FARM Program Initiates Second Phase of Animal Care Evaluation
June 4, 2010
FARM Program Initiates Second Phase of Animal Care Evaluation
The National Dairy FARM ProgramTM continues to gain momentum. The completion of the first training workshop signals the start of the second phase of the implementation of the FARM animal care program.
In May, the first “Train-the Trainer” workshop was held in Rochester, MN. Over 20 veterinarians, cooperative field staff, and university extension educators participated in the training. By successfully completing the two-day workshop, the attendees are certified to train other evaluators to conduct on-farm evaluations. Additional workshops are schedule for June 29-30 in Fresno, CA, and July 20-21, in Harrisburg, PA. On-farm evaluations are expected to begin in July.
On May 26, a videotape from an Ohio dairy was released showing deeply disturbing images and animal handling practices. Ohio’s animal cruelty laws prohibit acts of unnecessary or cruel beating of domestic or livestock animals. NMPF supports further investigation into the situation on the farm.
Though some try to paint all of dairy with a broad brush when these videos are released, the vast majority of dairy producers practice responsible animal stewardship. The National Dairy FARM Program is designed to promote and verify the best practices in animal care. By collecting information on current animal care practices on the farm and verifying that information is accurate, the dairy industry can assure consumers an customers that producers are committed to providing the highest level of animal care.
