(703)435-3883 info@certifiedhumane.org PO Box 82 Middleburg, VA 20118

Circle B Ranch

Nestled in the lush and rolling landscapes of the Ozark Mountains is a special pig farm. This sprawling 90 acre piece of farm land in Seymor, MO is known as Circle B Ranch, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Backes. The ranch name stemmed from Mr. Backes’ affinity to another ranch called Circle as well as the continuing “circle of life” observed in nature, and the family name, Backes. The ranch is populated by approximately 90-120 Berkshire, Red Wattle, Berkshire/Red Wattle cross hogs who wander the heavily wooded property with the Ozark mountains as a backdrop. Circle B Pigs & Piglets

Mr. and Mrs. Backes started a small hobby farm populated with horses, turkeys, ducks, and chickens when they were stationed in New Jersey. Described as a couple “ahead of their time,” the Backes raised their animals without subjecting them to unnecessary hormones and antibiotics. It would only seem fit that they would continue this practice once they started their pig operation.

After going on multiple farm tours in Missouri and receiving a plethora of knowledge from another pastured pig producer on the Certified Humane® program, Newman Farm Pork, this east coast couple purchased land that was conducive to the natural pig environment. Amidst the initial shock from their family members, who assumed they would have a confinement operation, the two built their pasture operation from the ground up in 2008. The Backes’ motto “Happy pigs are pastured pigs” which are allowed to graze the land and rotate pastures was critical in the planning and development of their farm. They based their farm facilities and operations on the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® standards. Mr. Backes is especially fond of the English style huts that are popular amongst European farmers. These animals breed, farrow, and mature in the natural setting of Circle B Ranch. By October 2010 Circle B Ranch was officially established and in business as a working pasture pig operation.

Huts

Not only do the Backes understand the importance of animal welfare but they also understand the impact of supporting local businesses. The Backes’ support the “Buy Local” movement by supplying their pork to community restaurants. Mrs. Backes notes that “Certified Humane® and locally grown concerns are providing the demand for our product.” However, this is not the extent of their services; they also take orders via the phone and internet. Please visit their website (www.circlebranchpork.com) where you can purchases an array of pork products, as well as sauces stemming from family recipes and those developed during Mrs. Backes extensive career as a caterer.

To learn more, visit their website at: Circle B Ranch

For information on where to find other Certified Humane® products in your area, visit the “Shop” page of HFAC’s website.

 

Caw Caw Creek

After spending 20 years maintaining his backyard vegetable garden which evolved into a farm empire, Emile DeFelice decided in 2003 that it was time to branch out into raising animals, specifically pigs. With minimal experience in pig farming, Emile sought the expertise of Dr. Chuck Talbott, animal science professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. Talbott, currently retired, known for his research with pigs, took Emil under his wings and gave him an education; they visited 80 different hog farms, he had access to academic literature, and attended seminars and workshops on pasture based pig production. With the help of Dr. Talbott, hard work and dedication Emile was able to start his thriving pasture- based pig farm, Caw Caw Creek, in Columbia, SC.

Caw Caw Creek
Eufren, Farm Manager and Swine herdsman checking the udders of a sow.

Emile states that farming is a continuous learning process filled with ups and downs. Emile uses a “Wild Management System” for rearing his pigs, which mimics the varying terrain encountered by wild pigs; high ground, forest, and pastures. The pigs are encouraged to embrace their natural abilities; root, wallow, graze on pasture, and sleeping in herds. Because he understands the negative impact that the pigs can have on land management, Emile does not allow the herd full access to the grazing pastures 100% of the time. Instead he uses a rotational grazing system which is an asset with Healthy, Happy Pigs; Crossbred Large Black, Spotted Poland China, Old

Line Duroc, and Mulefoot make up the pig population at Caw Caw Creek Farm and have access to 200 acres. The pigs are carefully monitored by Eufren, the swine herdsman who loves pigs. His appreciation for pigs is demonstrated in the way he cares for the animals. He has even taken pigs home when he thinks they need extra care.

When asked about his reason for applying to the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® program, Emile replied “I had canvassed what was available and I found Certified Humane® to be the most stringent, serious, believable program.  I was interested in content and substance not the label.  It was either Certified Humane® or nothing.”  Since joining the program he has noticed a significant increase in his sales, and the vying attention of numerous media outlets.  Currently Caw Caw Creek Pork is available at numerous farmers’ markets within the vicinity of Columbia, SC and shipped all over the nation.

Caw Caw Creek
Sows taking their afternoon nap.

Reflecting on his experiences as a pastured pig farmer Emile provides these words of advice for people considering exploring a new career in farming “In addition to how you raise your animals you should approach farming as a business.  In order for Sustainable Agriculture to grow up we must move beyond romanticizing.”   As if owning and operating a farm were not enough, Emile owns and operates a year round farmer’s market that offers baked goods, seafood, meat, and produce.  Emile has done this by opening a year round farmer’s market in Columbia, SC. Please visit www.stateplate.org for more info.

To learn more, visit their website at: www.cawcawcreek.com

For information on where to find other Certified Humane® products in your area, visit the “Shop” page of HFAC’s website.

 

Black Mesa Ranch

Black Mesa RanchAfter they retired and moved to Snowflake, Arizona, from Tucson, Kathryn and David Heininger thought it would be fun to have a goat or two around their 280-acre Black Mesa Ranch in the White Mountains of Northern Arizona. David liked to cook and thought he would use the goats’ milk to try his hand at making goat cheeses.

Less than three years after they purchased their first goats in 2001, the Heininger’s had built a certified dairy. They are now respected Nubian goat breeders and producers of award-winning farmstead artisan goat cheeses.

Black Mesa Ranch

“It was originally a hobby. We started out with two goats, thinking we’d just drink the milk, make a little cheese for ourselves and sell their kids (baby goats). Well, things didn’t work out that way. We both fell in love with goats completely and David soon got really excited about the cheese-making side of things. I guess it was meant to be,” says Kathryn, who has even published a guide for beginning goat farmers.

The company now raises 35 full-sized, purebred Nubian goats and sells its cheeses to local restaurants, natural food stores, grocery stores, and directly to consumers through its website, www.blackmesaranch.com.

When the Heiningers learned about Humane Farm Animal Care and the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® label, they decided to try to join the program.

“We weren’t attracted to organic certification. But, the Certified Humane guidelines are based on what’s good for the animal. It’s a common-sense approach, and that appealed to us,” says Kathryn.

The Heiningers now spend their time milking their goats — twice a day in high season — making cheese, and rehabilitating and improving their property “with an eye toward self-sufficiency and a plan for sustainability.” They have no employees or nearby neighbors, so the goats, in addition to being productive, provide David and Kathryn with their main source of companionship at the ranch.

Black Mesa Ranch

“We have come to really love them, as much for their individual personalities as for their productivity. If you raise them right, goats are friendly and affectionate,” says Kathryn.

Some of Black Mesa Ranch’s kids actually live in the house with Kathryn and David for the first few days of their lives. The kids are all bottle-fed and cuddled, which helps them bond with people. They remain integrated with the main herd their whole lives thanks to creative management techniques that allow them to bond to their mothers without learning to drink from them. The young goats also tag along on the herd’s long free-range walks. Exposure to a variety of situations, noises and other ranch animals — including the ranch’s livestock guardian dogs — helps develop a mellow, unflappable personality as they mature.

“Their varied upbringing helps them become accustomed to changes in their schedules and environment which helps reduce the stress of leaving the herd if they are sold. It also makes them very trusting and loving.”

The couple hosts the public at Black Mesa Ranch on specific open-house days, inviting them to meet the goats, visit the cheese kitchen, and sample and buy goat cheeses and the Heiningers’ homemade seasonal candies.

For information on where to find other Certified Humane® products in your area, visit the “Shop” page of HFAC’s website.

 

Ayrshire Farm

Ayrshire Farm is perhaps one of the most innovative farms in the Piedmont region of Northern Virginia—a region of gently rolling land that stretches from the Tidewater area to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Although it’s an hour or less from the urban bustle of Washington, D.C., the Piedmont is known for its wheat and corn production, and cattle and horse farms abound. Situated on 800 acres of land east of the Shenandoah River, Ayrshire Farm operates much as a 19th century working manor farm would have done. That may seem like a quaint step back in time, but the philosophy behind this farm is anything but old-fashioned: It’s the first farm in Virginia to be both Certified Humane and certified organic according to federal organic standards. The farm’s Web site points out that a working manor farm was “…historically a place of efficiency, sufficiency, and serenity,” concepts that are both thoroughly traditional and entirely up to date. At Ayrshire Farm, they believe that the health of humans, animals and the earth are intertwined, and that this demands an integrated approach to farming and environmental stewardship.

Ayshire

When Sandy Lerner bought the property in 1996, her goal was to farm the land in a sustainable way and to produce healthy, delicious food.

The livestock includes such exotic varieties as ancient White Park cattle descended directly from a 13th century herd in Chillingham, Northumberland, England, and Gloucestershire

Old Spot pigs, of which there are only 200 left worldwide. The farm is also known for their Shire horses, an elegant, sturdy working breed that’s rare these days—there are only 4,000 left worldwide. Crops and livestock are rotated regularly so that no section of the farm is ever over-cultivated or over-grazed. Farm soil is kept healthy and fertile by extensive composting, and animals are raised according to the strictest standards of humane husbandry.

But there’s much more than just farming going on at Ayrshire.

Farm personnel compete with the Shire horses in many draft and carriage horse shows, and the farm’s woodlands and fields are tended as “wildlife corridors” where farm-raised wild pheasants and turkeys are released, and native trees, plants and grasses are planted.

Ayshire

Ayrshire Farm also has a strong commitment to education—4-H students work on the farm to learn about gardening and animal husbandry, and through a partnership with International Exchange for Agriculture, apprentices from around the world have the chance to live at Ayrshire Farm and learn about the farm’s sustainable agricultural methods. In addition to all of this, the farm is associated with the nearby Hunter’s Head Tavern, an English style pub that gets its meat, dairy and some seasonal produce from the farm. Hunter’s Head, like the farm, is completely Certified Humane, and that’s helped make it popular with Upperville locals and tourists alike.

Ayrshire Farm is a wonderful blend of old-fashioned farming techniques, contemporary agricultural science and ideals of environmental stewardship. The farm’s mission is to “… bring livestock and crop production to both self-sufficiency and profitability. …We are committed to the health and well being of our animals, of one another and of the earth.” The beauty and success of the farm prove the modern value of this mission, and they prove that truly healthy food comes from a mindful plan for agricultural management—not from chemicals and factory farming methods.

To learn more, visit their website at: Ayrshire Farms

For information on where to find other Certified Humane® products in your area, visit the “Shop” page of HFAC’s website.

 

Anderson Ranches

Anderson Ranches

Reed Anderson’s family has raised lamb in Brownsville, Oregon, for five generations. In the past eight years, he’s taken the family business to a new level.

His great-grandfather and grandfather raised small flocks and sold their fresh lamb directly to customers on Front Street in Portland. Today, Anderson Ranch lamb wins accolades from the prestigious James Beard Foundation, is prized by the Northwest’s best chefs and can be found at the meat counters of specialty grocery stores. Reed and Robyn Anderson’s success is due in part to the abundance of lush green grasses that grace their pastures in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, which averages 38 inches of rain every year. Anderson Ranches 2 The Andersons have also been careful about breeding. They raise four English breeds — Suffolk, Hampshire, Coopworth and Dorset — which were carefully selected for their high-quality, mild-tasting meat and their ability to thrive in Western Oregon’s cool wet climate, which is similar to that of Northern England. All the Anderson lambs live in open fields with fresh air, are left free to roam, eat when they’re hungry, and grow according to the rhythms of nature. After reading Humane Farm Animal Care’s guidelines for certification, Anderson realized that he wouldn’t have to change any of his practices in order to qualify to use the Certified Humane label. “We raise our animals in a completely natural environment. They’re never confined, and they don’t experience stress, even in processing,” says Anderson. The Andersons work with a processing plant owned by another local family that is a mere 30-minute drive from their ranch, which reduces the stress on the animals. Anderson says the key to his success is in understanding what a lamb needs to thrive, then providing it. “If you want to understand sheep, just read the Bible. Sheep have been domesticated since before Christ. They are used to being cared for by human beings. Sheep naturally want to travel and graze constantly. They don’t adapt well to being confined,” he says. The Andersons’ contract with their sheep involves protecting them from predators and providing plenty of open grasslands for grazing. Anderson Ranches Anderson Ranch sheep are never fed grain or byproducts and they are never enclosed in feedlots, so they have no negative impact on the environment. Anderson Ranch lamb can be found on the menus of Portland’s Blue Hour, the Heathman Hotel and The Herb Farm, among others. The Andersons also sell their lamb directly to Wild Oats Markets in Oregon and Washington, PC Market of Choice in Eugene, Oregon, Prather Ranch Meat Company store in San Francisco and other grocery stores. For information on where to find other Certified Humane® products in your area, visit the “Shop” page of HFAC’s website.

Wilcox Family Farms

Wilcox Family Farm

Wilcox Family Farms of Roy, Washington are “committed to producing healthy, safe food, in a way that promotes social justice for employees in a friendly environment.”  A 100 Year Family tradition, Wilcox Family Farms earned their Certified Humane certification in 2007 and came into the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) program as a “split operation” because they were transitioning from cage to cage-free production.

In a split operation, only the hens raised and handled under the HFAC Animal Care Standards can be Certified Humane®, and are kept in a separate location from the other animals, with no comingling allowed. HFAC only certifies cage-free production, but will approve a split operation when the farmer makes a written commitment to convert all his production to cage free.

In 2007, Wilcox Family Farms had 28,000 cage free laying hens.  Over the next four years the farm steadily increased its conversion from cage to cage free.  In 2011, the number of cage free laying hens had risen to 133,298; an over 475% increase in humane production.

“With each barn conversion costing about $1.5 million, plus additional costs in employee training, the investment being made to improve the welfare of Wilcox Family Farm chicken is significant and commendable.” said Douglass. She called the reforms taking place at the Wilcox Farms “remarkable and solid evidence of a personal and corporate commitment to improving the welfare of farm animals.Wilcox Family

Andy Wilcox said his family’s collective “experience and observation has shown that cage free hens show the most natural behavior, least amount of stress and produce the best eggs for our customers.”   He added that the conversion from cage to cage free production was not cheap but the expense of converting his cage barns to cage free systems was well worth the investment in construction costs and additional employee training to better understand the behavior and care of cage free laying hens.

Certified Humane® eggs from the Wilcox Family Farms can be found at supermarkets throughout the Pacific Northwest including Albertsons Warehouse, Costco and Wal-Mart.

Douglas added: “The investments made by the Wilcox Family Farms demonstrate the powerful impact that the Certified Humane® program has in promoting and requiring steady improvements in farm animal welfare.  The investments necessary to display the Certified Humane® brand are good for the animals and they are good for the business of farming.”

For information on where to find Wilcox Family Farms products and other Certified Humane® products in your area, visit the “Where to Buy”  page of HFAC’s website, or visit Wilcox Family Farm’s website.

To read about other Certified Humane® producers, visit our Farm/Ranch/Business Profiles – Archive.

New! – Farm Brands that Ship

As we rapidly re-think our shopping habits these days, Humane Farm Animal Care has some good news to facilitate these changes: many Certified Humane® producers have made their products accessible through online shopping portals. 

Additionally, there are farms whose family run farm shops remain open and ready to serve their local communities. Buying from these producers is an increasingly appealing option for many and it contributes to longer term sustainability for the farmer and, as always, for the animals.

Farm / CompanyCertified Humane® OfferingsWebsite/ Contact Info.Service Offered
Alderfer'sFresh EggsFreshDirect.comHome Delivery: Metro NY & DC, NJ, PA, DE
Bitterroot BisonBisonBitterrootBison.comShop Online
Born Free Fresh Eggsinstacart.comPick-up or Delivery from your Local Groceries
ButcherBoxCertified Humane® Pork and BeefButcherBox.comShop Online
Cannon Hill FarmBelted Galloway Beef (whole or half)canhill@shentel.netStock your freezer! Pickup in Mt. Jackson, VA
D'ArtagnanGreen Circle Chicken and TurkeyDartagnan.comshop Online
Davidson'sFresh Eggsinstacart.comShop Online
Drake Family FarmsGoat Cheese & ChèvreDrakeFamilyFarms.comShop Online
Farmer FocusChicken: Fresh & pre-CookedFreshDirect.com & CrowdCow.comHome Delivery: Metro NY & DC, NJ, PA, DE
Farmers Hen HouseFresh EggsHy-vee.com/aisles-online & instacart.comShop Online
Firefly FarmsFirefly Pork, Sausage, Beef, Veal, Turkey, and Chickenfireflyfarmsllc.comShop Online
Gentle HarvestPet FoodGentle HarvestShop Online
Giving NatureFresh EggsAmazon.comShop Online
Happy BellyFresh EggsAmazon.comShop Online
Happy Valley Meat Co.BeefShop.HappyValleyMeat.comShop Online
Hart Dairy100% free-range, grass-fed milkPublix.com & instacart.comPickup or Delivery in Georgia from Publix, Instacart
Home Place PasturesPork, Bacon & SausagesHomePlacePastures.comShop Online
Honey Sweetie AcresGoat Milk Soaps, Lotions and SkincareHoneySweetieAcres.comShop Online
Hunters Head TavernFull Restaurant MenuHuntersheadTavern.comTake Out, Upperville Virginia
Idyll FarmsFarmstead Goat Cheese CreameryIdyllfarms.comEmail orders@idyllfarms.com to shop online
Judy's Family FarmFresh Eggsinstacart.comPick-up or Delivery from your Local Groceries
Kirkland SignatureFresh EggsCostco.comPick-up or delivery
LonghiniPork Sausage & Chicken SausageLonghiniSausage.comShop Online
LucerneFresh & Hard-Boiled EggsSafeway.com & Albertsons.comPick-up or Delivery from Safeway/Albertson's
Mary's Free Range ChickenChickenTaylorsMarket.com/PoultryShop Online
Nature's Farm (Canada)Egg PastaNaturesFarm.ca/StoreShop Online
Nature's YolkFresh EggsFreshDirect.comHome Delivery: Metro NY & DC, NJ, PA, DE
Nellie's Free RangeFresh Eggs, Hard-Boiled Eggs, and Sous Vide Egg BitesAmazon.com & instacart.comShop Online, availability varies by zip code
NestFreshFresh Eggsinstacart.comPick-up or Delivery from your Local Groceries
Niman RanchBeef, Pork & CharcuterieDebragga.com, PerdueFarms.com, & Butcherbox.comShop Online
North Country SmokehouseHam, Bacon, Sausage & Sliced Turkeyncsmokehouse.comShop Online
O OrganicFresh & Hard-Boiled Eggsinstacart.comPick-up or Delivery from Safeway/Albertson's
Open FarmPet Food Meals and SnacksOpenFarmPet.comShop Online
Open NatureFresh Eggsinstacart.comPick-up or Delivery from Safeway/Albertson's
Organic Pastures now Raw FarmRaw Farm Cheddar, Milk, Butter & KefirRawFarmUSA.com/shopShips Cheese Nationwide; Butter, Milk & Kefir ships within CA
PeckishBoiled Eggs & DipPerfectlyPeckish.comShop Online (temporarily onhold)
Pederson'sPork and BaconPedersonsFarms.comShop Online
Petaluma FarmsFresh Eggsinstacart.comPick-up or Delivery from your Local Groceries
Pete & Gerry'sFresh & Liquid Eggsinstacart.com & Amazon.comShop Online or Pick-up, Delivery from Local Groceries
Redwood Hill FarmGoat Milk Yogurt & KefirFreshDirect.com & Amazon.comShop Online or Delivery: Metro NY & DC, NJ, PA, DE
Shelburne FarmsCheese (Cow's Milk)Store.ShelburneFarms.orgShop Online & VT Farm Shop
Sir Kensington'sMayonnaise Varieties & SaucesSirKensingtons.com & Amazon.comShop Online
Skagit River RanchGrassfed BeefSkagitRiverRanch.comShop Online & Local Pickup Puget Sound Area
Smart ChickenChickenPiedmontese.com & GoodLifeProteins.comShop Online
StarWalker Organic FarmsBeef & PorkStarwalkerOrganicFarms.comShop Online
Teton Waters RanchGrassfed Beef Hot Dogs & SausagesHealthyGoodness.comShop Online
The Country EggFresh Eggs from heritage breed hensinstacart.com (from Sprouts in Arizona)Shop Online for home delivery
Thrive MarketPasture Raised ChickenThriveMarket.comShop Online
Tulip Tree CreameryCow’s Milk Cheese made w/vegetable rennetTulipTreeCreamery.comFed Ex Nationwide or Market Wagon Delivery
Usinger'sHamUsinger.comShop Online
Vital Farms Fresh EggsAmazon.comShop Online, availability varies by zip code
White Oak PasturesMeat and Poultry WhiteOakPastures.comShop Online
WilcoxFresh Eggsinstacart.comPick-up or Delivery from your Local Groceries

To find Certified Humane® products worldwide, visit our STORE LOCATOR

Fire Fly Farms Has It All

Fire Fly Farms – New London County Connecticut Has it All!

Order for pick up at the Connecticut farm shop or nationwide delivery via UPS:
Phone / Text: (860) 912-2553
Email: info@fireflyfarmsllc.com

Farm Shop:
96 Button Road, North Stonington, Connecticut
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Farm Shop Phone: (860) 917-7568

This Certified Humane farm offers heritage Randall beef and veal; Mulefoot pork; several breeds of chicken, including heritage breeds and turkeys. They ship their meat directly to customers. https://firefly.farm/

Adele Douglass, Founder and CEO of Humane Farm Animal Care, Joins Denver Frederick

by  | Jul 30, 2019 | Guest Interview

The following is a conversation between Adele Douglass, Founder and CEO of Humane Farm Animal Care, and Denver Frederick, Host of The Business of Giving on AM 970 The Answer WNYM in New York City.

Denver: When in the meat or dairy aisle at the grocery store, have you ever seen the label that reads “Certified Humane Raised and Handled®”? Have you wondered when and how the certification process got started? Well, tonight, we’ll find out directly from the person who started it. She is Adele Douglass, the Founder and CEO of Humane Farm Animal Care

Good evening, Adele, and welcome to The Business of Giving! 

Adele: Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Denver: Share with us the mission and goals of Humane Farm Animal Care.

Adele: Well, the mission is: we’re a non-profit certification organization, dedicated to improving the lives of farm animals in food production, from birth through slaughter. The goal of the program is to improve the lives of farm animals by driving consumer demand for kinder and more responsible farm animal practices. When you see the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® label on a product, you can be assured that the food products have come from facilities that meet precise objective standards for farm animal treatment.

Denver: Now, you were raised in New York City, Adele, and not on the farm. So, what got you interested in this subject? Was there a moment when you decided that something had to be done? 

Adele: Yes, yes and yes. I worked for a member of Congress, and then I lobbied Congress on behalf of children and animals. I was asked in the late ‘90s to be part of various animal welfare committees, and they figured, “Well, she doesn’t know anything about farm animals, so we can do whatever we want.” Well, it didn’t work out that way. Because I was – when I went and saw how chickens were… how hens were…. in cages and they couldn’t move, they couldn’t stand up, they couldn’t sit down at the same time – I was appalled. I thought, “If consumers knew this, they wouldn’t buy this food.”

So, I asked friends who were scientists to show me the opposite, to show me different ways animals are raised, and that was very inspirational. And I thought, “Well, I’ve got to do something to help farm animals. This helps farmers, and it helps consumers; so therefore, who would object to this?” I needed money to start it, so I cashed in my 401k so I had money, and then I got some funding from HSUS, from ASPCA, and that was for four or five years. We’ve been on our own ever since.

Click here to read more and listen to the interview.

PETA’s latest…

PETA has launched another attack campaign against Humane Farm Animal Care’s Certified Humane® program. We wish they would stop picking on farmers who are trying to do the right thing for farm animals, but we know this is part of their fundraising efforts every year.

In September 2017, PETA went to a farm in Pennsylvania that offered public tours and took selective videos of this farm. Per our records, this farm had an unannounced inspection one month prior, in August 2017. The inspection was conducted by one of our third-party farm animal welfare experts: veterinarians and scientists with expertise in their species of farm animals. According to the inspection report, the farm met all the requirements of the Certified Humane® program.

This farm sells their eggs to Nellie’s Free-Range Eggs, the first egg producer to become Certified Humane®, so their commitment to animal welfare is long-established.

The comments made by PETA-supporting veterinarians, Dr. Holly Cheever, Dr. Lester Castro Freedlander and Dr. Greg Burkett, were based on watching the video, which can be misleading, and not from actual engagement with the hens on the farm.

Here are PETA’s claims and our replies…

  1. The space in the barn of 1.2 sq. f/bird is not adequate space for the birds to perform natural behavior. — Dr. Lester Friedlander, DVM

Reply:  The Humane Farm Animal Care Scientific Committee comprised of 40 international animal scientists and veterinarians who wrote our standards, concluded that 1.2 sq. ft. of space per bird in a cage-free barn of this type is the minimum space needed for the hens to exhibit natural behaviors. In addition, the outdoor space for free-range laying hens is 2 sq. ft/bird. This farm meets both those standards.

  1. The exits for the birds are closed at night and not opened until 1:00 p.m. and closed throughout the winter. – PETA Video

Reply:  HFAC Standards require: “Outdoor access, must be provided for a minimum of 6 hours per day during the daytime, except during inclement weather or for veterinary or emergency reasons.” On this farm, the doors are open to the birds between 1:30 p.m. and nightfall, which meets our requirements. The birds don’t go outside if it is below 54 degrees Fahrenheit, above 94 degrees Fahrenheit, or if it is raining or muddy.  The birds must be kept indoors at night to prevent predators from attacking them. Farms often keep hens inside during cold or bad weather.

  1. The hatches to the outside are too small for the birds to have free access to the outdoor. – Dr. Holly Cheever, DVM

Reply:  There are very specific requirements for the hatches in our Standards. “Hens must have sufficient exit areas appropriately distributed around the buildings i.e., at least one exit every 50 feet along one side of the house to ensure that all hens have ready-access to the outdoor areas. Each exit must allow the passage of more than one hen at a time.  Exits must be at least 18” high and 21” wide.” This farm meets these standards.

  1. …the birds’ sensitive beaks are cut off to prevent the densely-packed chickens from attacking and killing each other. Despite the mutilation, many hens were observed to have missing feathers…” — Dr. Gregg Burkett

Reply:  According to our Standards, birds are allowed to be beak-trimmed; there is no “cutting off” beaks. The beak trimming must be done before 10 days of age and in a very specific way to meet our Standards.  Our Scientific Committee concluded that if the procedure is done under 10 days of age, there is no lasting effect to the birds and assures the birds will not peck each other to death. The reason we allow beak trimming is that, no matter how much space hens have, they WILL feather peck each other. Studies show birds that are not beak-trimmed have a high mortality rate. Our inspector verified the farm not only followed our Standards but has more than the required number of perches for the birds, which helps minimize pecking behaviors.

The air quality in the barns was also less than 10 ppm of ammonia, which is a major indicator of the farmer’s care since this means their litter, which the birds use for dustbathing is more than adequate and well-managed.

  1. “The children of the farmer touched and carried the hens with bare hands. Does this put the family or hens at risk of contracting or spreading diseases, including avian influenza? – PETA asks the three veterinarians:

“Contracting a disease is initially solely dependent on whether or not a flock has the disease. They cannot spread what they don’t have. Handling healthy bird poses very little risk of disease transmission.  Currently, there are no strains of avian influenza in the US.” – Dr. Gregg Burkett

According to our inspection reports, this farm meets all HFAC’s Standards, and then some.  If this farm had things to hide, they would not allow public tours on their property.

The Certified Humane program strives to be fully-transparent.  Our Standards are on our website for all to see. https://certifiedhumane.org/how-we-work/our-standards/

Our Scientific Committee is made up of the best farm animal scientists and veterinarians in the world.  https://certifiedhumane.org/how-we-work/scientific-committee/

PETA’s agenda is to convert people to veganism. See “Does PETA have the right to determine what’s humane considering their view on animals, January 13, 2016)

Our program does not care whether people are vegans, vegetarians or meat eaters. That decision is up to you. Our nonprofit’s mission is to ensure farm animals raised for food are raised in ways that ensure their needs are being met. These needs are not based on our perception of their needs, but their actual needs as determined by our Scientific Committee. It’s unfortunate that PETA is attempting to ruin the reputation of an honorable farmer and egg company whose intentions towards their hens are the most humane.