FARM Animal Care
Version 4.0 Data Highlights The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program demonstrates U.S. dairy farmers’ commitment to responsible animal care, food safety, environmental stewardship, and strong workplace practices. As consumers become more attentive to how food is produced, FARM provides clear, science-based standards and independent on-farm verification. Since 2009, it has served as the industry’s social responsibility platform, showing that dairy producers share public expectations and are committed to continuous improvement. Version 4.0 strengthened this commitment with clearer requirements, mandatory documentation, expanded animal-based measures, and structured corrective action plans to improve consistency and accountability. This report summarizes the characteristics of participating herds, presents performance on each Animal Care Program standard under Version 4.0, and highlights key strengths and areas for improvement.
Strong Alignment with FARM Standards • • • • • • •
Farms performed strongly across the majority of standards. Strong antibiotic stewardship performance: Over 92% of farms met all antibiotic stewardship requirements, demonstrating consistent, responsible treatment practices. High compliance with calf nutrition and care protocols: More than 91% had protocols meeting standards for timely colostrum feeding, appropriate milk or replacer, starter feed, and consistently clean water access. Robust non-ambulatory animal care systems: 95% of farms had protocols that met standards for humane movement, prompt medical treatment, appropriate shelter, and segregation of nonambulatory animals. Euthanasia protocols aligned with best practices: 95% met standards for clear criteria, approved AVMA/AABP-consistent methods, and proper carcass disposal. Positive outcomes-based herd indicators: Most herds met thresholds for body condition, locomotion, and hock/knee health Routine tail docking has been virtually eliminated: 99% compliance with the ban.
To learn more about the FARM Animal CAre program, visit nationaldairyfarm.com