Animal Welfare Approved Announces 2009 Good Husbandry Grants

Animal Welfare Approved is pleased to offer Good Husbandry Grants for 2009. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded for the sole purpose of improving farm animal welfare, with a concentration on three areas: increased outdoor access, improved genetics and improved slaughter facilities. Current Animal Welfare Approved farmers and those who have applied to join the program are eligible, and farmers may apply for certification and for a grant simultaneously. Examples of projects funded in the 2008 cycle include mobile housing, a mobile processing unit, infrastructure to facilitate humane handling and equipment to improve nutrient availability for pastured sows.

Farmers may submit a proposal for one project, for a total maximum grant of $5,000. Grants will be awarded based on the projects' potential to deliver the greatest benefit to farm animals. In order to receive a grant, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application and a budget by October 1, 2009. Eligible costs include design fees, contractor costs, materials, and project-appropriate equipment. Grants applications must be postmarked by the deadline date and will not be accepted via e-mail.

Guidelines and an application form are available at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org. Questions may be directed to Emily Lancaster at (919) 428-1641 or Emily@AnimalWelfareApproved.org.

Niche Meat Processing Assistance Network

The Niche Meat Processing Assistance Network or NMPAN website, an eXtension initiative, was recently launched and I encourage you to visit it:
www.extension.org/small%20meat%20processors

You can also find us via our home page: www.nichemeatprocessing.org
We've pulled info together on a range of important issues for small meat processors and everyone who depends on them, including:
* processing rules & regulations, explained clearly
* business development & workforce management (These are areas we're still working on, but there's good stuff there. Let us know if you have suggestions.)
* mobile processing units
(http://www.extension.org/pages/Mobile_Slaughter/Processing_Units)
* detailed profiles of successful niche processors
* more than 100 Frequently Asked Questions -- with answers
...and more! AND, there's a handy "Ask the Expert" feature for questions the site doesn't already cover.