Tag: FARM program

NMPF’s Jonker, Hain See Bird Flu Lessons One Year Later

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Dairy farmers have boosted biosecurity and researchers have learned much about the H5N1 bird flu virus in dairy cattle one year after its introduction, top NMPF experts said in a Dairy Defined podcast. Still, the hope is that the virus may leave the dairy herd completely. 

“We’re still learning things about the virus and how it’s being transmitted from farm to farm, and we still need some answers on that, but hang in there, we’re going to get through this,” said Dr. Jamie Jonker, NMPF’s chief science officer. “I do believe we’re going to eliminate the virus from the U.S. dairy cattle population. I think it’s just a matter of when, not if.” 

Since the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus was first reported in cattle in March 2024, more than 1,000 dairy herds have been infected, Jonker said. Still, successful eradication has taken place in some areas, and the lack of evolution of the viruses within cattle has created hope. Dr. Meggan Hain, NMPF’s chief veterinary officer, said biosecurity practices are key to containment and elimination. The National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program offers a wealth of materials that can assist, she said.  

Bird flu has “given us a chance to really learn some of the lessons of, where do we have opportunities, where are there things that we’ll want to sort of dig into so that we’re better prepared in the future if we do get challenges,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of things we can take away from this that we can really make improvements on.” 

To learn more about biosecurity responses in dairy, visit the FARM Program website at nationaldairyfarm.com. For more of the Dairy Defined podcast, visit Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music and search under the podcast name “Dairy Defined”. 

NMPF’s Saffran Explains Importance of FARM Program Sustainability Tools

Posted on by Chris Galen

NMPF’s Manager of Sustainability Initiatives, Sage Saffran, describes for listeners of Dairy Radio Now how tools developed by the FARM program can help dairy producers better quantify their environmental footprint, including greenhouse gas production, so they can continually improve their farm’s sustainabilty and reduce energy costs.facebook sharing button

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Expanded resources benefit farmers

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

By Nicole Ayache, Chief Sustainability Officer, National Milk Producers Federation

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program launched FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3 late last year, using the latest science and technology to support producers in assessing sustainability opportunities that align with their business goals. Since its launch, the FARM Program has developed additional training and guidance materials to help participants better understand FARM ES Version 3.

The Version 3 User Guide was released last month. It provides key information about the evaluation tool and details the data inputs of an evaluation to foster consistency and confidence in data collection. The guide dedicates a chapter to interpreting outputs from the Version 3 assessment to support accurate interpretations of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprints.

FARM ES launched a self-paced, online evaluator training course that covers the core elements of an evaluation and is required for certification. Advanced training sessions are available for evaluators looking to deepen their expertise. Each session addresses key areas of the evaluation process, such as data inputs, interpreting results, and available resources. Sessions also explore the new scenario analysis function of the Version 3 evaluation tool, so evaluators can better support farmers in using this new functionality to inform decision-making.

The program area will also offer a Prep Guide, outlining steps producers can take to prepare for an on-farm evaluation. Both the recently published User Guide and the forthcoming Prep Guide share information on expectations and best practices for completing an evaluation.
FARM ES Version 3 enables robust scenario analysis so a farm can analyze the effects of potential management or practice changes, including the potential effect on milk productivity as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) model, which powers the Version 3 evaluation tool, incorporates cutting-edge research to model a whole-farm system. Through this process, FARM ES results can highlight potential opportunities for improved efficiency and cost savings.

FARM ES is working on expanded capabilities for the evaluation tool, such as making it easier to run what-if scenarios by offering preset options. FARM ES will also incorporate scientific updates from the RuFaS model over time. The economic module coming to RuFaS, for example, will offer FARM ES users the option to run a partial-budget analysis when reviewing scenario results.

The FARM Program continues its mission of fostering a culture of continuous improvement by providing farmers with tools and resources for on-farm best management practices. The FARM ES tool provides a unified platform built by and for the U.S. dairy community, powered by peer-reviewed credible science. U.S. dairy farmers are actively involved in shaping the FARM ES Program. It unifies industry response to customer requests for sustainability data, helping to streamline sustainability measurements into one program.

For more information on FARM Environmental Stewardship, please visit nationaldairyfarm.com.

This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on March 17, 2025.

FARM Showcases Sustainability Progress

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program highlighted the launch of FARM Environmental Stewardship Version 3 at the Fall Meeting of the Dairy Sustainability Alliance, highlighting progress in dairy sustainability and stewardship.  

Nicole Ayache, NMPF’s chief sustainability officer, took the main stage to talk about the recent kick off and its incorporation of the Ruminant Farm System (RuFaS) model, a whole-farm model that simulates dairy farm production and environmental impact. Vermont dairy farmer Brian McGarry joined Ayache, sharing insights and opportunities for farmers and their cooperatives to evaluate potential technologies and measure progress.  

FARM’s Senior Director of Animal Care, Beverly Hampton Phifer, led animal care evaluators through Version 5 training in Green Bay, WI. Evaluators must be re-certified every updated version cycle and attend a recalibration training annually. This marks the ninth training of the year, with the last training for 2024 taking place last Monday in Fresno, CA.  

NMPF’s Ayache Explains Benefits of new FARM Environmental Stewardship Component

Posted on by Chris Galen

NMPF Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Ayache, in an interview for Dairy Radio Now, explains how farmers can benefit from using the new information tool that allows a more precise computation of their carbon footprint. The FARM Environmental Stewardship program recently refined the voluntary model to help track the progress being made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

New FARM Initiative Advances Dairy Stewardship

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

FARM Environmental Stewardship Version 3 is out – and it’s a step forward for dairy farmers both as stewards and as business managers, according to NMPF Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Ayache, who oversaw development of the initiative through the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, in a Dairy Defined Podcast released today.

With new, updating modeling, under FARM ES Version 3, “farmers can actually run scenarios to assess practice or technology changes, see how those would impact their greenhouse gas emissions, and any potential impact on milk productivity as well,” Ayache said. “The scenarios, being able to project what-ifs, is the biggest benefit.”

The FARM Program is a partnership between NMPF and Dairy Management Inc. that helps ensure dairy’s success by demonstrating U.S. dairy farmer commitment to safe, high-quality, high-integrity milk. FARM ES Version 3 took effect Oct. 31.

For more information on FARM ES Version 3, visit the FARM Program website. For more of the Dairy Defined podcast, you can find and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music under the podcast name “Dairy Defined.”

Media outlets may use clips from the podcast on the condition of attribution to the National Milk Producers Federation.

FARM Announces 2024 Excellence Awards Winners

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Farmer leaders in animal care, antibiotic stewardship, sustainability and workforce best practices, along with a top FARM Program evaluator, were recognized at the fourth annual FARM Excellence Awards presentation Oct. 22 during the Awards Luncheon at the 2024 Joint Annual Meeting of the NMPF, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the United Dairy Industry Association in Phoenix.

The awards recognized three farms and one evaluator who go above and beyond industry standards and best management practices through their commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The 2024 FARM Excellence Award recipients are:

  • Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship — Carlson Dairy LLP (First District Association)
  • Environmental Stewardship – Double S Dairy (Saputo Cheese USA, Inc.)
  • Workforce Development — Oakridge Dairy (Dairy Farmers of America)
  • Evaluator of the Year — Nicole Frank (First District Association)

The FARM Excellence Awards were created in 2021 to celebrate farms that are dedicated to continuous improvement in the FARM Program pillars, and to recognize a FARM Program evaluator for their exceptional care and attention to the farms they evaluate. The awards are judged by FARM Farmer Advisory Council members and other subject matter experts. Farms and evaluators can be nominated by fellow dairy farmers and evaluators, members of their communities, extension, cooperative or processor staff, veterinarians, or other industry professionals.

Visit the FARM website for more information about the FARM Excellence Awards.

FARM Launches Environmental Stewardship Version 3

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

FARM Program Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3 launched Oct. 31, supporting the dairy community’s efforts to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050. FARM ES Version 3 gives dairy farmers a scientifically robust tool with more advanced features to assess the impact of potential practice or technology changes.

The update is critical as dairy farmers, cooperatives and processors continue to look for ways to advance their sustainability efforts in ways that make business sense.

Version 3 incorporates the Ruminant Farm System (RuFaS) model, a whole-farm model that simulates dairy farm production and environmental impacts. The process-based RuFaS model follows biological, physical and chemical flows on the farm, enabling more granular environmental foot-printing and scenario analysis.

FARM ES Version 3 provides farmers an advanced report, including estimates of carbon sequestration and the ability to analyze the environmental and productivity impacts of various practices and technologies. Version 3 also contains optional data inputs, such as details on reproductive programs, culling information and cropping practices, for more tailored results.

A key focus for the rest of the year will be to collect farmer, FARM Evaluator and other stakeholder feedback to further refine Version 3. FARM plans to host stakeholder webinars to foster discussion about the new platform.

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 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 Program Updates Animal Care Standards

Posted on by Chris Galen

NMPF’s Senior Director of FARM Animal Care, Beverly Hampton Phifer, tells Dairy Radio Now listeners about the series of changes being implemented this summer to the FARM Animal Care program.  The program is now initiating its 5th version, featuring updates to its standards that reflect best practices for dairy cattle.  The FARM program is also updating its newer, voluntary environmental and farm worker programs as those areas continues to draw attention from customer and consumers.

FARM Provides Program Updates in Animal Care and Workforce Development

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program updates to its Animal Care and Workforce Development program areas took effect July 1, showcasing its commitment to continuous improvement within the dairy industry.

The program’s foundational pillar, Animal Care, features updated standards surrounding euthanasia, fitness for transport, calf management, and continuing education. With the consultation of the governance structure, comprised of producers, animal scientists, cooperatives and processor staff and veterinarians, Animal Care Version 5 aims for clarity and consistency across program evaluations. Version 5 standards will be in effect through June 30, 2027.

Workforce Development Version 2 updates the evaluation tool involved, restructuring the evaluation to better group questions of similar themes. Seven new questions also were crafted to further strengthen the tool in areas of communication, clarity in roles, and performance management. Training for Evaluators began in May and will continue throughout the year.

Environmental Stewardship Version 3 will also be launching later this summer. The update will integrate a new greenhouse gas model to offer updated science and the ability to run what-if scenarios to assess practice and technology options. The Ruminant Farm Systems model, led out of Cornell University, will be the new engine for FARM Environmental Stewardship, supporting dairy industry efforts to reach GHG (Greenhouse gas) neutral by 2050 and responding to growing customer requests.