Access a detailed version of our comprehensive standards in the documents below or reference this quick, at-a-glance overview of the key standards being met at each certification level to understand which level could be achievable for your farm or ranch.
Cattle on pasture except for finishing
Cattle must be protected from weather extremes
Pasture maintained with a minimum 50% vegetative cover
Specific requirements for weaning (6 mos min) and castration (6 mos max)
25-hr maximum transport time
Cattle on pasture except for finishing
Feedlots (for finishing) must have shade and other enrichments
Pasture maintained with a minimum 50% vegetative cover
Specific requirements for weaning (6 mos min) and castration (3 mos max)
16-hr maximum transport time
NO LEVEL 3 STANDARD FOR BEEF CATTLE
Cattle on pasture for 75% of life
No feedlots permitted
Pasture maintained with a minimum 50% vegetative cover
Specific requirements for weaning (6 mos min) and castration (3 mos max)
16-hr maximum transport time
Cattle always on pasture
No feedlots permitted
Pasture maintained with a minimum 75% vegetative cover
Fenceline or 2-stage weaning required; minimum age 8 months
No physical alterations allowed
8-hr maximum transport time
Cattle always on pasture
No feedlots permitted
Pasture maintained with a minimum 75% vegetative cover
Natural weaning required
No physical alterations allowed
No transport time; entire life on farm
All levels of certification: No animal by-products | Every farm 3rd party audited every 15 months
Standards in green indicate a new or changed requirement from the previous certification level.
