is third-party verified by the American Grassfed Association.

USDA Certified Organic- the pastures are never treated with herbicides or pesticides and do not use artificial fertilizers.  This is verified by USDA Organic certification.

Animal Welfare Approved for High Animal Welfare- the cattle are raised on open pasture and handled with respect to provide for high animal welfare.  This is third-party verified by Animal Welfare Approved and includes the entire journey from birth through slaughter.  Finally, the cattle are harvested in the Whisnant’s processing facility under their direct supervision.  This assures that each individual animal is treated humanely and without stress.

Animal Welfare Approved beef from American Grassfed Beef is easy to order online or by calling 573-996-3716.

Linda is very proud of being Animal Welfare Approved and she is also very excited to be awarded one of the Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grants, which she and Steve will use to build their own chick hatchery. Linda and Steve currently have a flock of 70 laying hens that are 100% free range and raised on pasture. They are very careful about ensuring the best nutrition for her hens because she believes “you are what you eat,”referring to both the hen’’s nutritional health and that of her customers.

S&L Farm offers a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and their Animal Welfare Approved products will be available at the North Hills Farmers Market at North Hills Mall beginning April 9, 2009.