Nanton-area cattle operation recognized for outstanding work

The herd of beef cattle at Plateau Cattle Co. from near Nanton is now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW)—North America’s most trusted and transparent farm certifier.

This certification and food label lets consumers know these 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.

Like other Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farmers across the country, John Smith and Laura Laing recognize the growing consumer interest in how animals are raised on farms. Managing animals outdoors on pasture or range has known benefits for animals, consumers and the environment.

John Smith and Laura Laing’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.

The herd of Black Angus cattle at Plateau Cattle Co. graze freely on 32,000 hectares of grasslands in the heart of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The ranch uses rotational grazing practices and sustainable farming techniques, which results in lower environmental impact and a higher quality product. John Smith of Plateau Cattle Co. says all of the hard work is worthwhile because, ultimately, “we strive to exceed industry standards when it comes to animal care and sustainable food production.” 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.

“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,” says AGW Director of Communications and Outreach Emily Moose. “We’re proud to work with farmers and ranchers like Plateau Cattle Co. to promote their high-quality products and sustainable farming practices.”

Certified Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Grassfed by AGW beef from Plateau Cattle Co. is available through Trail’s End Beef. For more information about Plateau Cattle Co., visit plateaucattleco.com and contact the ranch at plateaucattleco@gmail.com or 403-3718752. Follow the farm on Twitter and Instagram.

A Greener World (AGW) identifies, audits, certifies and promotes practical, sustainable farming systems by supporting farmers and ranchers and informing consumers. AGW's growing family of trusted certifications includes Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Salmon Welfare Certified by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW, Certified Regenerative by AGW, and Certified Non-GMO by AGW. Each program is designed to have positive and measurable impacts on the environment, society and animals, and to encourage truly sustainable farming practices. AGW's standards and procedures are robust, transparent and achievable.

A nonprofit funded by public donations, AGW offers a range of resources to help people make informed food choices, including an Online Directory of certified farms and products and Food Labels Exposed--a definitive guide to food label claims (available in print and online).