WONEWOC, WI (MAY 20, 2021)—The beef cattle at Goetzinger Farms are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW)—North America’s most trusted and transparent farm certifier.
One of a portfolio of leading farm certifications offered by A Greener World, the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW label lets consumers know animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S. and Canada, using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. Consumer Reports has rated Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW as the only “highly meaningful” label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability—and the only animal welfare certification in which they have confidence.
John and Julie Goetzinger’s beef cattle are also Certified Grassfed by AGW. Certified Grassfed by AGW is an optional, additional accreditation for Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farmers and ranchers raising cattle, sheep, goats or bison according to the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW high-welfare standards and a 100 percent grassfed feeding protocol.
John and Julie Goetzinger began farming in 2007 out of a desire to produce the healthiest food. Soon after, John began to focus on beef production and began growing his herd of cattle in 2015. “We didn’t grow up farming, so we’ve learned everything through experience,” says John Goetzinger. “We chose to start raising a herd of Scottish Galloway cattle because they are unrivaled as a grazing breed. They are known for utilizing all of the goodness that our pastures have to offer.”
The couple 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.
John Goetzinger of Goetzinger Farms says,
“We investigated several certifications to promote our beef and our way of farming but when we saw the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW certification, we knew that was the one for us – especially since we were already farming according to the required animal welfare standards. Certified Grassfed by AGW is also an important label for us because we want to ensure our customers that our beef has all the health benefits of truly grassfed beef.”
AGW Executive Director Emily Moose says,
“In a marketplace crowded with misinformation and greenwashing, trusted third-party certifications like Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW and Certified Grassfed by AGW deliver real transparency for farmers and consumers. We’re proud to work with farmers and ranchers like Goetzinger Farms to promote their high-quality products and sustainable farming practices.”
