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Statement on Larson Dairy Farm – Okeechobee, Florida

November 9, 2017

From Emily Yeiser Stepp, Director, FARM Animal Care Program:

ARLINGTON, VA – “The National Milk Producers Federation and its National Dairy FARM™ (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program were notified by Southeast Milk (SMI) on Nov. 9, 2017, of allegations of improper animal care practices on one of its member farms in Okeechobee, Fla.

“Following notification from SMI, a dairy cooperative participating in the FARM Program, the FARM Program staff began gathering and reviewing evidence relating to reports of animal abuse on the dairy farm. The sole source of the abuse allegations is a video created by animal activist organization Animal Recovery Mission.

“The FARM Program, following activation of its official protocol on Willful Mistreatment, launched a thorough investigation, including a third-party audit of the farm. We have placed Larson Dairy Farm on probationary status, pending the completion of the corrective actions deemed necessary by the auditors.

“The National Dairy FARM Program, available to all producers, establishes an on-farm animal well-being program and third-party verification system that demonstrates farmers’ commitment to the highest standards of animal care. Today, 98 percent of the domestic milk supply is enrolled in FARM.”

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The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more on NMPF’s activities, visit our website at www.nmpf.org.

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