FARM Program Events Highlight Opportunities to Share Dairy Sustainability Story
December 1, 2018
National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program staff spent most of November taking every available opportunity to share stories of the U.S. dairy industry’s work in sustainability.
In November, FARM Program staff participated in the Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Denver. The annual event brings together major food companies, government agencies, academics, conservation groups and farmers to share lessons and develop a coordinated approach to agricultural sustainability. Co-hosted by the Innovation Center for U.S Dairy and Field to Market, the event convened partners from pork, beef, poultry, egg and specialty crop industry associations.
Event speakers highlighted the key role the FARM Program plays in demonstrating dairy’s on-farm sustainability efforts. Angela Anderson, director of customer outreach for the FARM Program, moderated a panel discussion that introduced the program’s newest area, Workforce Development. Nicole Ayache, FARM’s director of sustainability initiatives, highlighted the importance of this new program area in giving dairy farm owners and managers necessary tools to attract and retain a high-quality workforce.
Prior to the summit, FARM Program staff participated in the Dairy Sustainability Alliance fall meeting, hosted by Quail Ridge Dairy, winner of the 2018 Beef Quality Assurance Award in the dairy category. Attendees toured the farm and learned about sustainability at five themed stations. The Animal Care station was co-hosted by Emily Yeiser Stepp, FARM Program senior director, and Jamie Jonker, vice president of sustainability and scientific affairs.
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