Slate River Farms – Greenwich, NY

Eric and Nellie Lovenduski raise Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW) beef cattle and laying hens at Slate River Farms in Greenwich, New York. In 2016, Eric and Nellie, their two children, and Eric’s father Paul, moved and established Slate River Farms on a historic farmstead. As 4^th generation farmers, the family’s farming goal is to utilize the farm’s Hudson River Valley fertile soil in the most productive and sustainable way possible.  “We are committed to farming and being stewards of the land while providing food for our community,” says Eric Lovenduski.

Slate River Farms focuses on raising their flock of 150 Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW pasture-raised laying hens and herd of 20 beef cattle along with straw, hay and some crops.  “We rotationally graze all of our animals in harmony with our fields and farmland,” says Nellie Lovenduski. “We strive to give our animals the best possible everything, as we are humbled by what they give us in turn. When you buy our meat and eggs, you can be assured you are not only eating food you can feel good about, but are eating some of the best quality food out there!”

In addition to being Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, the herd of beef cattle at Slate River Farms is also Certified Grassfed by AGW, the first—and only—food label in the U.S. and Canada that guarantees food products come from animals fed a 100 percent grass and forage diet, and raised entirely outdoors on pasture or range.

The Lovenduskis chose to pursue Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW and Certified Grassfed by AGW certifications because they felt the programs best mirrored their exemplary animal husbandry practices and commitment to sustainability. “We wanted a label that aligned with our tough standards for animal welfare and Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW was it.  We love and respect our animals and land and are humbled by what they give us in return.  AGW’s standards reflect a true understanding of what it means to treat animals humanely.  Unfortunately, the word “humane” has been so watered down, so we sought a certification that stood out from the others.  We are pleased to be certified Animal Welfare Approved.  AGW and its’ affiliated farms go above and beyond just treating animals “humanely”; their welfare is our top priority.”

Slate River Farms’ Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW pasture-raised eggs and Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW beef is available direct from the farm, or can be ordered online for local delivery or shipping throughout the Northeast. To order or find out more about the farm visit slateriverfarmsny.com. Follow Slate River Farms on Instagram and Facebook.