Our historic estate is unique in the region as a working farm that has met the 21st Century with one foot firmly planted in the 19th. The farm is USDA Certified Organic, specializing in rare and endangered breeds of livestock. It is a working manor farm, historically a place of efficiency, sufficiency, and serenity. Today, Ayrshire Farm has a mission to produce sustainable food that consumers can trust is good for them, the land, and the animals as well.
USDA Organic
Organic agriculture is a fast growing sector, creating jobs and promoting economic growth and opportunities across rural America.
There are more than 22,000 certified organic farms and businesses in the U.S. That number continues to grow as consumer demand for organic grows. In 2019, there was approximately $50.1 billion in U.S. retail sales of organic food products.
The USDA organic regulations describe how the word “organic” or the USDA organic seal can be used on food, feed, or fiber products. These clear regulations create entrepreneurial opportunities for producers and processors that want to capitalize on consumer growth in the organic sector.
Certified Humane
Humane Farm Animal Care DBA Certified Humane® is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit certification organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area dedicated to improving the lives of farm animals in food production from birth through slaughter. The goal of the program is to improve the lives of farm animals by expanding consumer awareness, driving the demand for kinder and more responsible farm animal practices.
When you see the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® label on a product, you can be assured that the food products have come from operations that meet precise, objective standards for farm animal treatment.
Virginia Agriculture
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services introduced the Virginia’s Finest® Trademark Program to enhance the economic opportunities and success of Virginia’s specialty food companies, processors and agriculture producers.
The classic Virginia's Finest® trademark identifies, differentiates and promotes top-quality Virginia agriculture and specialty food and beverage products. Buyers and consumers have grown to recognize the blue and red “VA check mark” logo and know they are purchasing top-quality Virginia-produced and processed products.
Only Virginia products that meet or exceed quality standards are eligible for the Virginia's Finest® program.
Predator Friendly
Predator Friendly® grew out of a conversation between a sheep rancher and a conservationist. Each recognized the keystone role of native predators and farms to conservation. Why not let consumers know about farms practicing wildlife stewardship?
Many predators are keystone species — as critical to an ecosystem as the keystone of an archway. Predator Friendly® producers coexist with coyotes, bears, mountain lions and other wild animals.
Certified farms and ranches use humane practices to keep livestock safe and wildlife alive. Through pasture management strategies, guardian animals such as dogs and llamas, and vigilant observation, Predator Friendly® producers reduce the risk of conflict between livestock and wildlife. By choosing Predator Friendly® goods, consumers keep nature wild.
Savory Network
The Savory Network’s mission is to facilitate the large-scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands and the livelihoods of their inhabitants, through holistic management.
Properly-managed livestock are key to healthy grasslands, which…
Absorb and store carbon in soils,
Teem with water and a biodiversity of species,
Provide nutritious, healthy foods, and
Create economic abundance for farmers and ranchers.