Our Welfare Promise

All of our farmers must meet strict welfare standards, from birth to slaughter, in order to guarantee that our animals are treated as they should be for their entire lives. To ensure our standards get the results we want, we use species-specific, reliable, and valid outcome-indicators to evaluate our farms. By using animal-, input-, and practice-based standards that are observable and measurable we can make certain our animals are raised the right way whenever we set foot on our farms.

Freedom from Hunger and Thirst

—by ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigor—

We Require:

Diets appropriate for age and climate that support proper nutrition and health
Non-competitive feeding strategies or free access to feed
Free and continuous access to clean, fresh water
Maintenance of healthy body condition scores
No antibiotics used for growth promotion or feed efficiency
No added growth hormones or promoters
No animal by-products in feed
Short transport times with minimized periods of food and water withdrawal
Written nutrition and feeding plans
Written emergency supplementary feeding plans

Freedom from Discomfort

—by providing an environment with appropriate shelter, comfort, and climate—

We Require:

Pasture or outdoor access for all animals for at least 2/3 rds of their lives
Natural light and daylight cycles
Animals and their environment are clean and hygienic
Sufficient air quality to prevent illness or discomfort
Adequate space per animal on farms and in transport to prevent overcrowding
Slip-resistant, clean, dry, and solid flooring in all non-pasture areas
Clean, dry bedding of sufficient quality and quantity for comfort and nesting
Protection from thermal stress and adverse temperature and humidity levels
Sufficient natural or built shelter to protect from adverse or extreme weather
All equipment and facilities to be maintained, repaired, and functional

Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease

—by prevention, rapid diagnosis, and treatment—

We Require:

Zero tolerance for animal abuse
Elimination of unnecessary painful procedures
Careful and competent handling to avoid slipping and injury
No electric prod use except when animal or human safety is in jeopardy
No breeds that compromise welfare through excessive growth or production
Immediate treatment of injured, sick, lame, or otherwise suffering animals
Antibiotics only for the treatment of illness or as prescribed by a veterinarian
Euthanasia of non-recoverable animals using only AVMA approved methods
No transport of sick, injured, or downed animals for auction or slaughter
Best practices for animal procedures to minimize pain and suffering
Species- and size-appropriate restraint devices and handling facilities
Written health plans and record-keeping of animal-based indicators
Established veterinarian-client-patient relationship

Freedom to Express Normal Behavior

—by providing sufficient space, facilities, and company of other animals—

We Require:

Prohibited use of closed confined housing, unless temporarily required
Prevention or remedy of abnormal behavior, bullying, or aggression
No animals are isolated or separated, unless medically required
Space sufficient for normal movement, behavior, and socialization
Appropriate herd or house grouping by age, size, and life stage
Appropriate housing and nesting materials for breeding animals
Maintenance of stable social groups
Environmental enrichment sufficient for engagement in normal behavior

Freedom from Fear and Distress

—by ensuring conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering—

We Require:

Zero tolerance for animal mistreatment or cruelty
Calm, low-stress handling of animals at all times
Elimination of excessive and unexpected noise
No passageways or facilities that impede animal movement
Species-specific and low-stress handling, loading, and transport facilities
Diffuse and uniform lighting in handling, loading, and transport areas
Low-stress weaning methods and weaning ages closer to natural separation
Protection from pests and predators
All slaughter plants must meet American Meat Institute (AMI) standards
Effective stunning before shackling and slaughter
On-farm welfare education and training