American Grassfed Ruminant

The American Grassfed Ruminant certification is a standard developed by the American Grassfed Association (AGA) to ensure the quality and integrity of grass-fed ruminant products in the United States. The certification focuses on meat and dairy products from ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats that have been raised predominantly on a diet of grass and forage throughout their lives.

The AGA's certification program aims to support sustainable and humane agricultural practices while providing transparency to consumers. Here are some key aspects of the American Grassfed Ruminant certification:

Grass-fed Diet: Animals certified under the American Grassfed Ruminant program must have been fed a diet consisting of 100% forage, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning. The animals are raised on pasture and have access to fresh grass and forage throughout the grazing season.

No Antibiotics or Hormones: Certified animals are not treated with antibiotics or synthetic hormones. The use of growth promoters and subtherapeutic antibiotics is strictly prohibited.

Animal Welfare: The certification places importance on animal welfare and requires that animals be raised in conditions that allow for natural behaviors and minimize stress. The animals have access to outdoor spaces and are treated with care and respect.

Traceability and Documentation: The certification program requires proper documentation and traceability from farm to fork. This includes verifying that the animals were raised and processed according to the program's standards.

Third-Party Verification: The American Grassfed Ruminant certification involves independent, third-party audits to ensure compliance with the standards. Accredited certifying bodies conduct inspections and reviews to verify that the participating farms and ranches meet the program requirements.

By seeking out products with the American Grassfed Ruminant certification, consumers can have confidence that the meat and dairy they are purchasing come from animals raised on a grass-fed diet in accordance with specific animal welfare and environmental standards.

It's worth noting that certification standards and requirements may evolve over time, and for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the official website of the American Grassfed Association or contact them directly.