Burning Desire
Zach and Christina Menchini own Campfire Farms, 30 acres of pasture and woodland near Mulino in Oregon in the foothills of the Cascades. How did you get into farming? Christina and I both lived in New York City in our 20s. We were avid farmers’ market customers and cared deeply about animal welfare, climate change, and nutritious food. Along the way, we started learning about the problems in modern agriculture and left New York, eager for a lifestyle change…
All Change
AGW standards have been written and developed by scientists, farmers and farm animal welfare experts from around the globe. Every year, our Standards Board reviews and updates the current standards. How does it work? Throughout the year, we collate and examine any new science relating to the different AGW certifications to ensure our standards reflect scientific consensus on best practice. Anyone can submit a suggestion or Standard Amendment form during the year (as outlined in P.2.4.5 in AGW’s Policy document),…
Branching Out
As someone who spends a lot of time talking with farmers about planting trees, there’s a certain phrase I’ve heard more times than I can count. “Why in the world would someone do that? My Grandad spent years clearing the woods so we can farm.” Busting tree myths If you’re reading a grazing publication, I’ll assume you’re a bit more open to new ideas than the typical farmer. If you’ve converted to pastured livestock, chances are your neighbors already think…
Read All About It!
Do you have a story to tell, but you aren’t sure how to tell it? Perhaps you’d like to constructively engage with the media but you feel reluctant or nervous about it? If your answer is yes, then don’t worry—it’s a perfectly natural response! Talking to the media can feel daunting, but there are strategies you can follow to help you effectively communicate with the press and prepare for media interviews. Whether you’re looking to promote sustainable practices, enhance your…
The Farmyard Connection
Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans—known as zoonotic diseases—are in the news with increasing frequency, and for good reason! Zoonotic diseases represent a significant concern for farmers and ranchers worldwide. As a livestock producer, what is your role in mitigating risks to your family, animals, and community? How can you maintain public trust as well as productivity in your operation? A general understanding of zoonoses and zoonotic disease transmission pathways and prevention strategies will help you implement…
