Dairy’s FARM Program Seeks Input

The National Dairy FARM Program is getting to work on version 5.0 and they are looking for input from dairy farmers and industry stakeholders. Beverly Hampton Phifer, the Stakeholder Relations Manager for the National FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program at National Milk Producers Federation joined us during World Dairy Expo to share more about what the FARM program is, what the newest version might look like and updates on how the program has influenced positive relationships with dairy’s customers since its inception in 2009. 

The National FARM Program was designed to be an on farm quality assurance program. It focuses on animal care, workforce development, environmental stewardship and biosecurity. The program is funded by dairy farmer dollars through the national milk checkoff and is administered by the National Milk Producers Federation. Over 98% of the fluid milk produced in the US is done so under the requirements of the FARM program. 

The FARM program was initially rolled out in 2009 and has undergone many revisions since then, with new versions every three years. Beverly shares that after a delay due to challenges from the pandemic, they are now seeking public input from dairy farmers and industry stakeholders on changes for the upcoming version. She wants those in the dairy industry to know that input is read and considered by the animal standards committee and so it is important that farmers speak up about concerns and suggestions they have for the program. 

Beverly also shares that there’s some news on the environmental front with the FARM program. While the environmental stewardship component of the FARM program is separate from the animal welfare standards and has additional participation requirements, those who are interested can take part in a new conservation questionnaire. This is rolling out as the environmental stewardship portion of the FARM program is also working on revisions. 

If you would like to learn more about FARM Program Animal Welfare Version 5.0 and submit your comments, you can visit the National Farm Program website. The deadline to submit comments is October 28th, 2022.