2008 – 2009

2009 – 2010

2010 – 2011

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The 2010-2011 Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grant recipients are listed below. Profiles will be added as projects are completed.

A&J Farms, Fayette, NY, Viable outdoor access for poultry
Abundance Farm, Round Hill, VA, Improvements in the slaughter process
Acre Station Meat Farm, Pinetown, NC, New low-stress loading dock for livestock
Berry Creek Farm, Blanchard, OK, Mobile housing for pastured chickens
Blakes Landing Farms, Marshall, CA, Calf feeding automation improvements
Deutsch Family Farm, Osseo, WI, Improved housing for breeding stock hogs on pasture
Dutch James Farm, Mt. Hernon, LA, Infrastructure improvements to maximize welfare
Eagle Bridge Custom Meat and Smokehouse, Eagle Bridge, NY, Welfare improvements in the slaughter process
Ecotone Farm, Joelton, TN, Mobile processing unit
Finger Lakes Dexter Creamery, King Ferry, NY, Improved access to pasture for improved welfare
Foxhollow Poultry Farm, Elkhart, IA, On-farm hatchery
Fruitland American Meat, LLC, Doniphan, MO, Improved welfare by use of a chin lift system
GingerSnap Hollow Farms, Harlem, GA, Fencing and generator project
Grazin’ Angus Acres, Ghent, NY, Mobile chicken housing
Hens Nest Farm, Cottonwood, AZ, Narragansett turkey breeding program
High Ground Farm, Holly Springs, NC, Predator Control
John Smith Hill’s Farm, Spartanburg, SC, Improvements in processing
Joyner Farm, Faison, NC, Mobile shelter for pastured sheep production
Midsummer Farm, Warwick, NY, Heritage chicken breeding program
Nelson Land and Livestock, Wadesboro, NC, Mobile processing unit
Old Field Farm, Cornwallville, NY, Genetic improvement for pastured pig production
R. Turner Farms, Inc., Albertson, NC, Mobile housing for pastured hogs
River Rock Family Farm, South Weber, UT, Breeding program for heritage breed chickens/ducks
The Royal Butcher, Braintree, VT, New squeeze chute
SMI Farm, Masonville, NY, On-farm processing facilities
Terra Firma Farm, Stonington, CT, Pastured egg production
Williams Farm, Magnolia, NC, Utilizing Port-A-Huts on harvested cropland for hogs
Windy Ridge Natural Farms, Alfred, NY, Mobile henhouse for pastured laying hens

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The 2009-2010 Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grant recipients are listed below. Click on the farm name to read a profile of the grant award. Profiles will be added as projects are completed.

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, goats
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
Delmar Farm, Enfield, NC, genetic improvement, beef cattle
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, mobile housing and genetic improvement, goats/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

John and Julie Rice, JJR Family Farm: Mobile Housing, Laying Hens, $2,825

John and Julie Rice of JJR Family Farm raise organic, free-range laying hens in Tebbetts, Missouri. Due to increased demand and limited housing options the Rices had moved the flock into a barn that had “less than ideal poultry facilities.” Drawbacks of this housing included limited outdoor access and increased susceptibility to predator attacks.

The Rices applied for a Good Husbandry Grant to create two mobile, 8’x12’ predator-proof laying houses with outside runs. These laying houses would give their poultry much more outdoor access, and would enable them to comply with AWA standards while keeping up with the increased demand for the farm’s eggs.

According to the Rices, the mobile laying houses have been incredibly beneficial to the animals and the farm.  “These houses have made raising pastured poultry easier,” say the Rices, “and the project has allowed us to keep up with the demand for pastured poultry.”

Albert D. Jones, Albert D. Jones Farm: Genetic Improvement, Pigs, $1,550

Albert D. Jones raises Duroc, Berkshire, and Chester White swine in Chinquapin, North Carolina. His farm sits on forty acres of woods and pastures where the hogs are free to roam and forage. AD Jones Farm has been in operation for forty-six years. Jones applied for the Good Husbandry Grant in order to improve his breeding stock.

“Good breeding is hard to obtain, as it is not available in North Carolina” explains Jones. “The cost of breeding stock, which includes transportation, is high.” Jones is constantly striving to improve his stock, and applied for an AWA Good Husbandry Grant to purchase and transport two new pigs. Incorporation of these new genetics into his herd has positively impacted his pigs’ body length, loin, mothering abilities and growth. The improvements are beneficial to both animal and farmer. “This project will benefit the animals because there will be less crushing and crippling of young pigs because the sows will have good mothering abilities,” says Jones. The other attributes will help increase meat quality and improve the profitability of the operation. Jones reports that the results of the new genetics have been positive. “The new boars have increased litter size,” says Jones. “The quality of the pigs is good.”

Rob and Michelle Stokes, Circle O Livestock: Genetic Improvement, Goats, $5,000

Rob and Michelle Stokes of Circle O Livestock in Vale, Oregon raise Boer and Boer/Spanish cross goats. Circle O sits on 265 acres of irrigated and dryland pasture and hay fields, allowing for rotational grazing and natural ranging. Over the past several years, the Stokes family built their herd up to almost 500 goats, and in doing so, became more aware of the presence of Johne’s Disease in their herd. Johne’s Disease, which affects ruminants, is caused by a contagious bacterium found in the small intestine.  The disease can cause weight loss, decreased milk production, roughening of the hair coat, diarrhea, and wasting. Goats from all four herds tested positive for Johne’s, which resulted in a severe reduction of their herd.  “Our goal in applying for this grant was to source healthy individuals with superior genetics to begin improving our operation and others,” says Rob.

With the Grant, Circle O was able to purchase fifteen purebred goats to add to their herd. In addition to the new goats, Rob and Michelle were able to conduct extensive testing for Johne’s Disease.  The results have been very positive. “Last year was the first year we had been able to keep female replacements that were free of Johne’s,” says Rob. “Our animals are healthier and we feel that makes them happier.”

Tony Francis, Delmar Farm: Genetic Improvement, Beef Cattle, $2,500

Tony Francis of Delmar Farm wanted to raise 100% grassfed cattle, without subtherapeutic antibiotics or added hormones, to produce all-natural, AWA, grassfed beef. Tony was finding that the cattle on his farm in Enfield, NC, were not finishing well on grass pastures after weaning so he decided to change the breed. He applied to the AWA grant program for two Red Angus cows whose genetics are better suited for a pasture-based environment.

AWA awarded $2,500 to Delmar Farm for the new animals. Animals now thrive on mineral and forage with less stress and have better body scores. These traits will be passed down from generation to generation, allowing Tony to raise grassfed, pastured cattle for many years to come.

Neena and Atto Roumell, Eden Earthworks: Mobile Processing Unit, $5,000

Eden Earthworks is a sustainable, eco-friendly organic farm in the heart of the highest food-insecure region on the island of Hawaii. Owners Neena and Atto Roumell strive to promote healthy human-ecological relationships while contributing to their local food system. The farmers applied to the AWA grant program for improvements in the chicken slaughter process, with the goal of maximizing food safety and increasing the quality of their meat products – while also encouraging other farmers in their community to adopt high-welfare processing methods.

AWA awarded $5,000 to Eden Earthworks for a complete poultry processing unit, including a stunning knife to ensure high-welfare slaughter. They invite others to observe the process, including community garden participants, university interns, 4-H students, and other interested farmers. “We are looking forward to encouraging a ripple effect throughout our community,” says Neena.

Mike and Lorie Renick, M.R. Goats: Mobile Housing, $5,000

M.R. Goats is an 80-acre meat goat farm owned and operated by Mike and Lorie Renick in Worthington, West Virginia. The couple raised Kiko goats on pasture, but only had limited fixed structures to use as shelter which reduced the goats’ ability to rotationally graze year round. The Renicks approached AWA about funding mobile housing to allow the goats access to more acreage and forage, thereby improving the animals’ health. They also requested a portable handling system to decrease handling time and reduce stress to the animals.

AWA granted $5,000 to M.R. Goats for Port-A-Hut mobile shelters and a working stand and chute for low-stress handling and transport. The Renicks’ goats now have 24/7 access to mobile housing units and are able to access all pastures for rotational grazing. “They are able to come and go as they please,” says Mike. “They are much healthier and have lower stress.”

Kallan and KayDee Maxwell, Grassy Way Organics: Portable Calf Hutches, $3,935

The Maxwells live in Arena, Wisconsin where they raise beef cattle on their farm, Grassy Way Organics. Prior to receiving a Good Husbandry Grant Kallan and KayDee housed their calves individually in huts. This collected manure, required frequent changes of bedding materials, attracted flies and also isolated the calves.

Unhappy with this scenario, the two used their grant to build portable outdoor hutches for the calves to be housed in groups on pasture. Kallan and KayDee report that the calves are excited with their new access to the outdoors and expect them to begin grazing at a younger age. Their manure is spread out evenly on the fields now, and a flock of laying hens spreads it further, reducing fly infestations. In addition Kallan and KayDee have found feeding the calves in groups to be more efficient.

“Our calves were so happy to be let free into the pasture to run,” the Maxwells reported. “They get plenty of exercise and have adequate shelter to lie in when it is raining or to escape from the sun when it is hot.” The new portable shelters have made a huge difference in the lives of the Maxwells’ calves, but this farm improvement has made a difference for Kallan and KayDee as well. They are thrilled to be continually improving the efficiency of their farm and the lives of their cattle. Back to top

Gail and Mike Cooley, Patient Wait Farm: Incubator and Mobile Coop, $4,850

Gail and Mike Cooley are the owners of Patient Wait Farm in Piedmont, South Carolina. They operate a combined laying hen and turkey farm, but in recent years became concerned about mail-ordering their turkey poults. Although they hoped to move away from this practice because of the stress put on the young turkeys, they found time and again that there were no farms selling poults locally that would thrive on pasture.

In order to improve the welfare of their turkeys Gail and Mike decided to raise their own poults on the farm. They received a Good Husbandry Grant that was used to build a mobile coop for their breeding flock as well as a reliable incubator. The turkeys are able to move into the coop during the day for some shade or relaxation, or to leave to do some bug hunting on pasture. They remain in the coop at night to protect them from predators.

Gail and Mike are excited not only to be able to discontinue ordering young turkeys through the mail, but to also give that opportunity to other South Carolina farmers. Gail explains, “We have already supplied a couple farms with poults, as well as another hatchery with eggs to serve the lower half of the state. And while this year we are filling small orders we are also focusing on educating and empowering other family farms to do what we are doing.” Back to top

Mark and Aaron McAfee, Organic Pastures: Calf Hutches, $4,410

Organic Pastures is a dairy farm in Fresno, California. Mark and Aaron McAfee, along with the help of their whole family, produce raw organic milk from pasture-raised heifers, as well as value-added products such as butter and cream. After becoming Animal Welfare Approved, the McAfee’s decided they needed to change the way they raised their calves and heifers. Without enough space for good health, their overcrowded herd of dairy cattle and calves suffered from some common ailments like pink eye and diarrhea.

The McAfees applied for a Good Husbandry Grant to create more space for their herd, and to improve their overall wellbeing. After using the grant to build calf hutches twice as large and with fewer animals per pen, the farm nutritionist noticed a substantial improvement in health. In addition, a new heifer pen built on pasture has allowed them more grazing space.

These improvements have not only positively impacted the cows’ health, but have also made the farm itself more marketable. Organic Pastures offers free farm tours, and the McAfee’s now feel that their pens and hutches reflect their farm values while demonstrating their Animal Welfare Approved certification. Back to top

Robert Yoder, Yoder’s Natural Farm: Improved Pasture and Water Access, $3,964

Robert Yoder, owner of Yoder’s Natural Farm, used his Good Husbandry Grant to build a creek crossing for his cattle and chickens. Prior to obtaining the grant, the creek bed was often too muddy and eroded for Robert and the animals to navigate. Now he is happy to observe his cattle easily traversing the landscape to fresh pasture and also using the creek for clean drinking water. “They have stable footing and don’t have to wade through mud to get across. And I can easily follow the cattle with the chicken flock now as they graze, mimicking nature,” he explains. Robert is excited for this new project to help not only with the animals’ welfare and mobility, but also with hauling hay and manure to pasture. Back to top

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The 2008-2009 Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grant recipients are listed below. Click on the farm name to read a profile of the grant award. Profiles will be added as projects are completed.

B&B Farms, Grinnell, IA
Becker Lane Organic Farm, Dyersville, IA
Bellecreek Farm, Rosharon, TX
Breezy Oaks Farm, Mebane, NC
Cane Creek Farm, Snow Camp, NC
Catalpa Farm, Columbia City, IN
Cedar Meadow Farm, Ledyard, CT
Chaudhry Halal Meats, Siler City, NC
Cota Farms, Cardington, OH
D&A Williams Farms, Autryville, NC
Dogwood Nursery Farms, Maple Hill, NC
Doolittle Farm, Shoreham, VT
Eastern Plains Natural Food Co-op, Bennett, CO
Flying Pigs Farm, Shushan, NY
Fowl Attitude Farm, Cedar Grove, NC
Fruitland American Meat, LLC, Jackson, MO
Hasselmann Family Farms, Marengo, IL
High Country Meats, Raton, NM
Howe Farms, Thurman, IA
Independent Small Animal Meat Processors Association, Fairview, NC
Laughlin Ranch, Crawford, NE
Lester J. Huls Farm, Carthage, IL
Midsummer Farm, Warwick, NY
O’Brien Farms, Tilden, NE
Parker Farms, Hurdle Mills, NC
Perry Farms, Troutman, NC
Petersen Farms, Decatur, MI
S&L Farm, Louisburg, NC
Stone and Thistle Farm, East Meredith, NY
Thundering Hooves Ranch, Walla Walla, WA
Upstate Farmers Alliance, Pauline, SC
Valley End Farm, Santa Rosa, CA
Veritas Farms, New Paltz, NY
Wild Turkey Farms, Salisbury, NC

Steve Petersen, Steve Petersen Farm: Mobile Housing, Pigs, $5,000

Steve Petersen raises mixed Berkshire, Duroc and Chester White hogs on his farm in Decatur, Michigan. Located on 227 rolling acres, Petersen’s farm has been in operation for over thirty year. With the increasing demand for his pastured pork, Petersen realized that he would need to begin farrowing hogs in the winter; a more challenging endeavor in the cold weather as many piglets were not surviving the chill before they were able to wean off their mothers. In order to decrease piglet mortality Petersen applied for an AWA Good Husbandry grant to purchase Smidley farrowing houses. These mobile structures are safe, secure, draft-free houses that allow sows to birth their piglets and keep them alive pre-weaning.

With the grant from Animal Welfare Approved, Petersen was able to purchase 20 Smidley farrowing houses for his farm, and the results have been positive.  “With the increased survival of baby pigs, the overall profitability of the farm should improve,” says Petersen. The Petersens have also moved the huts closer to the family’s house. Steve explains, “This allows us to keep closer track of farrowing and to showcase our pasture pig operation to visitors.”

Lee Dixon, High Country Meats: Welfare Improvements in the Slaughter Process, $5,000

Lee Dixon and his wife Alexis operate High Country Meats, a privately owned family meat processing operation in Raton, New Mexico that has been in business for fifteen years. High Country Meats prides itself on commitment to quality assurance; it is USDA-inspected and all work is overseen by the Dixons. High-welfare slaughter is a vital part of High Country Meats’ operation, and to maintain this commitment some updates to their handling pens were needed.

“The biggest challenge at High Country Meats was the flow of animals into and around the livestock holding area and kill box,” say the Dixons.  The area was dark and open, creating shadows that scared the animals. With funds from AWA’s Good Husbandry Grant program the Dixons were able to completely redesign the holing are to drastically improve animal welfare. “Animals now move naturally and quietly through curved solid panels, entering the holding area and continuing to the kill box on their own will. Improving the lighting in the kill box also encourages animals to now flow naturally to this spot,” explain the Dixons. The improvements have reduced stress for animals and workers at High Country Meats.

From a business standpoint, the Dixons note that they get more inquiries about how the animals are treated. Lee says, “I’m proud that I can now inform customers of the humane handling standards used at our operation, and that we follow the standards of Animal Welfare Approved.”

Independent Small Animal Meat Processors Association: Stunner, $2,500

The recent explosion in demand for pasture raised chickens, turkeys, and rabbits has opened new markets for independent farmers in Western North Carolina. However there is a shortage of state and federally inspected slaughter facilities accessible to farmers. The Independent Small Animal Meat Processors Association (ISAMPA) in Fairview, NC worked with multiple stakeholders to create a plan for addressing this shortage, and in 2009 ISAMPA began construction on the Foothills Pilot Plant, a facility that would serve independent poultry and rabbit growers of the region. AWA was able to provide $2,500 toward this project for an electric stunner to ensure that chickens, turkeys, and rabbits will be stunned before slaughter, according to AWA standards. ISAMPA members and customers will learn about how animals are treated during processing, raising awareness of high-welfare standards on the farm as well.

Lee Menius, Wild Turkey Farms: Mobile Processing Unit, $8,000

At the time of the grant North Carolina had only one inspected poultry plant that was accessible to small-scale farmers. Due to this shortage of inspected facilities, many farmers process poultry on the farm under the processing exemption. Because proper equipment to ensure humane and sanitary conditions can be cost-prohibitive, Lee Menius of Wild Turkey Farms applied for AWA grant funds to build a Mobile Processing Unit (MPU) to be shared among farmers in his region.

AWA granted $8,000 to Menius to construct the MPU, which is mounted on a trailer for easy transport from farm to farm. AWA also awarded a pneumatic stunner to ensure that the poultry slaughtered at the MPU will be done so according to AWA standards, and farmers renting the unit will be trained in its use. The MPU makes small-scale processing more accessible to area farmers and increases marketing options for independent pastured poultry farmers.

Steve Howe, Howe Farms: Portable Housing, $800

Steve Howe raises crossbred hogs and row crops on his farm in Iowa. He applied for a Good Husbandry Grant to improve his hogs’ access to forage while utilizing the natural resources on his own land. Looking at the corn rows left over after harvest, Steve decided he would fence in the 90 acres of fields and allow his hogs to have the leftover stalks. In addition he would plant alfalfa for farrowing sows to dine on, and tasty cover crops for the other pigs. He applied in his Good Husbandry Grant specifically to put portable housing in the fields so the hogs could find shelter while foraging.

Prior to receiving the grant, Steve was raising his hogs in lots that were mostly dirt. This was costly both to the animals’ health and in feed costs. Not only has the new pasture reduced Steve’s feed bill, but it has also allowed him to break the parasite cycle naturally and easily replace old bedding. The hogs have benefited greatly from this upgrade which has also improved the farm’s viability. It is now more efficient for the hogs to be rotated and easier for Steve to keep them clean and healthy. Back to top

Suzanne Castello and Robert Bahrenfuse, B&B Farms: Mobile Housing, $5,000

Suzanne and Robert raise pastured pigs in Iowa; however they had been running into complications when their sows were farrowing. Suzanne and Robert used their Good Husbandry Grant to build 12 farrowing huts that were designed to maximize the safety of both the young pigs and the mother. Indeed, they happily found that once the huts were constructed the pigs made soft nests inside and lay down with their noses to the door.

To further maximize the pigs’ welfare on pasture Suzanne and Robert also plan to install a water pipeline for easily accessible fresh water. A wet season delayed this construction, but they plan to move ahead with the project as spring arrives and the ground begins to settle. Once there is no risk of cracking pipes they will finish cementing the water lines and be able to pipe fresh water directly to their pastures. Back to top

Bay Hammond, Doolittle Farm: On-Farm Hatchery, $4,730

Bay Hammond of Doolittle Farm applied for a Good Husbandry Grant to enhance her farm’s ability to produce poultry from “egg to table”. With the encouragement of her family and local support in her community for pasture-raised, sustainable products, Bay decided it was the right time to expand into the niche market for slow-growing, heritage meat products. Largely out of a desire to get off of the commodity grid, Bay and her family decided that part of this process was switching their chicken flock from the commercial Cornish breed to a slow-growing breed that could sustain itself easily by foraging on pasture, and thus reduce their reliance on grain.

While moving to a more sustainable breed of poultry was important, being able to raise and process their chickens and turkeys on-farm held equal weight. For this reason Doolittle Farm purchased more advanced processing equipment, as well as an incubator, transportation cages for processing, and range feeders to enhance feed access on pasture. The Hammond family hopes to breed and sell slow-growing chicks and heritage turkeys within the community, and to offer their upgraded processing facility to neighbors looking to raise their own meat. In addition, they are now proud to offer poultry meat that has been born and raised on their own farm, and to support breeds of birds adapted to life outdoors on range. Back to top

Brian and Julia Cronin, Cedar Meadow Farm: On-Farm Hatchery, $812

Julia and Brian Cronin of Cedar Meadow Farm received a 2009 Good Husbandry Grant to build an on-farm hatchery. Conventionally, day-old chicks are sent to farmers through the United States Postal Service. This method can be high in stress for a number of reasons including exposure to inclement weather and tight confinement. Although Julia and Brian never experienced any shipment disasters they felt that for the chicks’ welfare, starting their own hatchery was important.

Already, Julia says, the chicks seem healthier. “We are experiencing a much lower rate of 5 day mortality hatching chicks on the farm, compared to having them shipped to us. We also have a larger degree of control over the quality of birds we hatch and raise, and can focus on heritage breeds.” Julia and Brian are using their learning experience to teach others, giving eggs to classrooms for children to hatch, and then having the birds returned to their farm. “Bringing agriculture into the classroom is an immensely rewarding experience,” they explain.

In the near future, Julia and Brian plan to expand their turkey-hatching experiment into a full on venture. They also hope to continue providing educational opportunities to their community and involving students in agricultural learning. Back to top

Jennifer Small and Michael Yezzi, Flying Pigs Farm: Poultry Infrastructure, $5,000

In 2009, Flying Pigs Farm expanded its flock of hens from 350 to 1,100 birds. While a huge benefit to their customers seeking out humanely-raised eggs and meat, accommodating this number of birds required new infrastructure. Flying Pigs Farm applied for and received a 2009 Good Husbandry Grant to build another 30’ x 100’ hoop house for its growing flock of chickens.

This new housing has benefited the flock and entire farm in a number of ways. There is now a dedicated space for the chickens, rather than partitioned areas of the original barn that housed both pigs and chickens. The new hoop house also has custom built roosts that can be moved easily for cleaning, cement floors that facilitate changing bedding, and improved ventilation that avoids drafts. Because the new barn has freed up more space, the farm has also been able to expand its breeding program.

The additional space for piglets and chickens alike has reduced stress and created more room for the animals to move around. The improved pens, roosts, and laying boxes have enhanced the chicken flock’s daily routines and health, while allowing Flying Pigs Farm to expand an important humane, pasture-based farm program for the surrounding community. Back to top

Dr. Patricia and Mark Whisnant, Rain Crow Ranch: Slaughter Facility Improvements, $2,500

Fruitland American Meat is an important link for local farmers trying to find humane slaughtering facilities nearby, and Fruitland American Meat used a Good Husbandry Grant to improve and expand on that relationship. The facility purchased a new knock box and also improved their alleyway so that they can safely and humanely handle smaller animals such as lambs, hogs, and calves. This is a huge benefit to a business that previously had to turn smaller animals away, and also to farmers looking for a local processor. At Fruitland American Meat, the improvements are seen as a way to help multiple farms through a single grant, and they foresee a great benefit to the animals and farmers. “These processing plants are pivotal in the journey from farm to table,” they explain. Reducing stress for the animals and increasing safety is essential. Fruitland American Meat is committed to expanding their services to area farmers, as a business and as an animal welfare asset. Back to top

Russell Laughlin, Laughlin Ranch: Natural Shelter, $2,000

Russell Laughlin of Laughlin Ranch runs a herd of almost a hundred beef cattle. As a rancher committed to his cattle’s welfare he keeps them on pasture and takes care to handle them humanely. However, Nebraska winters are severe and Russell was concerned about winter pasturing for his herd. Exposure to blizzards, extreme cold, and high winds were some of a few challenges he was faced with while trying to give them access to the outdoors. To lessen the risks to his cattle, Russell wanted to fence off a portion of his land that offered natural windbreaks and shelter to the animals. With such a large herd this seemed too costly at first, but after receiving a Good Husbandry Grant he was able to get the materials and labor to begin construction. Russell is thrilled to offer year-round pasture access to his herd and still maintain a high level of animal welfare. It’s a win-win situation for the ranch and for the cattle. Back to top

Eliza MacLean,Cane Creek Farm: Multi-Species Shelter, $4,000

Cane Creek Farm’s owner, Eliza MacLean, recently changed properties. At the new farm there is plenty of pasture, but it became clear that there was a shortage of shade and cover. In order to provide shelter for her livestock and poultry, Eliza used a Good Husbandry Grant to begin building a multi-species pole barn. Prior to building the barn her animals had been unprotected in sun, rain, wind, and inclement weather. Now they have access to dry bedding that is easily cleaned between uses, and safe protection from predators. Eliza also explains that the process of sorting animals has become less stressful for them in the enclosed space. Eliza’s long-term plan is to cement one-third of the barn to use for a poultry brooder facility. Expanding the facility, though, is a long process, so for now Eliza is glad to have eased the transition to her new farm by building a dry shelter for her animals. Back to top

Jerry & Soni Fitch, Catalpa Farm: Incubator, $2,850

Like many farmers in America, Jerry and Soni Fitch of Catalpa Farm originally purchased their new chicks through the mail. This process began to concern Jerry and Soni in the winter months because of the noticeable stress the cold caused the small birds, and particularly after one fatal incident. Using a Good Husbandry Grant Jerry and Soni purchased a large table top incubator to hatch their own birds instead of purchasing them from a hatchery. The incubator is a vital to raising their animals’ welfare—cutting out long travel times to the farm and exposure to harsh weather conditions. It also has allowed them to raise more meat birds on pasture, which means better public exposure of humane farming methods, and more consumer access to their products. They explain, “We received many phone calls and visitors, all requesting more information on the best way to raise pastured poultry. We’ve enjoyed meeting these people and creating a network of local farmers who want to raise their birds the same way we do.” Back to top

Dennis & Angela Adams, Cota Farms: Stunning Knife, $2,700

Dennis and Angela purchased an electric stun knife using a Good Husbandry Grant. Rendering the birds unconscious before dressing them was, in the Adams’ minds, crucial: it saves the birds from suffering unnecessarily. “The stun knife allows us to do the job of processing our poultry more efficiently, while improving the care and treatment of the birds during the process. We can now do more birds, more easily, in less time,” they explain. In addition, they save money and give consumers access to humane, sustainable meat products. Reducing stress on their poultry has made Dennis and Angela more confident in the products they offer. They note, “Although similar in appearance to factory farmed meat, humanely-raised poultry products are actually very different. And a part of that is how they are processed. Before we can offer the turkeys, ducks, and chickens to our customers, we must dress the birds as best we can. One thing that means is taking measures to ensure that our birds do not suffer during the process.” This has been one of the biggest challenges for them on the farm thus far, making the purchase of their stun knife a great leap forward for their business and the strength of their family-run operation. Back to top

Jim O’Brien, O’Brien Farm: Low-Stress Loading Facility, $8,549

Before receiving his Good Husbandry Grant, Jim O’Brien was using an outdated loading facility for his hogs. The loading chute was made of old wooden planks and the gates were hardly suited for enclosing a group of grown hogs. In order to provide a safer, more efficient system for his animals Jim made plans to build a new facility. This would lower stress on the animals when they were put on a semi-trailer to be moved to market. In addition, other local farmers needing to both unload and then reload their hogs onto the semi-trailer would avoid escaped animals and stress.

Jim constructed a cement loading ramp with shallow steps, with a steel bar at the bottom to prevent slipping, and a see-through gate. In addition new gates were installed for holding pens for different groups of hogs, and he feels someday they could even be used for cattle if the opportunity arose. The pens have rounded corners, drain easily, and are positioned between natural windbreaks on the property. Jim foresees this set-up cutting down loading times significantly, while reducing the discomfort of the hogs. He notes, “I know there is a group of young hog farmers looking forward to loading hogs out in this project.” Back to top

Sharon Grossi, Valley End Farm: Mobile Poultry Housing, $3,300

Sharon and Clint of Valley End Farm had an unmet need for better chicken housing. Using a Good Husbandry Grant, they were able to build portable housing that met both their welfare and safety requirements. Both are thrilled with the structure, explaining,“It has windows, ventilation, plenty of room, and many exciting features. This is a beautiful chicken house that meets our highest standards.” They are looking for innovative ways to use the new house, including showcasing it to their CSA members to demonstrate the importance of animal welfare and to provide education on chickens. They feel the benefits of the happy chickens will extend to their customers through high-quality eggs, and look forward to sharing this improvement with others.Back to top

Dallas Gilbert, Eastern Plains Natural Food Co-op: Mobile Poultry Housing, $4,000

Dallas Gilbert applied for a Good Husbandry Grant in order to provide safe housing for his large pasture-raised flock of chickens. Animal Welfare Approved’s grant enabled him to build secure and comfortable nighttime housing for the chickens as well as a perimeter fence around daytime pasture, with room to grow in the future.

Dallas believes that receiving this grant could show other farmers that humane, high-welfare farming is both possible and advantageous for them. The improvements made, he explains, “Demonstrate to my customers my commitment to humane animal care and differentiates me from confinement operations.” With the profits from a growing chicken flock Dallas plans to continue farm improvements and growth.

“I wanted to expand my chicken operation to be able to take advantage of increased interest in free range heritage poultry food products. The grant provided funding that allowed me to implement a plan that ensured the improvements to my operation provided humane and safe living conditions for my poultry,” he says. He is excited by the opportunity to both expand his poultry operation and also protect the flock. The stress-free growth of his farm is a boon to business, and a great example of high-welfare planning.Back to top

Renee and Randall Parker, Parker Farm: Pastured Poultry Projects, $4,472

Renee and Randall Parker worked on a number of projects to increase the welfare of their chickens using their Good Husbandry Grant. Not only did they assemble a Chick Inn for brooding hens and general housing, but they also installed larger water troughs, a range feeder, incubator, and egg mobile. The water and feed troughs improve access to food and water, while the shelters provide nighttime safety for the chickens and greater mobility. The versatility of the equipment allows Renee and Randall to also focus on decreasing stress for hens that are brooding as well as newborn chicks.

The improvements in animal welfare have also made Parker Farm more efficient. Waterers and feed bins need to be refilled less, and there is more freedom to move the chickens to green pasture. Randall calls the grants a “blessing” for many farmers. “Raising animals is a costly business,” he explains, “but with the help of the grant we are able to be more aware of our animal’s needs and to raise their welfare on the farm.”Back to top

Barbara and Mark Laino, Midsummer Farm: Livestock Guardian Dogs, $1,500

Barbara and Mark Laino at Midsummer Farm used their Good Husbandry Grant to create a predator-friendly defense system for their flock of chickens. The farm was being frequented by both foxes and hawks, causing deaths from predation as well as chronic stress on the chickens. By using the grant money to purchase two livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), Barbara and Mark were able to provide better security for the flock without harming natural predators in the area. Their two new puppies watch over the 3 acres of pasture on the farm where the chickens roam, with access to an outdoor hut that overlooks the fields.

Barbara and Mark purchased two trained 6-month old Maremma puppies after research into LGD breeds. In explaining the uniqueness of the breed they note, “Maremmas are very adept at preventing hawk predation. One dog gathers the birds to the side and guards them and the other stays out in the open and jumps and snaps at the hawk. We cannot wait to see this happen!” The dogs’ breeder, Jackie Church, put a lot of effort into giving these dogs early exposure to chickens and teaching them to remain calm. Barbara and Mark found that after the puppies spent some initial time with their flock, the chickens trusted them despite fox attacks and unruly dogs in the neighborhood.

With their Maremmas watching over the farm, the two feel much better leaving the farm and are also looking forward to expanding their breeding operation. Already chicks are able to leave housing at a younger age. After reinforcing chicken houses and paddocks for chick safety they plan to continue work on their Ameraucana breed and other breeds for local farms and backyard hobbyists. In the future, they foresee constantly improving safety for their flock and a humane defense system for the farm.Back to top

Jude Becker, Becker Lane Organic Farm: Pellet Die, $3,785

A common challenge in feeding sows is making sure everyone gets their fair share while not wasting food. Jude Becker wanted to use pelleted feed to address this challenge, as it can be distributed over a wide area. However, though pelleted feed is widely available, the pellets are usually too small for outdoor use. In working with his local feed mill, Jude found the machine part required to produce a larger pellet (called a “pellet die”) and applied for a grant to purchase one. The die he purchased allows him to make a bigger pellet than what is commercially available, and one that works better for feeding hogs outdoors.

Jude describes the die as a “press with holes the shape and size of the pellet. Steam and ground grain are pressed through these holes and when they cool, they are hardened pellets.” Jude consulted with a feed expert to formulate the pellets from ingredients that not only formed a good pellet, but met the nutritional needs of the animals. These pellets can now be distributed to pigs on pasture, and are easily found and eaten. Jude says, “the pellets spread over the pasture uniformly, which forces sows to spread out to forage for food as in nature.” It offers a way to feed gestating sows that minimizes competition over food among social rankings in a given group, while also minimizing food waste.

Using this new method Jude has seen “less food waste, less labor required to feed the sows, less fighting between sows, higher sow welfare, and fewer sows falling out of body condition.” Jude estimates that if he had purchased the pellet die himself it would pay for itself in as little as one year, due to the improvement in sow body condition and increase in the number of piglets per sow. Back to top

Donny and Alease Williams, D&A Williams Farm: Portable Outdoor Farrowing Huts, $1,000

This project was part of D&A Williams Farm’s transition from raising hogs in confinement to raising them outdoors on pasture. Before purchasing the huts, Donny & Alease’s sows had always farrowed in crates or stationary pens. The new huts allow sows the freedom to leave the litter and move around, root, wallow and forage – all behaviors that would not be possible indoors, and that have a positive effect on the sow and her piglets. On the difference between outdoor farrowing and farrowing crates, Alease says, “The piglets aren’t bothered with scours [a diarrhea common to piglets raised in confinement], they are nursing better, and the mother has more freedom. Also, when they get old enough, the piglets are able to nibble at the feed and get minerals from the dirt.”

Another benefit to the huts is that they can be moved from pasture to pasture, allowing Donny and Alease to rotate the group to different areas as needed. Their farm is divided into various paddocks, or sections of pasture or range. Each paddock has a permanent water source, and hay and feed are provided while the pigs are there. Donny is currently fencing in a new wooded area that they can move the huts to for summer farrowing. Alease said, “We are enjoying this project, sharing ideals about the welfare of our pigs.” The couple is expanding their operation and plans to purchase more huts as their herd grows. Back to top

Chris Hyland, Thundering Hooves Ranch: Visual Barriers, $500

Thundering Hooves Ranch has an on-farm USDA-inspected slaughtering facility that processes cattle, sheep, and other livestock produced on the ranch. Part of ensuring a successful slaughter is creating a low-stress environment that keeps animals calm at all stages. Chris noticed that “animals could sometimes be stressed by looking ahead and seeing other animals or activity.” He proposed a project that would eliminate this potential stressor by putting up visual barriers to keep animals calm.

Using simple plywood and paint, the farmers at Thundering Hooves were able to significantly reduce visibility and improve the overall efficiency of their slaughter process. Chris said of the project, “It has improved our handling facilities right before and during kill at our processing facility. It allows [us] to keep our animals calmer as they move to the knocking box, and reduce[s] their stress.” Thundering Hooves has already received compliments from their USDA inspector on the improvements. Back to top

Scott Hasselmann, Hasselmann Family Farms: Portable Farrowing Huts, $2,500

Prior to receiving the grant, Scott’s sows were raised in concrete pens. Though sows were living outdoors, Scott said, “they were not able to root in the soil or graze green grass… It had always been a challenge for us to keep our sows content raising them in this fashion due to the fact they were confined to a small unnatural setting. For example, they were constantly fighting with each other at feeding time and smashing gates and destroying fences in an effort to escape. Overall chores and pen maintenance were a constant challenge for us.” Scott applied for funding to build nine portable A-frame huts that would enable his sows to farrow on pasture.

Since moving the sows onto pasture, Scott has seen numerous benefits: “The sows are much more content rooting, grazing and wallowing in the mud. They do not seem to challenge the fences like they did when they were confined in a dry lot. Finally, it was always a challenge for us to keep the pens and barn clean and free of manure. But now that the sows are on pasture their manure is being evenly dispersed over the pasture and they are living in a healthier environment. In addition, because the housing is mobile we can move each hut between births. This helps contribute to more sanitary conditions and healthier pigs.” He went on to say, “Another advantage is that with the mobile housing and fencing we can move our pigs around the farm and incorporate them in our crop rotation practices. This is a great advantage as they can plow up old hay fields and fertilize them as well. Most importantly they are healthier and happier and in better body condition from all the exercise.”

The transition onto pasture has also helped to increase farm viability. Hasselmann Family Farms is now able to market their pork as “pasture-raised,” which gives them a premium at the farmers” market. Scott says, “This grant has been a huge blessing for our family farm. Not only has it helped us raise healthier, happier pigs it has had an added economic benefit of increasing our pork sales.” Back to top

Lester J. Huls, Lester J. Huls Farm: Mobile Housing, $5,000

Using the grant from Animal Welfare Approved and funding the remainder out-of-pocket, Lester Huls purchased twelve 6” x 8” two-door hog huts. Speaking in March, Lester said, “Since we have had 5 inches of rain in the last 3 days, my old sheds would have been wet and flooded out. The new sheds have floors and doors to keep the pigs dry and warm.”

Lester’s new huts facilitate year-round outdoor production, as they can be adapted for cold and hot weather. Lester says, “These sheds keep the pigs warmer and dry in wet weather. The pigs don’t get chilled as easy. In the summer when it is hot, I can open the lids slightly and cool down the sows and pigs better.”

A more comfortable environment for the pigs also translates into a steadier operation in terms of production. “I can now raise pigs in cold weather with the use of heat lamps. It will give me a more steady supply of pigs throughout the year.” Back to top