U.S. dairy farmers recognize that good animal welfare practices lead to the production of high-quality, safe and wholesome milk, and they're constantly seeking ways to improve the health and comfort of their animals. The farmers care for their cows by providing a nutritious diet, good medical care and healthy living conditions. The entire dairy industry benefits from keeping cows healthy and happy.
The dairy industry is committed to the highest level of animal care for their cows and takes any claim about animal mistreatment very seriously.
IDFA and its members—including dairy cooperatives, dairy processors and retailers—expect all dairy farmers to adhere to a rigorous framework of best practices that ensures the proper treatment of their animals. Under no circumstances should mistreatment occur; if it does, IDFA will call for immediate corrective action to reestablish the highest levels of animal health and wellbeing. IDFA works across the industry to make sure these standards are consistently followed.
The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program has established a rigorous framework of best practices to ensure the proper treatment of dairy animals. Open to all U.S. dairy farmers, co-ops and processors, FARM works with dairy farmers, the producer community and industry partners to show customers and consumers that the dairy industry is taking the very best care of cows and the environment, producing safe, wholesome milk and adhering to the highest standards of workforce development.
Through the program's four silos – Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship, Antibiotic Stewardship and Workforce Development – FARM works with dairy farmers, cooperatives, processors and industry partners to show customers and consumers that the dairy industry holds itself to the highest standards. Learn more about FARM here.
For more information, contact Danielle Quist, IDFA Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Counsel, at dquist@idfa.org.
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Counsel
