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Dairy farmers work toward responsible management

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) says all members will have a second-party evaluation as part of the National Dairy FARM program by the end of 2015.

Dairy farmers participating in the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) National FARM, or Farmers Assuring Responsible Management, program follow animal care guidelines and are verified by a third-party.

Dean Letter, Director of Member Services at MMPA, tells Brownfield dairy farmers do a remarkable job taking care of their cows and the FARM program will help assure end uses of animal care protocols.  “What this program ultimately does is document what is already taking place.”  He says, “If there are areas where farmers can improve in their animal care, it highlights those and gives opportunity to make us even better.”

To help assist farmers with National FARM requirements, MMPA and Merck Animal Health are offering eight DairyCare365 workshops during December throughout Michigan and Indiana.  “There’s a need for additional assurance that animals are getting the best possible care and this requires the entire industry to make this happen.”  Letter says farmers, veterinarians, milk handlers and processors and are all part of the equation to improve animal welfare.

All NMPF members are required to enroll in the National Dairy FARM program by the end of 2016.

AUDIO: Interview with Michigan Milk Producers Association