Animal Welfare Approved

Join us in welcoming Nehalem River Ranch to the AWA family with their Certified Grassfed beef cattle. Farmers Hilary and Jared say, "The food we produce is not only healthier, but better for the environment as our natural, pasture-based farming approach uses less fossil fuels, does not introduce chemicals or hormones into the environment, minimizes tillage, and returns natural fertility to the soil."

For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Wuorenma (202) 446-2138 Stephanie@AnimalWelfareApproved.org AnimalWelfareApproved.org FIRST FARM IN OREGON AWARDED TOP ANIMAL WELFARE AND GRASSFED CERTIFICATION --Local farm uses sustainable agriculture methods to produce Animal Welfare Approved pork and Certified Grassfed by AWA beef--    NEHALEM, OR (SEPTEMBER 9, 2015)--Nehalem River Ranch is the first farming business in Oregon to be Certified Grassfed by AWA for their beef cattle. This is the only certification and logo in the U.S. and Canada that guarantees food products come from animals fed a 100% grass and forage diet, raised outdoors on pasture or range for their entire lives, and managed according to the highest welfare and environmental standards on an independent family farm. While other grassfed labels exist, none have fully met consumer expectations when it comes to a grassfed and forage diet, environmental management, and farm animal welfare--until now. In addition, the pigs at Nehalem River Ranch have been certified as Animal Welfare Approved, ensuring they are raised outdoors on pasture or range in accordance with the same high-welfare standards. Nestled in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, Hilary Foote and Jared Gardner own and operate Nehalem River Ranch, which comprises of 100 acres of lush pasture and forest along the banks of the river from which it takes its name. To some-Foote and Gardner included-the couple's transition from urban produce operation to rural livestock production was a surprising one. But when the couple learned about a ranch 80 miles west of Portland where experienced farmers were looking to transition their cattle ranching business into younger hands, they jumped at the opportunity. After being mentored by the owners, Foote and Gardner took over the business and moved their family to the property in July 2014, which they renamed Nehalem River Ranch. AWA certification verifies that Foote and Gardner are committed to raising their pigs and cattle outdoors on pasture or range according to the highest environmental and welfare practices, while their Certified Grassfed by AWA status also verifies the cattle are fed a 100% grass and forage diet: "We know our animals well and care for them responsibly," they explain. "We're birth through slaughter, so we're there for every moment and are able to immediately identify any potential health concerns." Foote and Gardner believe their production methods not only benefit their livestock, but also the land and the people who consume their products: "The food we produce is not only healthier, but better for the environment as our natural, pasture-based farming approach uses less fossil fuels, does not introduce chemicals or hormones into the environment, minimizes tillage, and returns natural fertility to the soil." In addition to high-welfare, sustainable management practices, Foote and Gardner see public outreach as a vital activity for the farm: "People need to be connected to their food, so it's important to bring people onto the farm," Foote explains. On October 10th, Nehalem River Ranch will co-host a celebration of local food and roast an entire side of beef Argentine-style for the grand opening of North Fork 53, a local food hub and event space dedicated to helping local farmers succeed. For more information about the event, or the ranch's grassfed beef and pasture-raised pork, visit www.nehalemriverranch.com or contact Nehalem River Ranch at info@nehalemriverranch.com.    # # #    About Animal Welfare Approved  Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) audits, certifies and supports farmers raising their animals according to the highest welfare standards, outdoors on pasture or range. Called a "badge of honor for farmers" and the "gold standard," AWA is the most highly regarded food label in North America when it comes to animal welfare, pasture-based farming, and sustainability. All AWA standards, policies and procedures are available on the AWA website, making it the most transparent certification available.  AWA's Online Directory of AWA farms, restaurants and products enables the public to search for AWA farms, restaurants and products by zip code, keywords, products and type of establishment. AWA has also launched AWA Food Labels Exposed, a free smartphone app guide to commonly used food claims and terms, available from the App Store or Google Play . A free printable version of Food Labels Exposed is also available for download at AnimalWelfareApproved.org .