Certified Grassfed by A Greener World (AGW) Standards

Overview

The Certified Grassfed by A Greener World (CG) standards are an optional addition to the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW (AWA) beef and dairy cattle, meat and dairy sheep, meat and dairy goat, and bison standards.

These standards do not stand alone and cannot be applied in isolation. In order for animals to be approved as Certified Grassfed by AGW, they must also be approved under the AWA species-specific standards.

For information on animal management, health care, pasture management, housing and shelter, transport, and other requirements, please see AWA standards for beef, dairy cattle, sheep, dairy sheep, goats, dairy goats, and bison on AGW’s website.

Note: If a farm receives a non-compliance for AWA standard 4.0.4, their CG status may be revoked.

AWA Standard 4.0.4

Animals must be maintained at body condition score 4 or above on a 1-9 scale or body condition score 2 or above on a 1-5 scale.

G17.0 Feeding Grassfed Animals

Important Note

If grain or other products prohibited under the CG Standards have been fed in order to maintain the health and welfare of some animals within the CG herd or flock, it may be possible to maintain CG status on other, fully grassfed animals in the herd or flock, provided:

• The farm is open about the fact that some animals have been fed non-forage feed.
• Records of the animals fed non-forage feed are maintained.
• The animals can be clearly identified.
• No animals or products from those animals are marketed as CG.
• AGW is provided with details of the number of animals not compliant with CG standards.

G17.0.1

With the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning, the diet of grassfed animals must solely be derived from grass and forage throughout their lives.

Note: Forage is defined as any edible herbaceous plant material that can be grazed or harvested for feeding, with the exception of grain. Forage-based diets can be derived from:

• Grass (annual and perennial)
• Forbs (e.g., legumes, Brassica)
• Browse

G17.0.2

Animals cannot be fed grain, grain by-products, or any other form of feed concentrate.

G17.0.3

The following feedstuffs are specifically prohibited:

• Grains
• Dry harvested legumes (pea, bean, lupin)
• Corn/Maize
• Soya
• Grain residue or by-products, including distillers grains
• Sprouted grains

Note: A lack of a specific prohibition for any feed or supplement within these standards does not imply that its use is permitted.

Farms experiencing drought or other emergencies may apply for a derogation to feed sprouted grains (sometimes known as “fodder”) up to a maximum of 25% of daily dry matter intake. Derogation must be requested and accepted prior to use.

G17.0.4

Supplementary hay, haylage, baleage, silage, crop residue (straw) without grain, and other sources of natural roughage must never be used to replace good animal and pasture management.

Note: During the growing season, livestock stocking density and pasture management should ensure nutritional needs are met through grazing.

G17.0.5

Grazing cereal crop residues after harvest for grain is prohibited.

Note: Consumption of seeds naturally attached to herbage, forage, and browse is considered incidental and acceptable.

Grazing vegetative re-growth of harvested grain fields is permitted if:

• 75% of the field is covered by vegetative re-growth, and
• Average re-growth height is at least eight inches.

G17.0.6

Mineral and vitamin supplements must not include prohibited ingredients from these standards or AWA species-specific standards.

Examples of prohibited ingredients:

• Animal by-products
• Fishmeal
• Sub-therapeutic antibiotics
• Organophosphates

G17.0.7

Supplements must not include urea.

G17.0.8

Molasses may only be used as a carrier for mineral and/or vitamin supplements.

Note: This prohibits adding liquid molasses to hay to increase energy intake.

G17.0.9

If inadvertent exposure to non-forage feedstuff occurs, the incident must be recorded.

G17.0.10

Records of any non-forage supplement must be maintained along with identification of the animals that consumed them.

G17.0.11

Meat from animals fed non-forage feedstuffs may not be sold under the AWA Grassfed label.

G17.1 Pasture Access for Grassfed Animals

G17.1.1

Recommended: Stocking rates and pasture management should encourage plant biodiversity.

G17.2 Source and Records for Grassfed Animals

G17.2.1

Grassfed store or feeder stock must be sourced from other CG farms and have been managed to grassfed standards from birth.

Note: Animals sourced from other AWA farms that do not hold grassfed approval cannot be sold under the AWA Grassfed label.

G17.2.2

Grassfed animals must be traceable throughout their entire lives from birth to slaughter.

G17.2.3

Records must be maintained identifying all animals purchased, sold, or slaughtered as part of the CG program.

G17.3 Additional Standards for Grassfed Cow Dairy Farms

Note: These standards apply only to cow dairies and are not required for sheep or goat dairies.

G17.3.1

Farms seeking certification must have been certified by AWA for at least one audit cycle.

G17.3.2

Farms must have practiced 100% grassfed feeding for at least one year before becoming CG certified.

G17.3.3

Grassfed cow dairies must conduct forage testing of:

• Hay
• Haylage
• Silage
• Baleage

Whether home-produced or purchased.

G17.3.4

Forage test results must be used to ensure the herd's diet is balanced.

G17.4 Rearing Dairy Calves

G17.4.1

Dairy calves must receive at least 1 gallon (4 litres) of milk per calf per day for the first eight weeks.

G17.4.2

Dairy calves must receive at least 0.5 gallons (2 litres) of milk per calf per day from eight to twelve weeks of age.

G17.4.3

Recommended: Dairy calves should receive at least 0.25 gallons (1 litre) of milk per calf per day from twelve to fourteen weeks.

G17.4.4

Recommended: Dairy calves should be reared by their mothers or foster mothers until at least six weeks old.

G17.4.5

Recommended: Dairy calves should be fed whole cow's milk—not milk replacer—until at least six weeks old.

G17.4.6

High-quality forages must be provided when dairy calves are weaned.

G17.5 Land Management

G17.5.1

Certified farms must not clear primary or old-growth secondary forests for conversion to agricultural land.

Note:

• Primary forests are forests of native tree species with no clearly visible signs of human activity.
• Old-growth forests have existed for at least 120 years without major disturbance from fire, windstorms, or logging.

G17.5.2

Any land converted from primary or old-growth secondary forest within the last 15 years must not be used for certified production.

Note: This applies regardless of whether the current or previous landowner cleared the land.

Certified animals may not graze this land, and forage intended for certified animals may not be grown on it.

Exception: An exception may be granted where clear-cutting is a recognized sustainable practice.

Animal Welfare Approved by AGW (AWA)

Our Commitment

Bachman Family Farms is certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), one of the most respected farm animal welfare certifications in North America.

The AWA program is built on the principle that animals should be able to express their natural behaviors while being raised in pasture-based systems that prioritize health, comfort, and humane treatment.

Our certification requires annual audits, detailed farm records, written management plans, and compliance with comprehensive standards covering:

• Animal health and veterinary care
• Continuous pasture access
• Humane handling practices
• Proper nutrition and clean water
• Shelter and protection from weather extremes
• Transportation and slaughter requirements
• Environmental stewardship
• Record keeping and accountability

1. Ownership and Operation

1.0 Program Overview

The Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW (AWA) seal is a hard earned badge of difference and demonstrates the farmer’s commitment to the care of their animals, the land and the local community.

Farmers in this program will be distinguished by a humane and conscientious attitude towards the animals in their care as evidenced by physical audit and development of detailed plans and records of farm practices.

Farmers in the program agree to a minimum of one visit a year from A Greener World (AGW) staff or agents, with the possibility of additional visits if deemed necessary, to confirm compliance with the standards during various seasons and to allow observation of animals in different phases of life.

Participation in the program is on an annual basis and must be renewed each year.

The premise of the AWA standards is that animals must be allowed to behave naturally. The following standards allow animals the opportunity to perform natural and instinctive behaviors essential to their health and well-being.

Provisions are made to ensure social interaction, comfort, and physical and psychological well-being.

The AWA program is voluntary. The standards do not supersede national government or state legislation.

AGW recommends that farmers have the Guide to Understanding Our Standards and Standards and Program Definitions documents at hand while reading these standards.

1.0.1

The individual or entity seeking AWA status for their livestock must own and have management control of the animals.

1.0.2

The individual or entity seeking AWA status must produce a livestock product for sale or trade that is eligible to carry the AWA seal.

Note: If the primary market is selling/trading livestock as pets, animals for 4H, FFA, show animals or pack animals, or marketing meat from animals slaughtered at non-compliant slaughter facilities, the farm cannot be AWA.

See also section 14.1 if the primary market is breeding animals.

1.0.3

The AWA Standards must be met for all the animals or birds of the species for which approval is sought.

Farmers must not use “split” or “dual” systems, in which some animals or birds of one species are simultaneously kept in systems that do as well as systems that do not meet AWA Standards.

Note: A farm is not required to seek approval for all species managed simultaneously.

1.0.4

AWA is a birth-to-slaughter program.

Meat sold under the AWA label or logo must come from animals that have been certified as being raised to AWA standards and slaughtered using a method and at a location that has received written approval from AGW.

1.0.4.1

If the farm does not intend to market meat under the AWA label but owns or controls the animal when slaughtered, the slaughter process must meet the AWA Slaughter Guidelines for Red Meat.

1.0.5

The certified farm may participate in networks, co-operatives, or marketing groups in order to market livestock products as AWA as long as each member is audited as meeting all other requirements listed in these standards.

1.0.6

All those working with animals must be competent to carry out the tasks required of them.

Note: This standard applies to contract workers, temporary workers, employees, and family members.

2. Breeds and Origin of Animals

2.0 General Standards

2.0.1

Breeds and strains must be chosen with consideration of their ability to thrive in the prevailing climatic conditions of the farm in pasture-based, free-range, outdoor systems.

2.0.2

Cloned or genetically engineered animals are prohibited.

Note: This includes breeding stock, offspring, and semen originating from cloned or genetically engineered animals.

2.0.3

Breeding replacements may come from farms that are not certified by AWA but must be suitable for pasture-based production.

2.0.4

A record of source, purchase date, and number of breeding animals must be maintained.

2.0.5 (Recommended)

Wherever possible the farm should run a closed herd.

2.0.6

Rescue animals and cull animals from other herds cannot be bought into the AWA herd.

3. Health Management

Core Principles

The AWA program requires health management to focus on prevention rather than treatment.

Key Requirements

• Prevent illness and injury through management practices.
• Maintain a written health plan.
• Work with a qualified veterinarian or advisor.
• Use vaccines when disease risk exists.
• Address lameness promptly.
• Treat sick or injured animals immediately.

Prohibited Practices

• Growth hormones
• Growth-promoting substances
• Non-therapeutic antibiotics
• Non-therapeutic medications used to promote growth

Required Records

Maintain records of:

• Product purchased
• Date purchased
• Quantity
• Animals treated
• Reason for treatment
• Treatment dates
• Withdrawal periods

4. Animal Management

Key Welfare Requirements

Animals must:

• Be inspected at least once every 24 hours.
• Maintain proper body condition scores.
• Be managed in stable social groups.
• Have access to clean calving environments.
• Receive prompt care when sick or injured.

Prohibited Practices

• Tail docking
• Dehorning
• Spaying heifers
• Hot branding (except limited approved situations)

Calves

Requirements include:

• Colostrum within six hours of birth.
• Access to forage beginning at seven days of age.
• Humane weaning practices.
• Minimum weaning ages.
• Appropriate milk feeding protocols.

5. Food and Water

Core Requirements

Animals must have:

• Continuous access to clean, fresh water.
• A balanced feeding program.
• Feed distributed in a way that minimizes competition.

Prohibited Feed Ingredients

• Meat by-products
• Animal by-products
• Fishmeal and aquatic products

Additional Requirements

• At least 70% long-fiber forage in ruminant diets after weaning.
• Gradual diet changes.
• Feedlots and confinement feeding systems are prohibited.

6. Pasture Access

Core Principle

Continuous outdoor pasture access is required for all beef cattle.

Farm Management Requirements

• Written pasture management plan.
• Soil testing at least every three years.
• Protection against overgrazing.
• Erosion prevention.
• Water quality protection.
• Responsible fertilizer and pesticide use.

Pasture Removal

Animals may only be removed from pasture when their welfare would otherwise be negatively affected.

Examples include:

• Severe weather
• Wildfire
• Emergencies
• Temporary predator protection

7. Housing and Shelter

Requirements

Shelter must:

• Protect animals from weather extremes.
• Provide ventilation and natural light.
• Be safe and clean.
• Provide dry footing.
• Include appropriate bedding.

Prohibited

• Cages
• Crates
• Close confinement
• Routine tethering
• Liquefied manure systems

Space Requirements

Housing space allowances are based on animal weight and are specified in Standard 8.1.1.

8. Removal of Animals from the Approved Farm

AWA livestock retain certification status only under specific approved circumstances, including:

• Breeding purposes
• Emergency movement
• Showing animals
• Routine management practices

A written management and biosecurity plan must be maintained whenever animals are temporarily removed from the approved farm.

9. Predators and Rodents

Requirements

All animals must be protected from predators.

Preferred methods include:

• Guardian animals
• Exclusion fencing
• Live trapping

Prohibited

• Snares
• Leghold traps
• Poison for predators
• Glue boards for rodents

10. Records and Record-Keeping

The farm must maintain written records documenting:

• Animal purchases and sales
• Transfers
• Mortalities
• Veterinary treatments
• Health plans
• Pasture plans
• Emergency plans
• Transport plans

Verbal records are not acceptable.

11. Handling

Animals must be handled calmly and respectfully.

Prohibited

• Hot shots
• Electric prods
• Abuse or maltreatment

Required

• Properly designed handling facilities
• Trained handlers
• Low-stress livestock handling methods

12. Transport

Transportation plans must ensure animal welfare throughout loading, transport, and unloading.

Requirements

• Healthy animals only
• Adequate ventilation
• Appropriate space allowances
• Protection from thermal stress
• Continuous access to water until loading

Limits

• Transport generally must not exceed eight hours.
• Recently weaned calves have stricter limits.

13. Sale or Transfer of Animals

Prohibited

• Routine sale to feedlots
• Planned sale through stockyards or auction houses
• Sale into prohibited production systems

Required

Animals must only be sold into systems compatible with AWA standards.

14. Program Management

The farm must:

• Notify AGW of significant management changes.
• Maintain complaint records.
• Report deviations from standards.
• Seek approval for any required derogations.

15. Slaughter

Requirements

• Slaughter facilities must be approved by AGW.
• Humane handling, stunning, and slaughter practices are required.
• Downed animals must be euthanized immediately.

Prohibited

• Sale of meat from downed animals under the AWA label.
• Slaughter of calves under four months of age for meat.