The Books Will Help PA Dairy Farms Comply with National FARM Requirements
The Center for Dairy Excellence is offering free copies of Animal Care Protocol Record-Keeping Books to Pennsylvania dairy producers and veterinarians. The intent is to help Pennsylvania dairy farm families comply with National FARM requirements associated with record keeping, with one book covering one program year. To request a free copy of the book, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/request-book or call 717-346-0849.
“We worked closely with several veterinarians and the National FARM program staff to publish these books to help dairy farmers manage their records and animal care efforts on the farm,” said Jayne Sebright, Executive Director at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “They are intended to help farmers document standard operating procedures, regular care, and treatments of their dairy animals to make it easier to comply with guidelines outlined in the National FARM Program.”
Veterinarians can order free copies of the books for their dairy clients, and dairy producers can order copies directly for their farm. Blank, fillable protocol sheets and additional record-keeping templates are available on the National FARM website at www.nationaldairyfarm.com/producer-resources/herd-health-and-protocols/. The National FARM Program also requires that any family or non-family employee have a record documenting training in stockmanship, calf care, non-ambulatory, euthanasia or fitness to transport.
“The Center for Dairy Excellence’s FARM 4.0 sample protocol book is simple yet detailed enough for clients. It hits home with clients as a manageable resource for farms to personalize the protocols with their veterinarian,” said Dr. Jody Kull of Valley Mobile Veterinary Service, Inc. “My clients and I have reviewed and adapted the pages to fit their farms. This is an excellent resource for dairy farmers and veterinarians to facilitate the transition to FARM Version 4.0 standards.”
The record-keeping books were compiled by the Center for Dairy Excellence, using resources from the National FARM Program, AllTech, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians, and Valley Mobile Veterinary Services.
The National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management works to set the highest standards when it comes to animal care, workplace settings, and environmental and antibiotic stewardship. Created by the National Milk Producers Federation in partnership with Dairy Management Inc., FARM helps ensure the success of the entire industry by demonstrating that U.S. dairy farmers are committed to producing the best milk with integrity. FARM is open to all farms, milk processors and cooperatives and program components are guided by their respective advisory groups.
To request a free Animal Care Protocol Record-Keeping Book, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/request-book or call 717-346-0849.