Tag: FARM evaluator conference

FARM Fosters Connections at Evaluator Conference

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

New World Screwworm, the lingering effects of the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle, and Food and Mouth Disease in Europe all gained attention as the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program hosted its annual FARM Evaluator Conference, July 14-16 in Green Bay, WI, where evaluators compared notes and discussed best practices to encourage continuous improvement in the industry leading animal-care initiative.

The conference, attended by more than 100 evaluators and staff, kicked off with a panel of previous FARM Excellence Award winners, sharing on-farm successes using the FARM Program pillars. 2023 Evaluator of the Year winner and Associated Milk Producer, Inc. (AMPI) evaluator Jim Kauffman, who has conducted evaluations for AMPI since 2011, also shared tips and best practices when working with farmers to collect documentation and to identify improvement opportunities between evaluations.

Attendees also heard from subject matter experts on the latest science supporting industry best practices, ranging from topics such as vaccinations, conservation tools and animal enrichment activities.

Day two included an update from a panelist of animal health experts on emerging diseases affecting dairy cattle.

Dr. Burke Healy with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service discussed recent cases of New World Screwworm near the southern border, Dr. Darlene Konkle provided an update on the response to H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle and Dr. Elizabeth Parker discussed the recent Foot and Mouth Outbreak in Europe and what we can learn from it. Evaluators also shared personal experiences undergoing the FARM Biosecurity training and using the FARM database to store biosecurity plans for producers.

The annual conference began in 2016 to connect evaluators, industry allies and on-farm experts to share current science and best management practices related to FARM Program pillars.

Evaluators are individuals trained and certified to conduct second-party Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship, and Workforce Development evaluations on behalf of FARM cooperative and processor participants. Evaluators work with dairy producers to identify strengths and outline areas for improvement in all program areas.

The FARM Program is grateful for the many sponsors that made this year’s event possible. To learn more about this year’s conference and sponsors, visit the FARM webpage.

FARM Program Hosts 2024 Evaluator Conference

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

With FARM Animal Care and Workforce Development updates now in effect, the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program gathered program Evaluators to connect, learn about recent program updates and hear from allied industry subject matter experts at its annual Evaluator Conference, held this year July 22-24 in Lexington, KY.

This was the first in-person evaluator conference since 2021, with 50 evaluators and 29 member organizations represented.

Attendees heard from industry professionals on topics surrounding the Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship, Antibiotic Stewardship, Biosecurity and Workforce Development program areas, with Animal Care Version 5 and Workforce Development Version 2 launched July 1. President & CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, Hannah Thompson-Weeman, discussed animal welfare trends in state legislatures to kick off the first session for Day 1 of the conference. Participants also heard from American Farm Bureau Federation’s Bailey Corwine on Farm State of Mind, a look into mental health and wellbeing resources for farmers and agricultural workers.

Alltech, which sponsored the conference, welcomed attendees to an evening reception at the Town Branch Distillery to close out the first day. During the reception, Alltech gave a sneak preview of its latest documentary “A World without Cows”, which examines the real economic and environmental impact of cows on our world.

Participants the next day heard from Alltech’s Agolin and Carbon lead Martha Baker on understanding carbon markets and its on-farm applications. Attendees also participated in a townhall discussion surrounding FARM Program’s resources and evaluation system. This was an opportunity for participants to provide feedback and suggestions on current program implementation. To close the conference, attendees enjoyed   optional tours at Ridge Mill Farm and Alltech Headquarters.

Evaluator trainings will continue through 2024 as program participants prepare for evaluations under these new versions.

FARM Evaluators Annual Conference Held in Fort Worth

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program hosted its annual conference for evaluators July 18-19 in Fort Worth, TX.

The two-day conference brought together nearly 70 FARM evaluators representing dairy cooperatives and processors throughout the country to discuss program updates and emerging research. The conference also offered attendees the opportunity to network with other evaluators and engage with program staff.

During the conference, evaluators heard from experts on a variety of topics relating to the FARM Program’s priority areas, including environmental stewardship, biosecurity, workforce development and animal care speakers. NMPF staff members Emily Yeiser Stepp, Sage Saffran, Miquela Hanselman, Jamie Jonker, Ph.D. and Beverly Hampton Phifer were among the subject matter experts who presented during the conference. Attendees toured the Fort Worth Stockyard and a nearby dairy farm and feedlot during their visit.