American Grassfed Certified, American Grassfed Association (AGA)

American Grassfed Certified is a non-governmental certification system for meat from animals raised on a grass-based diet. Animals certified by the American Grassfed Association only consume forage from the time they are weaned, and they cannot be fed grains or grain by-products. Certified animals are never treated with hormones or antibiotics, and sick animals that require antibiotics for treatment become ineligible for certification. Animals must also be treated humanely for the duration of their lives. Furthermore, they cannot be confined for more than 30 days per calendar year, and they must have unfettered access to pasture. AGA Certification is based on independent, third-party farm audits conducted by Animal Welfare Approved.