The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is open to all U.S. dairy farmers, milk processors and cooperatives and shows consumers and customers that U.S. dairy is doing what’s right. The program has spread domestically since its inception in 2009, with 99% of the U.S. milk supply participating in the FARM Animal Care Program. While the program’s domestic importance is easy to see, FARM is also the premier on-farm dairy quality assurance program internationally.
FARM’s international footprint was showcased at the International Dairy Federation’s (IDF) 2023 World Dairy Summit, which took place Oct. 16-20 in Chicago, Illinois. Through case study poster presentations, engagement at the FARM Program conference booth and a number of mentions in general sessions, leaders in the global dairy industry were able to directly compare the benefits of the FARM Program to the systems and regulations in their home countries.
The FARM Program, along with dairy industry leaders from national and regional checkoff organizations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and regional cooperative leadership, led farm and processing plant tours in Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. These tours allowed international dairy leaders to see the program in action at different-sized dairies, highlighting the effectiveness of the program, which has always remained size- and facility-neutral.
International recognition is not new to the FARM Program. The FARM Animal Care Program was the first animal welfare program to ever receive International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation. The program’s framework also contributed greatly to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Animal Welfare and Dairy Cattle Production Systems standards. The FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) program was originally created using the IDF Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, and FARM ES helps U.S. dairy meet its international Net Zero Initiative goals. And given the international movement of diseases, FARM Biosecurity provides resources and best practices to help producers stop the spread of disease and prepare for a foreign animal disease outbreak – a situation that could have devastating effects on both the domestic and global supply chain.
This ever-growing international recognition also helps with trade negotiations and other work done by the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Participating in the FARM Program provides assurances – both at home and abroad – that U.S. dairy is high quality and provides excellent animal care.
—Article submitted by FARM Program staff
The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program was created by the National Milk Producers Federation in partnership with Dairy Management Inc. The FARM Program works with dairy producers, cooperatives, processors and industry partners through five program areas – Animal Care, Antibiotic Stewardship, Biosecurity, Environmental Stewardship and Workforce Development – to show customers and consumers that the dairy industry holds itself to the highest standards and best management practices. Visit the FARM Program to learn more.
