Pennsylvania dairy producer Kreider Farms recently announced it is the first dairy farm on the East Coast to be American Humane Certified.

The farm said animal welfare has always been top of mind for its team, knowing that consumers are looking for products they can purchase with confidence. In fact, consumer demand for humanely raised products has grown tremendously over the last two decades, with ten of the nation's top 12 grocery retailers carrying American Humane Certified products, according to American Humane.

"We are pleased and proud to be the first dairy farm east of the Mississippi to achieve AHA animal welfare certification and we hope to be the first of many more to follow. This certification demonstrates our commitment to our animals and our customers," said Ron Kreider, third generation chief executive officer and president of Kreider Farms.

The American Humane Certified program is the United States' first and fastest-growing independent animal welfare program dedicated to the humane treatment of farm animals. Certified farms undergo stringent inspections from independent auditors and pass over 200 multi-pronged, science-based welfare standards developed in collaboration with, and regularly reviewed by, a scientific advisory committee.

"American Humane is thrilled by the dedication to excellent animal welfare protocols and practices that the fine folks at Kreider Farms exhibit," said Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "As the first dairy on the East Coast to become American Humane Certified, Kreider Farms is a shining example for other dairy farmers in the region."

Kreider Farms officially became American Humane Certified for their dairy farm in November 2020, although their cage free hen laying operation, under the brand Noah's Pride, has been certified American Humane since 2016.