Old Chatham Sheepherding Co. Receives AHC Designation

July 11, 2008 - The Old Chatham Sheepherding Company of Old Chatham, N.Y., the largest U.S. dairy sheep farm, has been certified by the American Humane Association's farm animal-welfare program. American Humane Certified? is the nation's original farm animal-welfare label.

Old Chatham is the long-time dream of Tom Clark, who won a county fair blue ribbon with three sheep when he was 11 years old. He went on to a business career, but always wanted to have his own sheep operation. Eventually, Clark, with his wife, Nancy, bought farmland in the mid-1990s.

The Clarks originally intended the farm as a sheep's meat operation, but a friend introduced the Clarks to East Friesian lambs, a northern European breed that produces milk products. Tom manages the business and Nancy is a licensed cheesemaker and develops new products.

"The love and dedication we give to our sheep and our farm is evident in the taste and quality of our products," says Clark. "We are proud to be American Humane Certified."

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.
Reprinted in part from PRNewswire

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