Hart Dairy has been named the first pasteurized U.S. dairy cow operation to earn the Certified Humane designation from Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC).
Augusta, Georgia-based Hart Dairy is the largest single-source producer of 100 percent free-range, grass-fed milk in North America.
HFAC is an international nonprofit certification program, whose mission is to improve the lives of farm animals and encourage consumer demand for kinder and more responsible farm animal practices.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by HFAC and proud to have the Certified Humane label on our Hart Dairy milk bottles,” said Tim Connell, Hart Dairy CEO. “Their seal of approval is a testament to our passion to ensure a healthy living environment for our cows, as they graze free-range on green grass pastures 365 days a year. We truly believe the happiest cows produce the most pure, delicious milk for our customers.”
“We have seen Hart Dairy’s commitment to the animal welfare of their cows. Their own Grass 365 program is in total accord with the Certified Humane standards and ensures the Hart Dairy cows have their emotional and physical needs met every day and are able to express natural behaviors throughout their lives,” said Mimi Stein, HFAC executive director.
Hart Dairy is the latest farm to join the Certified Humane program, which requires farmers to adhere to HFAC’s Animal Care Standards and undergo third-party inspections to confirm compliance to be certain they are fed nutritious diets without antibiotics, growth promoters and animal byproducts; and receive proper shelter, resting areas and sufficient space to support natural behaviors.
Hart Dairy sits on more than 4,000 acres of pristine farmland and is the largest single-source producer of 100 percent free-range, grass-fed milk in North America. The farm boasts more than 3,500 cows that roam free, are never confined and are grass-fed 365 days a year in a certified, non-GMO environment.
Since HFAC launched in May 2003, more than 200 companies, representing 6,000 farms and 1 billion farm animals, have joined the program.
