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"The problem with the market today," Shannon said, "is that there is an overload of claims, like 'cage-free' or 'natural,' that are basically unverified or meaningless."Ī 2016 study commissioned by the ASPCA revealed widespread misunderstanding of common labels. The aim is to help farmers achieve certifications that ensure better lives for animals and provide more transparent, humane options for consumers, said Kara Shannon, senior manager of the ASPCA's Farm Animal Welfare Program, in a phone interview. The grant was underwritten by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and awarded through another nonprofit, Food Animal Concerns Trust, that works to promote safe and humane production of meat, milk and eggs. They've created a site called Ethical Eater Vermont, which aims to provide clarity for consumers trying to sort through an ever-growing thicket of food-label claims. The farm is one of eight Vermont livestock operations that recently received a small grant to spread the word about what those certifications mean and why they matter. The operation is certified 100 percent grass-fed and Animal Welfare Approved both programs are run by an Oregon-based nonprofit called A Greener World and require an annual audit by an independent third-party inspector. Health Hero Farm's herd of about 50 consists mostly of distinctive dark-eared, white-coated British Whites with some Angus and Devon crosses. "The grass is not as filled out or dense this early in the season. "I think we need to give them 150," Falcao countered.
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Fireovid proposed moving the fence line to provide access to 100 new feet of ungrazed pasture. The couple, who are partners in farming and life, briefly debated how big a portion of fresh grass to serve up for the morning meal.
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The animals raised their heads with mild interest. on the cool, drizzly morning when Joan Falcao and Bob Fireovid switched off the electric fence and climbed into the pasture where their beef herd had been grazing overnight. Breakfast service was a little delayed at Health Hero Farm in South Hero last Tuesday.