Tag: farm animal care

FARM Program Seeking Task Force Nominations

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The FARM Program is seeking nominations for open seats on its Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship and Workforce Development Task Forces. Nominations will open mid-January and close March 31, with new members announced during NMPF’s Board of Directors meeting June 9.

FARM Task Force members serve as program ambassadors and experts in their designated field. Each task force reviews, recommends and provides insight on program implementation for its respective program pillar. Recommendations are presented to the appropriate NMPF board committee for final review and approval.

Candidates can be nominated by a cooperative or processor, fellow dairy farmer, veterinarian, themselves or others. Nominations must be submitted via the online form. The FARM Farmer Advisory Council will review all nominations and recommend a proposed slate of new FARM Task Force members to the NMPF Executive Committee for final approval.

Visit the FARM Program website for the full list of eligibility and criteria.

FARM Updates Program Areas and Leads in H5N1 Response

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney
  • Launched Animal Care Version 5
  • Launched Workforce Development Version 2
  • Provided Biosecurity best practice amidst H5N1 Outbreak

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program’s commitment to continuous improvement has shown throughout the year. Updated versions of its Animal Care, Workforce Development, and Environmental Stewardship program areas are advancing its commitment to sharing dairy’s positive social responsibility story. The program also turned its attention to supporting farmers as they navigated the H5N1 outbreak, an immediate crisis that may become a long-term effort.

FARM Animal Care Version 5 released updates July 1 focusing on best practices for calf disbudding, colostrum management, and pre-weaned calf care. Euthanasia and fitness to transport for all age classes rounded out the latest updates. The changes came after a two-year review and revision period that included input from FARM’s Farmer Advisory Council and Animal Care Task Force, along with NMPF’s Animal Health and Well-Being Committee. Since launching, 448 Version 5 evaluations have been completed by 72 participant cooperatives and processors.

FARM Workforce Development Version 2 also debuted in July, with updates focused on improving the evaluation tool used on-farm to assess human resource management and safety best practices. Seven questions were added to strengthen the tool’s coverage of communication and performance management.

FARM Environmental Stewardship Version 3 will integrate the Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) model, as the new engine behind the tool. This model incorporates updated science and the ability to run what-if scenarios to assess practice and technology options. results. The updated platform offers flexibility, with the choice to enter minimum data inputs like Version 2 and optional data inputs – like details on crop production practices – for more tailored results. This upgrade will support industry efforts to be greenhouse gas-neutral by 2050 and respond to growing customer requests.

While FARM Program updates have been implemented, FARM Biosecurity proved essential in helping guide dairy farmers through a real-time biosecurity threat – the presence of H5N1 virus in dairy cattle. FARM provided timely, accurate information and industry-leading resources as the first cases of H5N1 appeared in U.S. dairy cattle.

NMPF’s Chief Science Officer. Dr. Jamie Jonker, served as a leading industry expert and spokesperson shortly after the first USDA confirmation of H5N1 in Texas dairy cattle on March 25. Jonker also led an April 1 NMPF member and FARM participant webinar on the topic that also featured Dr. Mark Lyons from USDA and Dr. Fred Gingrich from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, giving the latest information on the fast-moving situation. The webinar attracted 1,380 registrants and began an ongoing industry education effort.

Dairy producers and cooperatives can enroll in FARM Biosecurity- Enhanced training to learn the basics of developing an enhanced biosecurity plan. Additionally, there is a suite of resources such as the Biosecurity Prep Guide, User Guide for the FARM Biosecurity database, map checklist, and video tutorials for those interested.

Also highlighting the first half of 2024, FARM held its annual Evaluator Conference July 22-24 in Lexington, KY for FARM Program Evaluators to connect, learn about recent program updates and hear from allied industry subject matter experts. The first in-person Evaluator Conference since 2021 featured 50 evaluators and 29 organizations and was sponsored by Alltech, which also provided an evening reception and distillery tour. Participants heard from industry professionals on assorted topics surrounding the Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship, Biosecurity and Workforce Development program areas.

FARM Program Releases New Resources, Prepares for Summer Events

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Animal Care Version 5 training for evaluators is underway in June, anticipating updated standards focusing on locomotion, disbudding, euthanasia practices, and colostrum management.

The Animal Care Version 5 Prep Guide distributed in April and May contains information to prepare farmers and evaluators for the July 1 release of new standards, led by farmers in consultation with the broader industry and developed over the past two years. In addition to the Prep Guide, veterinarians now have a dedicated page with information and resources related to FARM and from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners surrounding animal care best practices. The FARM Program also released May 1 the 2024-2025 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual, as the foundational antibiotic stewardship resource.

FARM is also gearing up for its annual Evaluator Conference, July 22-23 in Lexington, KY. Every year the program also recognizes farmers and evaluators who excel in their commitment to demonstrating on-farm social responsibility through the FARM Excellence Awards. FARM is seeking nominations for four award categories, including: Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship, Workforce Development, and Evaluator of the Year.

Winners will be recognized at NMPF’s Joint Annual Meeting held in Phoenix during a special luncheon Oct. 23.

FARM Animal Care Kicks Off Version 5 Training

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

In preparation for new standards that go into effect July 1, the National Dairy FARM Program hosted the 2024 FARM Animal Care Version 5 trainer course Denver, CO from Jan. 9-11.

Nineteen trainers reviewed Version 5 revisions, discussed evaluation best practices, and calibrated animal observation scoring on a nearby farm. The trainers will manage training sessions to FARM’s 400 Animal Care evaluators throughout 2024. The first of those sessions for evaluators are Feb. 13-15 in Minneapolis, MN. That meeting will have training content for both seasoned and first-time FARM Animal Care evaluators.

Visit the FARM Program website to learn more about the FARM Animal Care Program evaluator expectations. Check back throughout Q1, as FARM will continue to release more Version 5 specific materials including an evaluation prep guide and reference manual.

The FARM Program’s aim is to continue to proactively communicate updates and prepare cooperatives, processors, and farmers during the first half of 2024, before new FARM Animal Care Version 5 standards are implemented.

FARM Animal Care 5.0 Advances at Board Meeting

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

In addition to endorsing a path forward on Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization, NMPF’s Board of Directors also voted to approve a package of updates to Version 5 of the FARM Program’s Animal Care standards.

The board on March 9 endorsed the overall package developed by the FARM program’s committee structure, including its Animal Care Task Force and the NMPF Animal Health and Well-Being Committee. It withdrew for further consideration one program proposal updating provisions to include additional guidance on broken tail scoring. The board will revisit that proposal, which would update the scoring approach for the existing version 4 benchmark about broken tails in lactating cows, at NMPF’s June Board meeting.

The goal of FARM and NMPF, which administers the program, is to implement the overall Version 5 Animal Care standards July 1, 2024. An industry-wide Town Hall about the Animal Care standards will be held April 6. Registration for the Town Hall is here.

The FARM Program also shared progress updates for its Environmental Stewardship and Workforce Development program areas at the March meeting.

Certification Affirms Dairy’s Commitment to Highest Standards of Animal Welfare, Again

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) recertified the FARM Animal Care Program as an approved animal welfare evaluation on Sept. 1. PAACO provides training and certification credentials for animal welfare auditors and audits for all sectors of food animal production.

“Over 99 percent of the U.S. milk supply comes from dairy farms that participate in the FARM Animal Care program,” said Emily Yeiser Stepp, vice president of the FARM Program. “PAACO’s certification affirms that American dairy farmers remain committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and provides assurances of this commitment to the entire dairy supply chain.”

To receive PACCO certification, the FARM Program went through a thorough review process of its Animal Care Version 4 standards, resources and evaluator training materials as compared to standards set by the PAACO Board of Directors. The review ensured that the FARM Program evaluation includes all the key components required for evaluation of livestock animal welfare and is committed to continuous improvement.  “The FARM Program has been awarded recertification of its audit instrument by PAACO and we commend them for their commitment to continuous improvement,” said PAACO Executive Director Collette Kaster.

PAACO was developed in 2004 in response to the growing use of animal welfare audits by the retail and food service sectors. This created the need for training, certification, and continuing education. Since its creation, PAACO’s vision is to be the trusted authority on animal welfare auditing, providing consistency and science-based training of auditors as well as rigorous, science-based audit standards. This is the second year in a row that FARM Animal Care has received PAACO certification.

FARM Program Seeks Comments for Animal Care Version 5 Revisions

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program launched its open comment survey Sept. 12 for the FARM Animal Care Program’s drafted Version 5 standards updates. All dairy industry stakeholders (farmers, allied industry, customers, etc.) are invited to provide comments, feedback and concerns related to the proposed revised standards until Oct. 28.

Click here to view the proposed standard updates and provide comments.

The FARM Animal Care Program standards are revised every three years to reflect the most current science and best management practices within the dairy industry. Standards, rationale, and accountability measures are reviewed and revised by the FARM Animal Care Task Force and NMPF Animal Health and Well-Being Committee, with input from industry stakeholder groups including farmers, animal scientists, veterinarians and allied industry. The NMPF Board of Directors provides final approval on version standards.

FARM Animal Care Version 5 is currently under development and, once approved, will take effect July 1, 2024, for a three-year cycle.

FARM Program: Refined Animal Care Standards on the Way

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Highlights

  • Hosted more than a dozen meetings on updating FARM Animal Care standards
  • Unveiled new FARM Environmental Stewardship questionnaire enabling dairy farmers to better share their sustainability story
  • Provided resources and training to support farmers raising dairy calves through the Calf Care and Quality Assurance program
  • Convened working group to update Environmental Stewardship program

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is refining and growing its Animal Care and Environmental Stewardship program areas in preparation for new versions in 2024 as it harnesses the latest science and best management practices with significant farmer leadership, feedback and stakeholder discussion.

FARM’s Animal Care program standards are revised every three years to reflect the most current science and best management practices within the dairy industry. Working closely with the FARM Animal Care Task Force and NMPF’s Animal Health and Well-Being Committee, those committees have been developing recommendations for Animal Care Version 5 throughout 2022, This effort has included over a dozen meetings and town hall discussions to review existing standards, incorporating results from an industry-wide survey into discussion and using other sources of feedback to inform recommendations to improve the program.

The FARM Animal Care Program this year has also co-led an initiative with National Beef Quality Assurance to elevate U.S. calf raiser standards by uniting around key best management practices. The Calf Care and Quality Assurance (CCQA) program was developed with an understanding of the diversity of calf-raising enterprises, being science and outcomes-based while maintaining facility type and size neutrality. CCQA’s animal care reference manual, online modules and self-assessment tool serve as a framework and valuable resource for the calf-raising industry.

FARM’s Environmental Stewardship program area has seen similar growth and development, unveiling a questionnaire that enables dairy farmers to better share their sustainability story. The Conservation Practice Questionnaire (CPQ) is an optional add-on to the existing Environmental Stewardship Version 2 evaluation, reporting dairy farmers’ field and dairy-level conservation practices. After the questionnaire’s pilot, refinement and approval process earlier this year, the CPQ has been fully integrated into evaluations for participating farms.

With the launch of Environmental Stewardship Version 3 on the horizon in 2024, the FARM Program has also convened a working group and is collaborating with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to update the greenhouse gas model that powers the program. Work is underway to transition to a “process-based” model through work with RuFaS – an initiative involving researchers from across the country focused on environmental modeling of dairy farms. Shifting to a process-based model offers several benefits for addressing customer requests while offering more insights to farmers and FARM Program participants.

Progress Continues on FARM Animal Care Version 5

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The governance committees of the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program continue to make meaningful progress on updates to Version 5 of the Animal Care program that culminated in the third in a series of Industry Town Halls held June 30.

The FARM Animal Care Task Force, comprised of dairy farmers, veterinarians, dairy welfare academics, and cooperative and processor staff have met over a dozen times during the past year to review existing standards, results of an industry-wide survey and other sources of feedback to inform recommendations to improve the program. Thus far, task force meetings have highlighted the following areas:

  • Refinement to the how broken tails are evaluated
  • Establishment of a moderate lameness benchmark
  • Maintenance of the pain management for disbudding standard and heightened industry adoption
  • Consistency in pain management expectation for painful procedures of disbudding, castration and branding
  • Outcomes-based approach to nutrition provisions

The task force presented their initial recommendations for modifications to the program to the NMPF Animal Health and Well-Being Committee on June 8-9 following the NMPF Board Meeting. Once approved, the revisions will be put forward for a public comment period beginning after Labor Day that will be open through the end of October. A final proposal from the Committee will be presented to the NMPF Board of Directors in March 2023, and the new program will be implemented starting July 2024.

FARM Presents Survey Results at Town Hall

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

FARM Program stakeholders identified care for  sick animals, calves, and non-ambulatory cattle as dairy’s  greatest priority to maintain focus on for Version 5 of FARM’s Animal Care Program as determined by an industry wide survey distributed through the fall with results presented at a virtual town hall Dec. 14.

The survey was intended to collect feedback from farmers, veterinarians, cooperatives, processors, and others within the dairy supply chain as planning commences for Version 5 of FARM Animal Care which will launch July 1, 2024. The survey questions were developed following a series of  focus groups hosted last August by the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program. FARM received 682 complete responses, and staff were able to identify potential refinement opportunities for the next program cycle in addition to the top animal care priorities from stakeholders.

The survey also showed general support for making minor modifications and adding clarity to the FARM Animal Care Program while avoiding large overhauls. Most survey respondents, including farmers, showed they would willingly support small changes to better address animal care vulnerabilities. Respondents also were in consensus that standards that aren’t direct measures of good animal welfare practices should be updated to prioritize an outcomes-based approach.

For more information, visit the Version 5 development page.

FARM Surveys Provide Opportunity for Input

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program released its Animal Care Version 5.0 Stakeholder Survey on Sept. 22. This survey gives dairy farmers, industry stakeholders, and partners an opportunity to provide early input on topics, issues, and potential changes they would like considered for Version 5.0.

FARM will use the input from this survey and work with the FARM Farmer Advisory Council, Animal Care Task Force, NMPF Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee, and the NMPF Board of Directors to review Version 4.0 of the program and design updates and improvements for Version 5.0, which would come into effect July 1.

Survey information will be used to inform decisions, although no decisions will be made solely from the responses, which are anonymous. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and is open to any farmers and other stakeholders wishing to lend their expertise to the FARM Animal Care Program update. Click here to access and complete the survey. For more information and to follow Version 5.0 progress, visit the development page on the FARM website.

The FARM Program has also provided support to Kansas State University to develop an antibiotic stewardship use survey for dairy farmers to provide a better understanding of dairy producer perceptions of antibiotic stewardship and their willingness to contribute to a dairy antibiotic use database. The survey is also anonymous, and input received will serve as a valuable resource for university researchers who are collaborating with FARM and participating in discussions on national policies related to dairy antibiotic use.