Four family farms in Wisconsin have been certified by the American Humane Association’s farm animal-welfare program and their products will be available in select Milwaukee grocers beginning April 17 under the Red Barn Family Farms brand. American Humane Certified is the nation’s original and premier farm animal welfare program.

The quality and taste of the milk is the result of the production style of the family farms it comes from. Each farm is selected for its ability to meet strict standards called “The Red Barn Rules” -- rules ensuring each cow consistently demonstrates excellence in health as well as excellence in the quality of the milk produced. Each dairy farm must also pass an inspection by the American Humane Association in order to be certified for humane treatment. Red Barn Family Farms line of milks is always produced to be rBST free.

“Its simple - the cows that receive the best care produce the best milk,” says Red Barn Family Farms founder, Terry Homan, DVM.

Producers certified through the American Humane Certified program must ensure that their animals have ready access to fresh water, a nutritious diet and medical care. Producers also must provide their animals with a comfortable environment that limits stress and enables them to freely express their normal behaviors.

“Red Barn Family Farms are a great example of dairy producers who take social responsibility for both their products and their animals,” said Tim Amlaw, manager of American Humane Certified. “Their dedication to the absolute health and humane treatment of their animals is reflected in the quality of their milk.”

Terry Homan’s desire to start the Red Barn Family Farms brand came from his 12 years of dairy veterinary practice in rural Wisconsin and his desire to provide transparency in how the milk on store shelves is produced. “I believe these family dairies are the best models of how to care for animals; these farms are proud of their commitment to their cows, proud of their heritage and I am convinced that this difference can be tasted in their milk. We plan to use the success of this brand to reward our farms.”
The milk will be bottled at Lamers Dairy, a small, family-owned bottling plant in Appleton, Wisc., and will be available in skim nonfat milk, 2% reduced fat milk and whole milk.

About American Humane

The American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Founded in 1877, American Humane is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America “Best in America” Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's leading charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.