What's in a Label?

In case you'd like to know more about this label...

Recently, an auditor from A Greener World visited our farm for our annual Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) inspection. AWA is considered the gold standard for humane certification.

While inspections can feel a little nerve-wracking, we do value this process and appreciate the accountability it offers.

We are happy to share that, for the 16th year,  we received another excellent review ~ along with wonderful feedback about the care of our animals and the systems we have in place here at Crane Dance Farm.

In a nutshell, this is how it works:

In order to keep our certification, an auditor from A Greener World takes a close look at three key areas of animal care: the health and behavior of the animals, the pasture and housing resources, and the farm’s written management practices. They also look at how we manage our farm as a whole, including the sustainable and regenerative practices we use.

This thorough review includes everything from pasture access and shelter to nutrition, handling, herd health, and the daily systems that support animal well-being. It is not just about meeting a checklist ~ it is about looking at the whole life from birth to death of the animal (the processor also needs to be certified) and making sure they can express their natural behaviors in a natural environment.

For us, this certification is a reflection of what we have always believed ~ that raising animals with respect and care matters. Our cows, pigs, sheep, and poultry are not just part of our farm; they are part of a larger ecosystem and a larger story of reciprocity, health, and healing. For us, animal welfare and regenerative farming go hand in hand.

We know that many of our customers want to know where their food comes from and how the animals are raised and treated. Certifications like AWA provide another layer of transparency and reassurance that the values we share are the values we practice every day.

For us, there is only one way to treat animals, with or without certification. ♡

We are grateful to have our farm reviewed and for the encouraging feedback we received.

And we're thankful for all of you who know that good food begins long before it reaches our plates.