One of the emerging trends McGovern sees affecting the industry is the proliferation of eco-labels, such as organic, Certified Humane® and fair trade. “The rise of eco-labels is a huge issue that companies and marketers need to understand better,” McGovern said.

Additionally, all meats – some 285,000 burgers, 260,000 hot dogs and 280,000 chicken tender meals per year – will carry either Certified Humane®, Global Animal Partnership or Animal Welfare Approved certification.

They begin their journey in California at the Prather Ranch, a Certified Humane® ranch. Prather Ranch is unique in that they emphasize low stress handling of their cattle, providing open pastures to reinforce the cow’s natural behavior. Prather Ranch is the exception not the norm when it comes to cattle farming. Far from the factory farm model, Prather Ranch intends to give the cattle the best life possible while they’re alive, respecting their life and what they provide.

Additionally, all meats — some 285,000 burgers, 260,000 hot dogs and 280,000 chicken tender meals per year — will carry either Certified Humane®, Global Animal Partnership or Animal Welfare Approved certification.

Additionally, all meats – some 285,000 burgers, 260,000 hot dogs and 280,000 chicken tender meals per year – will carry either Certified Humane®, Global Animal Partnership or Animal Welfare Approved certification.

Additionally, all meats – some 285,000 burgers, 260,000 hot dogs and 280,000 chicken tender meals per year – will carry either Certified Humane®, Global Animal Partnership or Animal Welfare Approved certification.

Go to the website Certifiedhumane.org to find a list of meat suppliers who have been Certified Humane® and look for their products in stores.

South Mountain Creamery makes its own ice cream at its 1,600-acre farm at 8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown. The farm milks about 300 cows, and sells milk, ice cream, Certified Humane® eggs, meat, cheese, butter and many other products raised on the farm or provided by nearby vendors.

“Our turkeys meet the very strict Certified Humane® guidelines and we scored 100 percent on a turkey welfare and humane practices audit by Steritech,” Koch says. The guidelines take into account the practical standards for the proper care and treatment of turkeys.

“This (animal welfare) commitment has lead the happy egg co. to be recognized as Certified Humane Raised and Handled® by Certified Humane®, a third-party animal welfare certification program that covers everything from hens’ living conditions to their feed, and the expertise of their caregivers.”