By focusing on prevention, early detection and timely treatment decisions, U.S. dairy farmers promote animal well‑being while safeguarding the long‑term effectiveness of antibiotics.

As an industry, we have made great strides in optimizing cow comfort, improving animal welfare and finding ways to minimize stress in our herds. However, there are still times throughout their lives that our cattle may undergo stressful events, whether it is social or physical.

If it feels like negative headlines targeting dairy and other animal-sourced foods are showing up more often, you’re unfortunately not wrong or imagining things. From lawsuits and undercover “rescues” to viral misinformation campaigns, animal activist activity is reaching new heights in 2025, backed by record-high funding.

Fitness for transport is a term for an animal’s ability to withstand transportation, including length of trip, weather conditions, stocking density and other factors, without compromising welfare. It is important to consider the entire trip a cow may take once it leaves the farm, not just its next stop.

Across the country, a new front has been established by  animal rights activists when it comes to campaigning against animal agriculture. It’s not in the courtroom or at the picket line – it’s in the cafeteria. College dining halls have recently become a platform for activist-driven agendas.

The FARM Program equips farmers to make data-driven decisions through FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3, using scenario-based analysis to provide farmers with insights on their operations.

More than 10 million calves have been given away since 1996, and free calves are currently available nationwide. You see, these “free calves” have already been bought and paid for but die every year due to scours.

When the first confirmed case of the H5N1 virus was diagnosed in a Texas herd in March 2024, the industry came together to counteract the spreading virus. The FARM Program's biosecurity program area quickly became a leader in the effort, using the latest science and best on-farm practices to help mitigate the bird flu’s spread.