National Dairy FARM Program

08/20/2025

Reminder: Take the Stakeholder Survey Today!

FARM is currently facilitating the development of FARM Animal Care Version 2028. As a part of this process, we invite all dairy industry stakeholders to provide comments, feedback, and concerns related to the drafted Animal Care Version 2028 standard revisions. Please take a few moments to let us know what's most important to you in our stakeholder survey, now through Sept. 5.

Learn more about the development process and find the survey link here: https://nationaldairyfarm.com/animal-care-version-2028-development/

08/15/2025

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is seeking nominations for its FARM Farmer Advisory Council, uplifting farmer voices and helping shape the future of the FARM Program. FARM will accept nominations until Sept. 15; new members will be notified by Oct. 15.

“One of the greatest strengths we have in the U.S. dairy industry is our diversity of size and style to best fit our individual needs while maintaining a uniform expectation of quality and care on our farms,” Farmer Advisory Council Chairperson Nate Chittenden said. “Through the FARM Program, with guidance from farmers, veterinarians, academics, milk marketers and other subject matter experts, we protect that diversity of operation. So, it’s important to get our voices heard and have representation in a program that aims to serve all dairy farmers.”

FARM Program participants, industry stakeholders and fellow dairy farmers may nominate farmers to serve on the FAC. A maximum of two dairy farmers can be nominated by each FARM Program participant. A selection committee comprised of FARM participants and program staff will select the newly seated Farmer Advisory Council members.

Visit the FARM Program website for the full list of eligibility and criteria.

08/06/2025

New World Screwworm, the lingering effects of the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle, and Food and Mouth Disease in Europe all gained attention as the National Dairy FARM Program hosted its annual FARM Evaluator Conference, July 14-16 in Green Bay, WI, where evaluators shared insights and discussed best practices to encourage continuous improvement in the industry leading animal-care initiative.

The conference, attended by more than 100 evaluators and staff, featured subject matter experts discussing the latest science supporting industry best practices, ranging from topics such as vaccinations, conservation tools, and animal enrichment activities.

The FARM Program is grateful for the many sponsors that made this year’s event possible. To learn more about this year’s conference and sponsors, visit the conference webpage. https://nationaldairyfarm.com/2025-evaluator-conference/

07/24/2025

We're beginning the process for the Animal Care Version 2028 standards, and we need your help. FARM Animal Care Program standards are revised every three years to reflect the most current science and best management practices within the dairy industry. Please take a few moments to let us know what's most important to you in our stakeholder survey, now through Sept. 5. Learn more about the development process and find the survey link here:

FARM Animal Care Program standards are revised every three years to reflect the most current science and best management practices within the dairy industry. Standards, rationale and accountability measures are reviewed and revised by the FARM Animal Care Task Force and National Milk Producers Feder...

06/13/2025

The National Dairy FARM Program opened nominations for the 2025 FARM Excellence Awards this week, spotlighting program participants who embody the program’s mission of continuous improvement.

Awards are divided into four categories: Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship, Workforce Development and FARM Evaluator of the Year.

“The FARM Excellence Awards uplift farmers, cooperatives and processors who provide consumers with safe, wholesome milk with integrity,” said NMPF’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Meggan Hain. “These awards recognize those who exceed expectations through passion, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.”

Nominations must be submitted via the online form and will close at 11:59 p.m. PT Aug.4. Nominations are accepted from fellow dairy farmers, members of their community, extension staff, cooperative or processor staff, veterinarians, themselves or others.

Nominated farms must have a current FARM Program evaluation in the relevant category and must be in good standing with the program. Evaluators nominated must be FARM Program certified in at least one program area as of June 1. Nominees must be willing to have their names and images used in promotional materials should they receive an award.

Winners will receive hotel accommodation and travel for two individuals to attend the Dairy Joint Annual Meeting, where awards will be presented during a special luncheon. Visit the FARM Excellence Awards page for more details.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program Excellence Awards recognize farms and FARM evaluators who demonstrate excellence in their engagement with the FARM Program.

04/22/2025

Happy ! 🌏

Read the latest highlighting Steve Schlangen, an AMPI member-owner who serves on the FARM Environmental Stewardship Task Force.

To learn more about FARM Environmental Stewardship, visit our website: https://nationaldairyfarm.com/dairy-farm-standards/environmental-stewardship/

03/17/2025

It’s here!🐄✨Read FARM’s accomplishments and activities throughout 2024 in the latest Year In Review. Highlights include FARM Biosecurity’s efforts in battling H5N1 and launch of Animal Care Version 5, Environmental Stewardship Version 3 and Workforce Development Version 2.

Read the full report on our website: https://nationaldairyfarm.com/year-in-review/

03/13/2025

Excited to highlight the good work our participants do each and every day on their farms!

11/04/2024

The FARM Program is a proud sponsor of Dairy Girl Network’s Forward TogetHER conference, happening November 5-7 in Kansas City! The conference provides an opportunity to share knowledge, connect with passionate professionals and contribute to conversations shaping the future of the dairy industry.

Be sure to tune in Wednesday for “Starting Strong: Building a Career in the Dairy Industry”, a panel discussion featuring Rebecca Pfeffer, Dr. Carlyn Peterson, Katie Schmidt and Kristen Metcalf. This session will cover personal branding, effective communication and strategies for success. Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your career, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from the best!

Find more details here: https://dairygirlnetwork.com/national-conference/

10/31/2024

FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3 is here! With the implementation of the Ruminant Farm System (RuFaS) model, FARM ES now offers a host of enhanced features designed to support dairy farmers and bolster on-farm decision-making. Learn more about Version 3 here: https://nationaldairyfarm.com/news_post/farm-program-releases-environmental-stewardship-version-3/

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program released today Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3 supporting the dairy community’s efforts to achieve greenhouse gas […]

10/23/2024

The National Dairy FARM Program announced this year's FARM Excellence Awards winners during the Joint Annual Meeting awards luncheon, recognizing farms and a farm evaluator who go above and beyond the program's mission of continuous improvement. Congratulations winners! Visit our website to read more.

10/18/2024

FARM had a great time at World Dairy Expo! Thank you to all who stopped by our booth including the thousands of FFA members during the Passport Activity coordinated by America’s Dairyland. We hope you had a chance to walk away with some new resources and if you missed it live, our H5N1 Biosecurity Exclusive Insights session will be available on Uplevel Dairy wherever you listen to podcasts.

Wisconsin Public Radio had a chance to talk with our executive director, Emily Yeiser Stepp, on her experience at Expo, as an Expo board member and cattle exhibitor along with current events facing the dairy industry.

Can't wait for next year!