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.
Pasture based system with winter housing and feedlots permitted; access to outdoor area weather permitting
Minimum space requirements; feedlots permitted for finishing only
Disbudding and dehorning not permitted. Specific requirements for tail docking (avg 6 wks, max 8 wks); castration (avg 6 wks, max 8 wks); weaning (avg 12 wks, min 8 wks)
18 hour maximum transport time
NO LEVEL 2 STANDARD FOR SHEEP
NO LEVEL 3 STANDARD FOR SHEEP
Pasture system; no feedlots permitted
Indoor housing permitted during winter, but must have outdoor access
Disbudding and dehorning not permitted. Specific requirements for tail docking (avg 6 wks, max 8 wks); castration (avg 6 wks, max 8 wks); weaning (avg 12 wks, min 8 wks); low stress weaning method must be used
18 hour maximum transport time
Continuous outdoor living on pasture
Disbudding and dehorning not permitted. Specific requirements for weaning (avg 16 wks, min 8 wks); low stress weaning method must be used
No physical alterations allowed
18 hour maximum transport time
Continuous outdoor living on pasture
Disbudding and dehorning not permitted. Specific requirements for weaning (avg 16 wks, min 8 wks); low stress weaning method must be used
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.
