National Dairy FARM Animal Care Program

Overview

• Not a legal document, intended for educational use.
• Dairy farmers must comply with local laws regarding animal care.
• Program shows commitment to high standards of animal care.
• Over 98% of the U.S. milk supply comes from participating farms.

FARM Program Structure

• Created by National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) with Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI).
• Areas include Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship, Antibiotic Stewardship, Workforce Development.

Animal Care Standards

• Emphasis on science and outcome-based standards.
• Second-party evaluations every three years; third-party verifications ensure standard adherence.
• Comprehensive resources available online.

Governance

• Farmer Advisory Council provides guidance.
• NMPF Animal Care Technical Writing Group reviews research.
• NMPF Animal Health & Well-Being Committee oversees program.
• Feedback through open comment periods.

Second-Party Evaluations

• Conducted by trained evaluators (co-op staff, veterinarians, consultants).
• Identifies improvement areas with action plans.
• Requires a combination of education and on-farm experience.

Certification

• Facilities certified if evaluations are up to date and corrective actions are resolved.
• Accountability measures include Immediate Action Plan (IAP), Mandatory Corrective Action Plan (MCAP), and Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP).

Veterinarian Review

• Veterinarians crucial for guidance on cow comfort, disease prevention, and health.
• Requires Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).
• Written herd health plans reviewed annually.

Continuing Education

• Annual training for family and non-family employees in stockmanship and specific protocols.
• Importance of humane handling and reinforcing farm culture.

Facility Management

• Ensures access to clean water, sufficient feed, and protection from weather.
• Proper housing and rest areas with ventilation and emergency preparedness plans.
• Importance of design to prevent injuries and ensure animal comfort.

Antibiotic Stewardship

• Adherence to withdrawal times for milk and meat.
• Ensuring no antibiotic residues in milk and meat.
• Use of FARAD and following VCPR for proper drug use.

Pre-Weaned Calves

• Importance of colostrum within six hours, ongoing nutrition with milk replacer.
• Early introduction to starter feed and water.
• Pain mitigation for disbudding is mandatory.

Non-Ambulatory Animals

• Guidelines for moving and care of non-ambulatory animals.
• Facilities to segregate and provide care.
• Written management protocol required.

Euthanasia

• Criteria established for when euthanasia is necessary.
• Techniques must follow AABP and AVMA guidelines.
• Proper carcass disposal in line with local laws.

Fitness to Transport

• Evaluating dairy animals for beef market eligibility.
• Maintaining treatment records and adhering to withdrawal times.
• Training for transporters on humane handling.

Resources

• FARM Program provides extensive resources for all participants, including manuals, templates, and training videos.

Conclusion

• FARM Program is a commitment to continuous improvement in animal care standards, ensuring public trust in the dairy industry.