Resource Library - National Dairy FARM Program

RuFaS Model and Scientific Documentation

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FARM ES Version 3 Documentation July 2025

FARM Program

English

FARM ES V3_Supporting Doc FARM ES V3 Feeds List

FARM Program

English

FARM ES V3_Supporting Doc Mineral Mix for Regional Diets

FARM Program

English

FARM ES V3_Supporting Doc Byproducts LCA Methods

FARM Program

English

FARM ES Version 3 Preparation Guide

Use this guide to understand and prepare for a FARM Environmental Stewardship Version 3 evaluation on your dairy farm.

FARM Program

English

2023 Year In Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2023.

FARM Program

English

Version 3 Data Collection Sheet – Excel Version

FARM Program

Download

Version 3 Data Collection Prep Sheet

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship User Guide Version 3

Co-op field staff, evaluators and dairy farmers input data into the FARM Environmental Stewardship online evaluation tool. This guide explains which records/documents may contain the necessary farm data and answers questions about interpreting each measure and understanding the results.

FARM Program

English

FARM ES Version 3 Fact Sheet

FARM Program

Download

Proper Care for Non-Ambulatory Calves- Spanish

Beef Checkoff, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

Spanish

Proper Care for Non-Ambulatory Calves

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Animal Care Reference Manual Version 5

An easy-to-use, educational and comprehensive resource detailing animal care and management guidelines of the FARM Animal Care Program including checklists, program standards, best practices, references and more.

FARM Program

English

Workforce Development Version 2 Evaluation Preparation Guide

FARM Program

English

2024-2025 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual

The 2024-2025 resource manual can be used to quickly review drugs and screening tests approved for dairy animals. This manual can also be used as an educational tool to develop on-farm best management practices.

FARM Program, Zoetis

English

Needlestick Prevention Resources

Needlestick injuries in agriculture are common although not as recognized as those in human clinical settings. Farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and on site workers are susceptible to needlesticks on the job. These injuries can be serious and may require medical attention. These needlestick prevention resources are intended to educate those individuals and prevent injuries in swine and dairy operations.

Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

English & Spanish

DairyKind Training Modules: Tail Handling

Broken tails are an indication of poor stockmanship and are extremely painful for the animals. This module teaches alternatives to twisting tails as well as the proper way to jack a tail. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Lameness

The prevention and treatment of lameness is a key component to cattle well-being. This module covers the importance, expectations and method for foot care on your dairy. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Cow Transport

Good management practices during transportation reduces both the risk of injury and the spread of disease. This module covers the importance, expectations, and methods for transporting cows. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Stockmanship 1 & 2

Stockmanship is simply defined as “the way we handle cattle”. Good stockmanship utilizes low stress techniques that allows us to communicate to the animals in a way that they can understand. It makes our work more efficient and maximizes the safety for both cattle and workers. These modules cover the importance, expectations, and method of good animal handling. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Cow Trainers

Cow trainers are an important tool to promote the proper placement of the cow in a tie stall. This module teaches where to place the cow trainer for best results and how and when to adjust the trainer. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Maternity

Proper care at calving time will minimize stress and maintain a successful transition into the milking herd. This module covers the importance, expectations, and method of caring for cows during their calving process. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Special Needs (Nonambulatory) Cow Care

Cows with special needs require extra attention and care to aid their recovery. This module covers the importance, expectations and method of working with cows that are unable to rise. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Euthanasia

Treating the animals in our care with respect, from their first day of life, until their last, is at the core of good well-being. This module covers the importance, expectations, and method for the humane euthanasia of cattle. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Calf Transport

Good management practices during transportation reduces both the risk of injury and the spread of disease. This module covers the importance, expectations, and methods for transporting calves. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Calf Weaning

DairyKind Training Modules: Calf Weaning Weaning can be a stressful time, but there are steps we can take to make a successful transition for every calf. This module covers the importance, expectations, and method of caring for calves during the weaning process. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Newborn Calf Care

Newborn calves are the most vulnerable animals on the farm and require the most intensive care. Healthy calves are future of our dairy. This module covers the importance, expectations, and method of caring for newborn calves. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

DairyKind Training Modules: Well-Being of Dairy Cattle

Good animal well-being is critical for all involved: the animals, the workers, the farm, even the families that drink milk at home. This module covers the importance, expectations, and method for animal well-being on your dairy. There is also a course available that combines the Animal Well-Being Module with a Cow Care Agreement that can be signed digitally. Learn more about the course and enroll at: https://dairykind.com/enroll/

DairyKind

Enroll

FARM ES Version 2 Evaluator Pocket Guide

This pocket guide was developed with evaluator input and includes common conversions, proxies and definitions for Environmental Stewardship evaluators. A printed version is available to order on the FARM Store.

FARM Program

English

Animal Care Evaluation Preparation Guide Version 5

The Evaluation Prep. Guide for FARM Animal Care Version 5 provides information that helps farmers and evaluators prepare for an Animal Care Version 5 Second-Party Evaluation.

FARM Program

English

Mooving Cows™ Interactive Game

Welcome to Mooving Cows™, where players practice mooving cows around a dairy farm. It’s time for milking, so the cows need to be moved from the pasture and barn into the milking parlor. Learn about cow behavior and practice basic cow handling skills to stay safe and keep cows calm. Based on decades of research, this game was designed by faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with help from people who work on or with real dairy farms in Wisconsin.

University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine

Android (Google Play) Download

Apple (iOS) Download

Firearm Euthanasia Best Management Practices Webinar

In this webinar, Valerie Smith, DVM, discussed American Association of Bovine Practitioners guidelines around firearm euthanasia, including effective protocols, and Ronnie Mosby shared firearm basics such as ammunition and weapon types, safety and maintenance. Completing this video counts as a FARM Animal Care Continuing Education credit.

FARM Program

English

State Officials: Reviewing Enhanced Biosecurity Plans in the FARM Database

This 9-minute video tutorial guides State Officials through the process of reviewing Secure Milk Supply Enhanced Biosecurity Plans in the FARM Database from notification via email through acceptance. Only Plans that are voluntarily shared by producers will be available for review.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Using the FARM Database – Enhanced Biosecurity

This 14-minute video tutorial highlights key features of the FARM Biosecurity database to create Secure Milk Supply Enhanced Biosecurity Plans. Combined with the FARM Biosecurity Database User Guide, viewers will learn how to efficiently enter information into the online tool and voluntarily share with State Officials for review. The FARM Biosecurity – Enhanced: Prep Guide has details to help prepare for farm visits and biosecurity plan writing.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Enhanced Biosecurity Database User Guide

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

Download (English)

Enhanced Biosecurity Prep. Guide

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

Download (English)

SMS Enhanced Biosecurity Premises Map Checklist

Use this checklist to create your enhanced biosecurity premises map. This checklist includes all the items that need to be labeled and a map legend you can use to create your map.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

Download (English)

Managing Heat Stress from an Animal Welfare Perspective – YouTube Video

Join Jennifer Van Os, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at University of Wisconsin-Madison, as she discusses managing heat stress from an animal welfare perspective.

University of Wisconsin - Extension

English

Article: Proper Care for Non-ambulatory Dairy Animals

This Penn State Extension article discusses proper care for non-ambulatory dairy animals. Reading this article counts toward the FARM Animal Care Continuing Education requirement.

Penn State Extension

English

Article: Colostrum is critical after calving

This University of Wisconsin Dairy Extension article discusses the impact of colostrum on calves. Reading this article counts as a FARM Continuing Education credit.

University of Wisconsin - Extension

Link

English

The power of management focused on calf welfare with Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon

This episode of the Dairy Podcast Show explores calf welfare with the comprehensive considerations of Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon. She talks about the pros and cons of individual and group housing systems, strategies to reduce abnormal behaviors and cross-suckling in calves, as well as holistic approaches for managing calves until weaning.

The Dairy Podcast Show

Watch the Video

Learn More

OTC to Prescription One Pager

This one pager talks about the FDA Guidelines for Industry #263 changes to previous over-the-counter medically necessary antibiotics and antimicrobials that will be prescription-only beginning June 11, 2023.

FARM Program

English

Alltech Milking Routine Video

This video was created by Alltech, a proud FARM Program partner and supporter, to show a new milking routine.

Alltech, FutureCow

English

Spanish

Idaho Dairymen’s Association Worker Training and Safety Videos

The Idaho Dairymen’s Association works to identify and create safety training videos that apply specifically to the work happening on dairy farms. Some of the topics covered include animal handling, equipment operation, silage safety, and calf care. These videos are available in English and Spanish.

Idaho Dairymen's Association

Dairy Premises Identification FAQ

A National Premises Identification Number (PIN), a location identifier (LID), a permit number, a bulk tank unit number, or a herd number – each number serves a different and important purpose in the dairy industry. Learn more about why PINs are needed by States and USDA during a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak and how it is used.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Everyday Biosecurity: Step 3 – Everyday Biosecurity Plan Template

Biosecurity actions are needed daily to help ensure animal health. This template can be used by any dairy operation to develop a daily biosecurity plan for their premises.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Everyday Biosecurity: Step 2 – Self-Assessment Checklist

After completing the Everyday Biosecurity: Step 1 - Movement Risks and Biosecurity worksheets, use this self-assessment checklist to begin biosecurity planning for your dairy. Continue working on biosecurity with Step 3: Everyday Biosecurity Plan Template to write your biosecurity plan.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Everyday Biosecurity: Step 1 – Movement Risks and Biosecurity

Use this checklist to determine movement risks on your dairy. When completed, continue working on biosecurity with Step 2: Everyday Biosecurity Self-Assessment Checklist and Step 3: Everyday Biosecurity Plan Template to write your biosecurity plan.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

2022 Year in Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2022.

FARM Program

English

5 Simple Rules for Moving Cattle Poster

Reference this poster for an easy guide on how to move cattle, topics include flight zone, pace, keeping a routine, removing obstacles and gently guiding cows.

Alltech On-Farm Support

English

Spanish

Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA) Reference Manual Version 1

The Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA) program was developed to elevate U.S. calf raiser standards by uniting around key management practices. This reference manual outlines best management practices for farmers and ranchers of any size raising calves for dairy or beef production, such as calf health, management and care, animal handling and stockmanship and employee training and emergency preparedness.

Beef Checkoff, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA), FARM Program, Veal Quality Assurance (VQA)

English

Dehorning Guidelines

These two-page guidelines from AABP assist the veterinarian with enhancing the welfare of cattle on the clients’ farms by providing information on how best to approach dehorning and castration of calves on beef and dairy farms.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP)

English

2014 Year in Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2014.

FARM Program

English

2015 Year in Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2015.

FARM Program

English

2016 Year in Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2016.

FARM Program

English

2017 Year in Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2017.

FARM Program

English

2018 Year In Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2018.

FARM Program

English

2019 Year In Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2019.

FARM Program

English

2020 Year In Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2020.

FARM Program

English

2021 Year In Review

This annual report contains a summary of FARM Program activities, events, new resources and more from 2021.

FARM Program

English

2022 – 2023 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual

The 2022-2023 resource can be used to quickly review drugs and screening tests approved for dairy animals. This manual can also be used as an educational tool to develop on-farm best management practices.

FARM Program, Zoetis

English

5 Keys to Healthy, Productive Fresh Cows Article

Learn more about fresh cows' great production potential and how to set them up for success.

Progressive Dairy

English

Agriculture Human Resources Management Articles

Access articles in both English and Spanish on the knowledge and skills you need to recruit, motivate and retain quality people and improve human resource management on your farm.

University of Wisconsin - Extension

English & Spanish

Agriculture Supervisory Leadership Certificate

Supervisors are critical to the success of farm businesses. This certificate helps farm supervisors and managers learn and apply human resource management practices and leadership skills that foster rewarding workplaces and drive business results.

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development

English

Agriculture Workforce Development Program

This program offers farm human resource management content covering topics like farm employee onboarding, employee handbooks, job descriptions, housing and more.

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development

English

AgSafe Business Services and Resources

AgSafe offers private trainings, audits, employer posting binders, headquarter compliance binders, tailgate training kits and more.

AgSafe Food & Farms

English

All Dehorning Should Include Pain Control Article

In this article, Theresa Ollivett, D.V.M. explains how we minimize pain when dehorning young calves on the farm.

Hoard's Dairyman

English

Alltech FARM Employee Management Series

Alltech and FARM teamed up to create this 3-part video series featuring Alltech's Jorge Delgado outlining practical steps to build your on-farm culture and connect with your team.

Alltech

English

Animal Care Evaluation Preparation Guide Version 4

Use this guide to understand and prepare for a FARM Animal Care evaluation on your dairy farm.

FARM Program

English

Animal Care Reference Manual Version 4

An easy-to-use, educational and comprehensive resource detailing animal care and management guidelines of the FARM Animal Care Program including checklists, program standards, best practices, references and more.

FARM Program

English

Animal Care Reference Manual Version 4 – Print Friendly

A low-color, print-friendly version of the full Animal Care Manual (excluding the appendix). Includes educational and comprehensive animal care and management guidelines of the FARM Animal Care Program such as checklists, program standards, best practices and more in a format more suitable for printing at home.

FARM Program

English

Animal Handling Poster

Be aware of your surroundings. Display this poster as a reminder of how to handle cattle safely.

New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH)

English

Spanish

Animal Movement Log

Tracking animal movement information will be important during a disease outbreak. Use this log to record inbound and outbound animal details.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Antibiotic Resistance and Dairy Producers – New Laws and New Opportunities Video Series

Watch this video series to learn more about antibiotic resistance, antibiotic stewardship as well as state and federal laws on this topic.

Western Institute for Food Safety and Security (WIFSS)

English

Antibiotics and Vaccines – Cornell ProDairy Spanish Webinar

Injections are routinely used in dairy farms for several reasons. Leal Yepes, D.V.M., Ph.D. candidate, Cornell University shares how proper application of injections is important to ensure the success of treatments and reduce side effects.

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program

Spanish

Attending a FARM Animal Care Program Evaluator/Trainer Training Course Checklist

A guide to help you with the steps before, during and after an Animal Care evaluator or trainer training course.

FARM Program

English

Best Management Practices for Automatic Alley Scraper Systems

Dairy alley scraper systems are in close contact with the animals and can use a cable, chain or rope in a freestall alley. Use this two-page best management practices for automatic manure systems.

GEA Farm Technologies

English

Best On-Farm Fix – Modified Bucket for Moving Down Cows Article

Reference this article to learn more about a modified skid steer bucket to safely move down cows.

Progressive Dairy

English

Best Practices in the Milking Parlor Sign

Looking for a high-level step-by-step milking prep routine? Post this seven-step parlor protocol sign with photos on your dairy as best practices to improve milk quality and consistency.

Alltech On-Farm Support

English

Spanish

English & Spanish

Best Practices to Stay Healthy On-Farm Video

Watch this short 10-minute video to implement safe practices on dairy farms to keep ourselves and those around us healthy. Video available in both English and Spanish.

Colorado State University, High Plains Intermountain Center for Agriculture Health & Safety (HICAHS)

English

Spanish

Biosecurity Poster – Protect Your Dairy Cows

Common and foreign animal diseases harm animal health and are costly. Reference this one-page infographic on how cattle diseases are spread and how to keep diseases out through biosecurity.

Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health

English

Biosecurity Practices for Dairy Operations

Biosecurity measures prevent infectious diseases from affecting a herd. By implementing general management and vaccination practices, producers protect their herds from existing diseases in the United States and from possible foreign animal disease outbreaks. Farmers use this 8-page guide implement practices to protect their herds from disease.

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension

English

Biosecurity Resources for Dairy Producers – Secure Milk Supply

Implementing enhanced biosecurity plans will help prevent exposing cattle to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) during an outbreak. Be prepared to share your biosecurity plan with your State Animal Health Official prior to an outbreak (if requested). Utilize these biosecurity resources, specific to dairy producers, to build and maintain your on-farm biosecurity.

Secure Milk Supply

English

Biosecurity Sign – Biosecure Entry Ahead

Display this full-page sign for visitors to comply with your dairy farm's biosecurity practices.

FARM Program, Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health, Secure Milk Supply

English

Spanish

Biosecurity Sign – Clean Boots & Clothing Required

Display this full-page sign on your dairy farm to notify staff and visitors of a biosecure entry point.

FARM Program, Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health, Secure Milk Supply

English

Spanish

Biosecurity Sign – Cross Only at Biosecure Entry Point

Display this full-page bilingual sign to alert visitors and staff to only cross at biosecure entry points on your dairy farm.

FARM Program, Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health, Secure Milk Supply

English & Spanish

Biosecurity Sign – Milk Collection Occurring

Display this full-page sign on your dairy farm to indicate when milk transfer is occurring.

FARM Program, Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health, Secure Milk Supply

English

Spanish

Biosecurity Sign – Milk House Cleaning & Disinfection

Display this full-page sign on your dairy farm to indicate when milk house cleaning and disinfection is complete.

FARM Program, Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health, Secure Milk Supply

English

Spanish

Biosecurity Sign – Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Display this full-page sign on your dairy farm to encourage use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the milk house.

FARM Program, Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health, Secure Milk Supply

English

Spanish

Cable Alley Scrapers and Cross Gutter Cleaner Guide

Quality milk production begins long before the cows enter the milking parlor. It starts with facility management and clean alleys. Get the latest on cable automatic scraper systems by GEA with this 16-page resource.

GEA Farm Technologies

English

Calf Feeding Equipment Sanitation Protocol Poster

View the six steps for proper calf feeding equipment sanitation. This poster is bilingual with English and Spanish explanations for each step.

Alltech On-Farm Support

English & Spanish

Calf Nutrition Webinar

This 40-minute video will review the basic biology and nutrition of the young calf. Then tie that information with practical consideration for feeding and managing young calves.

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program, FARM Program

Spanish

Calf Scours Susceptibility Poster

View this chart to see calf scour susceptibility by age and pathogens. This poster is bilingual with English and Spanish text.

Alltech On-Farm Support

English & Spanish

Castration Guidelines

These two-page guidelines from AABP assists veterinarians with enhancing the welfare of their client’s cattle by providing guidance related to castration of calves on beef and dairy operations.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP)

English

Cattle Care Software

Cattle Care software monitors video footage of your dairy farm for you and detects protocol errors. The dairy farm manager receives a daily report with short videos of discovered incidents.

Cattle Care Software

English

Cattle Routes of Exposure and Disease Examples

Disease causing agents can expose animals and people through different routes. Preventing exposure helps prevent disease. Learn how diseases are spread to help prevent exposure.

FARM Program, Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health

English

Colostrum Management Video

Alltech's Jorge Delgado walks through the 4 key factors that contribute to the goal of successful transfer of immunity or antibodies to the calf in this Spanish video with English subtitles.

Alltech On-Farm Support

English & Spanish

Completing a FARM Animal Care Evaluation with PC Dart Guide

Use this eight-step guide to execute a FARM Animal Care Evaluation if your farm uses PC Dart.

Dairy Records Management Systems (DRMS), FARM Program

English

Comprehensive Emergency Action Plan Guidance

An Emergency Action Plan provides pertinent information and steps for a dairy to follow if an emergency should occur.

FARM Program

English

Considerations when Transporting Dairy Animals

Evaluating the dos and don'ts of transporting dairy animals and making decisions in a timely, efficient manner is important always to consider the animals' well-being first. Display this poster to serve as a reminder of what to check for before transporting.

Beef Checkoff, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program, National Milk Producers Federation

English

Spanish

English & Spanish

Considering Human and Animal Safety – Dairy Safety Training

The video series was produced under the direction of dairy extension specialist Robert Hagevoort, Ph.D. to educate dairy farm workers on practices that will keep both the workers and the cows safe and healthy.

U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers

English, Spanish & K'iche'

Continuing Education Record – Immediate Family

Use this fillable form to document educational training courses for immediate family members.

FARM Program

English

Continuing Education Training Log – Animal Care

Use this fillable form to document group training sessions pertaining to animal care topics.

FARM Program

English

Core Principals of Pre-Weaned Calf Care – Colostrum and Calories Article

This two-page article discusses in detail colostrum management and calorie considerations when it comes to newborn calf care.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension, FARM Program

English

Cow Care Agreement – Immediate Family

Dairy farm workers complete this fillable form to meet the “immediate family employees with animal care responsibilities must sign a cow care agreement annually” standard within FARM Animal Care Version 4 to confirm their commitment to the highest standards of animal care.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

CowSignals – Advisor Program

In this course, combine practical cow-based knowledge with 1-to-1 advisor skills. It is an interactive course, sharing ideas and getting personal feedback.

CowSignals Training Company

English

CowSignals – Course

The CowSignals® concept is based on proven results. In this training you learn about the CowSignals® Diamond: feed, water, light, air, rest and space resulting in animal health. You will get four and a half hours of valuable content.

CowSignals Training Company

English

CowSignals – DrytoFresh Course

DrytoFresh course is for advisors and farmers that want to make dry cow management a priority. In two and a half hours of valuable content, you will be put in the position of the cow: what does she need for a good start to lactation?

CowSignals Training Company

English

CowSignals – Free Course Introduction

This introduction experience to CowSignals® is free of charge and contains four training videos. You can watch these videos as often as you like for 10 days.

CowSignals Training Company

English

CowSignals – HoofSignals Course

Cows’ hooves are the weakest link in their health and welfare. Learn how to focus on prevention, so your time won’t be consumed by the treatment of lame cows in this course with five hours of valuable content.

CowSignals Training Company

English

CowSignals – Señales de la vaca Spanish Course

This video course is about sharing the secrets of dairy farming. You will learn all about the basics of CowSignals®. What do cows tell you? This course consists of three parts: 1. The CowSignals® method. 2. Theory: around the diamond. 3. Practice: The farm workshop.

CowSignals Training Company

Spanish

CowSignals – Stressfree Stockmanship Course

This course will teach how to look and think from the cow’s point of view in three and a half hours of valuable content. How does she experience things? What makes her insecure? What are risk areas, where you need to be extra careful?

CowSignals Training Company

English

CowSignals – YoungstockSignals Course

Warning: this online training will open your eyes to how you run your farm. This course has four hours full of sensible tips on how to improve the rearing of calves and yearlings.

CowSignals Training Company

English

Cultivate Educational Platform

Cultivate is an on-demand bilingual educational platform that allows producers to train, test and track their educational progress focused on animal welfare, worker health and safety and equipment safety.

Cultivate

English

Schedule a Demo

Cultivate Safety Website

The National Farm Medicine Center and National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety designed the Cultivate Safety website to provide access to agricultural safety information, tools, data and resources for farmers, ranchers and media.

National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, National Farm Medicine Center

English

Dairy AdvanCE® Platform

Dairy AdvanCE® is an industry continuing education (CE) platform. Much like doctors and lawyers, dairy farmers and agribusiness now have a CE management tool to prove their value and demonstrate continuous improvement.

Dairy AdvanCE

English

Dairy Animal Handling Training Guides 5-Part Video Series and Quizzes

UMASH has developed training guides and quizzes to accompany the 5-part video series on dairy stockmanship. The guides can be a tool for training and retraining workers. The materials can be used in small groups or individually.

Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

English & Spanish

Dairy Biosecurity and Your Bottom Line – CDQAP Ruminations Blog

California Dairy Research Foundation (CDQAP) provides an overview of biosecurity, what should be in a biosecurity plan and how biosecurity impacts your farm in terms of economics

California Dairy Research Foundation

English

Dairy Cattle Care Ethics Agreement & Training

Complete the dairy cattle care ethics agreement and training form to confirm that you have received training in animal care, stockmanship and all other assigned animal care responsibilities.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Cattle Care Ethics Agreement

Review and sign the dairy cattle care ethics agreement to commit to the highest standards of animal care on your dairy.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Cattle Care Training Activity Attendance

Use this form to accurately document dairy cattle care training activity attendance.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Cattle Care Training Agreement

Complete the dairy cattle care training agreement to confirm that you have received training in animal care, stockmanship and all other assigned animal care responsibilities.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Cattle Care Training Log – Individual Employee

Document to record training pertaining to animal care.

FARM Program

English

Dairy Euthanasia: Making Timely Decisions Training Tool

This training tool module will improve your understanding of timely euthanasia. Complete the training and case study examples for information on euthanizing compromised cattle in a timely manner with humane methods.

North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

English

Spanish

Dairy Farm Employee Attraction and Retention Guide

This resource includes five steps to successful employee recruiting and how you can implement them on your dairy farm.

Penn State Extension

English

Dairy Farm Employee Management and Training

Access a series of dairy farm specific articles, webinars and other resources on various human resources topics, including recruiting, interviewing, job descriptions and employee orientation.

Iowa State Extension Dairy Team

English

Dairy Farm Employee University

A training platform with the goal of providing education to all dairy employers and employees, leading to a better work environment and reducing employee turnover on farms.

Michigan State University – Dairy Extension

English

Dairy Farm Human Resources Webinars

Watch or share these educational webinars covering a variety of human resource topics for dairy farms.

Penn State Extension

English

Dairy Farm Job Description Examples

This guide details the process for developing dairy farm job descriptions and includes examples for dairy farm positions such as manager, milker and feeder.

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

English

Dairy Farm Job Descriptions: The Building Blocks of Organizations

Job descriptions help employees and supervisors reach a mutual understanding of the important details of a job. This article provides tips for writing job descriptions as well as sample dairy farm job descriptions for parlor manager and parlor operator.

Penn State Extension

English

Dairy Farm Labor Management Articles

Various articles and resources on topics related to dairy farm labor management.

Michigan State University – Dairy Extension

English

Dairy Farm Safety and Health Resources

Access articles and videos on topics such as dairy farm safety, employee management and herd management. Includes Spanish resources.

University of Wisconsin - Extension

English & Spanish

Dairy Farm Safety Training Program and Guide

This Dairy Safety Training Program can strengthen your health and safety program by helping you teach employees about hazards to reduce the chance of injury. The guide contains step-by-step instructions for conducting training sessions as well as a few Spanish resources.

National Ag Safety Database (NASD)

English

Dairy Life-Cycle Assessment Research Paper

A scientific, peer-reviewed model based on IPCC Tier 2 methods and life cycle assessment (LCA) research used to develop the FARM ES model. This model estimates farm-level greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy intensity.

International Dairy Journal

English

Dairy Operations Inputs/Outputs Worksheet Contingency Plans For Movements

Items moving on and off the dairy are essential for business. They can also spread disease unless biosecurity steps are in place. This worksheet can help you create your labeled premises map in your enhanced biosecurity plan.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Dairy Safety Training Video Series

Access this safety training video series available in both English and Spanish from the National Ag Safety Database, a web-based central repository of health, safety and injury prevention materials for the agricultural community.

National Ag Safety Database (NASD)

English & Spanish

English

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series – How Do Cows Perceive Their World

While cattle use all senses to perceive the world, their sensory perception is much different than humans. Considering the way dairy cattle see, smell, hear and taste can help farmers successfully and effectively move cattle after watching this video.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series – Natural Behavior in Cattle

Cattle naturally demonstrate herding or packing behavior. Cattle herds have an established pecking order and like to follow in a line with a dominant leader. Learn more about cattle behaviors crucial for sound dairy stockmanship.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series – Quiz Key

Check your results on the 16-question dairy stockmanship quiz. Find the quiz without answers and watch stockmanship videos in this resource library to learn more about dairy cattle behavior and handling.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series – Quiz Questions

Take this 16-question quiz to test your knowledge on dairy stockmanship. Find the answers and watch stockmanship videos in this resource library to learn more about dairy cattle behavior and handling.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series – Understanding the Flight Zone

The flight zone is the animal’s safety zone, and its size varies depending on the animal’s degree of tameness. Watch this video to understand the flight zone and how handlers can successfully position their bodies to safely and productively move cattle.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series – Understanding the Point of Balance in Dairy Cattle

Watch this video to learn about how the handler’s location in relation to the dairy cow's point of balance determines whether the animal moves forward or backwards.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series – Using Pressure and Release When Moving Dairy Cattle

Moving closer to the cow’s flight zone can cause cattle to speed up. Moving farther will encourage cattle to relax and slow down. Watch this video to understand how using pressure points can help when moving cattle in stressful situations.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series – Using the Senses in Handling Cattle

It is important to always move softly and calmly around cattle. Watch this video to learn where to position your body around the cattle to keep both animal and handler safe.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship | 5-Part Video Series

This educational series features videos, posters and fact sheets to train on: "Using Predictable Animal Behavior to Increase Milk Production" "How a Cow Uses Her Senses" "Working with Pressure Zone" "Moving Cows More Effectively" "Making the Milking Parlor a Happy Place"

Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

English

Spanish

Dairy Stockmanship – K’iche’

View this video in K'iche' to learn more about dairy stockmanship.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program, New Mexico State University Dairy Extension

K’iche'

Bilingual Curriculum for Dairy Worker Safety Training

Bilingual curriculum in English & Spanish that includes worker training and promotores de salud (or Community Health Workers) to reduce worksite hazards and improve worker knowledge and practices. Download training resources, posters and comics.

Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

English & Spanish

Spanish Resource Database

English Resource Database

Dairy Worker Safety Training Guides and Courses

Bilingual dairy farm safety portal with dairy training guides, training courses and U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Center educational videos.

The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center

English

Dairy Worker Safety Training Videos

Watch this series of videos from the University of Wisconsin - Extension on dairy worker safety on farms.

University of Wisconsin - Extension

English & Spanish

DairyLearning.com

This resource provides specific online trainings in multiple languages from industry experts and instructors.

dairylearning.com

English & Spanish

Determining if an Animal is Fit to Transport Article

How do you determine if an animal is fit to transport? Use this one-page outline to determine animal health and transport protocols.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension

English

Disbudding Calves Video

Watch this 6-minute step-by-step video for guidance on disbudding calves using pain management.

FARM Program, UC Davis Center for Animal Welfare

English

Disbudding Guide

This resource will walk you through when to disbud your dairy calves, what tools are required and the steps involved in a successful disbudding event.

University of Guelf

English

Drug Treatment Records Veterinarian Review Form

This form is acceptable to meet the “permanent (written or electronic) drug treatment records reviewed at least annually by the Veterinarian of Record” standard within FARM Animal Care Version 4.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Emergency Contacts Magnet

Displaying this magnet of names and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in a prominent place in the animal facility using employees’ native languages is necessary to speed up communications in an emergency.

FARM Program

English & Spanish

English

Spanish

Emergency Contacts Poster

Displaying this poster of names and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in a prominent place in the animal facility using employees’ native languages is necessary to speed up communications in an emergency.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

English & Spanish

Employee Break Relief Schedule

Organize your farm employee's shifts with this break relief schedule sheet.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Employee Compensation Change Form

Use this form template to document when an employee's pay is adjusted.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Employee Emergency Contact Form

Have your employees complete this emergency contact form to keep on file.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Employee Handbook Guide for Small Businesses

An employee handbook is a reference document for employees to learn about key company policies. Download this employee handbook template to create a handbook for your dairy.

Fit Small Business

English

Employee Handbook Sample

Customize this sample employee handbook and use as a resource for your dairy farm.

FARM Program

English

Employee Safety Incident Reporting

Use this form to report all work-related injuries, illnesses or “near miss” events.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Employee Training Log

Farm employees and supervisors can track employee training using this training log.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

End of Life Decision-Making – Fitness to Transport Video

Watch this partner spotlight video developed by Elanco Animal Health to support all dairy animal caretakers and owners in the fitness to transport process for details on end-of-life decision making for cattle on your dairy.

Elanco, FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Continuous Improvement Reference Manual

This Reference Manual offers practical, science-based ideas for reducing GHG emissions in the areas of Feed, Productivity, Manure and Energy. Opportunities and options for consideration are included with links to resources for more information.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Data Collection Sheet Version 2

Second-party evaluators can use the fillable Excel spreadsheet or print the PDF to collect data for FARM Environmental Stewardship evaluations.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Evaluation Preparation Guide Version 2

Use this guide to understand and prepare for a FARM Environmental Stewardship evaluation on your dairy farm.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Fact Sheet Version 2

This one-pager shares the changes that were updated with Version 2 of the FARM Environmental Stewardship Program. Learn more about new data points, updated emission factors and more detailed results.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Peer-Reviewed Model Paper

This study presents an analysis of the cradle to farm gate greenhouse gas footprint of milk. Learn more about this parsimonious model for a farmer’s decision support tool.

International Dairy Journal

English

Environmental Stewardship Program Version 2 Scientific Background

FARM Environmental Stewardship Program estimates farm-level greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy intensity. Learn how it uses a scientific, peer-reviewed model based on IPCC Tier 2 methods and life cycle assessment (LCA) research.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Sampling Protocol – Overview

Learn about the farm random sample protocol based on the concept of stratified random sampling for the FARM Environmental Stewardship module.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Sampling Protocol – Spreadsheet

Download the fillable Excel spreadsheet to run the FARM Environmental Stewardship Sampling Protocol.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Sampling Protocol – Talking Points

Talking points on the FARM Environmental Stewardship Sampling Protocol.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship Sampling Protocol – Using the Spreadsheet

Watch the tutorial on how to use the Environmental Stewardship Sampling Protocol Excel spreadsheet to run the random sampling protocol.

FARM Program

English

Environmental Stewardship User Guide Version 2

Co-op field staff, evaluators and dairy farmers input data into the FARM Environmental Stewardship online evaluation tool. This guide explains which records/documents may contain the necessary farm data and answers questions about interpreting each measure and understanding the results.

FARM Program

English

Establishing and Maintaining the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) in Bovine Practice Guidelines

The VCPR is an integral part of veterinary oversight of animal health and proper drug use on cattle operations. State and federal codified VCPRs regulate the practice of veterinary medicine legislatively. This two-page guide describes non-regulatory management practices endorsed by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) as general guidelines for its members to refer to during their course of practice.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP)

English

Establishing and Maintaining the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship in Bovine Practice

This document describes non-regulatory management practices endorsed by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) as general guidelines for its members to refer to during their course of practice.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP)

English

Euthanasia Decision Tree Poster – Dairy Calf

Display this decision tree to identify key indicators that help determine if calves are showing signs to treat and reevaluate or if euthanasia should be considered immediately.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension, FARM Program

English

Spanish

English & Spanish

Euthanasia Decision Tree Poster – Dairy Cattle

Display this decision tree to identify key indicators that help determine if cows are showing signs to treat and reevaluate or if euthanasia should be considered immediately.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

English & Spanish

Euthanasia Methods and Risks – What Every Producer Needs to Know Article

Timely euthanasia is a big challenge for farmers and veterinarians. Learn more about the methods and risks.

Progressive Dairy

English

Evaluation Tool Version 1.0 Fact Sheet

This evaluation tool encourages best practices, with a focus on developing sustainable management processes and procedures to promote positive human resources and safety outcomes on dairies.

FARM Program

English

Everyday Biosecurity Manual Version 1

Biosecurity includes management practices designed to protect cattle and people from disease exposure. The Everyday Biosecurity Manual provides you with the steps to get started and build additional protections for your cattle.

FARM Program

English

Farm Labor Guide

This guide outlines multiple factors affecting agricultural employers who establish and manage a workforce. It divides the employment process into six segments: recruitment; hiring; onboarding, training and mentoring; operations; retention; and termination.

University of Missouri Extension

English

FARM Program Brand Standards

Use these brand standards in any outreach that mentions the FARM Program. Includes guidance on logo, color, fonts, icons, images and more.

FARM Program

English

Farm Safety Check

Identify and fix potential hazards before they cause harm to your family and employees. Each month, Farm Safety Check focuses on a different topic, offering bilingual checklists and tips, along with resources to remedy any problems.

Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

English & Spanish

Farm Safety Checklist

Complete this farm safety checklist as a self-administered audit of 14 different areas around your farm, including buildings, feed and manure storage, tractors/equipment, livestock facilities and more.

New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH)

English

Farm Safety Education Posters

Download a wide variety of multilingual materials for farm safety training sessions held on-farm or in the field. Posters and flyers are designed for easy readability and are offered in English, Spanish and select materials in Haitian Creole.

New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH)

English & Spanish

Farm Safety Training Materials

Safety training for farm owners and workers. Topics included animal handling, hazardous chemicals, farm equipment and identification of dairy farm hazards. Training materials include PowerPoint presentations, instructor manuals and participant manuals.

OSHA, University of Wisconsin - River Falls

English

Farm Safety Video Series

A series of bilingual 60-second farm safety videos, in English and Spanish, to help share safety reminders with employees. Topics include safety around animals, fall prevention, tractor and truck rollovers, youth on the farm and more.

Center for Dairy Excellence

English & Spanish

Foot and Mouth Disase (FMD) Progression of Lesions in Cattle Sign

Use this sign to help identify clinical signs caused by foot and mouth disease, progression of lesions based on the amount of days post-infection and what to if you suspect a foreign animal disease.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), Iowa State Center for Food Security and Public Health, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Milk Producers Federation, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

English

Spanish

Foot and Mouth Disase (FMD) See Something, Say Something Sign

Foot and Mouth Disease can look like many things. Display this sign to help identify visual signs of FMD and if you see something, say something.

Secure Milk Supply

English

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Overview Handout

Secure Milk Supply provides an overview for Foot and Mouth Disease, also referred to as Hoof and Mouth Disease. Read to learn where FMD is, how it will impact farms if it enters the Unites States and what you can do to protect your herd.

Secure Milk Supply

English

Footbath Protocols for Success and Simplicity Article

Without a simple, well-defined footbath protocol, the only consistent result will be poor footbath management and poor hoof health. Use these management tools to establish on-farm protocols.

Progressive Dairy

English

Foreign Animal Disease Biosecurity Tips for Dairy Producers

Animal diseases, both foreign and domestic, can devastate livestock industries. While this two-page resource was written for California dairies, the tips are applicable to dairies across the nation to prevent foreign animal disease introduction and spread.

California Department of Food and Agriculture

English

Get It Right – Treat, Cull or Euthanize Article

Reference this article to help you make the right choice when making culling decisions on your operation.

Progressive Dairy

English

GHG Fact Sheet Series – Energy Use Emissions

How does energy use influence GHG emissions? Find out more about fuel and electricity use on-farm and opportunities to reduce energy usage.

FARM Program

English

GHG Fact Sheet Series – Enteric Emissions

How does digestion influence GHG emissions? Learn more about enteric emissions, and opportunities to reduce emissions through excellent cow health and productivity.

FARM Program

English

GHG Fact Sheet Series – Feed Production Emissions

How does feed production influence GHG emissions? Find out how activities like tillage, planting, irrigation, harvest, pasture management and nutrient application all influence GHG emissions and opportunities to pursue energy efficiency.

FARM Program

English

GHG Fact Sheet Series – Introduction to Greenhouse Gases

What are GHGs? Learn about types of GHGs in dairy farming and find out more about U.S. dairy's goals to become GHG neutral, optimize water use while maximizing recycling and improve water quality by 2050.

FARM Program

English

Group Training Attendance Form

Use this form to track employee attendance at group training session(s).

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Group Training Record

Training dairy workers is important for the benefit of themselves, the animals and the dairy farm. Record the trainees and training topics in this form for documentation of group sessions.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Guide to Human Resources Management for Farm Business

This 139-page guide covers building an effective HR plan including how to evaluate your farm's current methods. Learn guidance on how to hire, train, motivate, communicate, resolve conflict and discuss performance with your dairy farm employees.

Manitoba Agriculture

English

Handling Calves Webinar

This 26-minute Spanish webinar discusses the challenges of working with calves. Watch to hear the best way to move and interact with calves for the benefit of both calves and people.

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program

Spanish

Handling Cattle In Alleys, Holding Areas And Milk Parlors Video

Gentle, low stress handling will result in maximum productivity and minimum injuries when maneuvering cattle. Handlers should ensure a quiet, tranquil, stress-free environment where cattle are not overcrowded. Watch this video to learn low stress ways to move cattle while in alleys, holding areas and milking parlors.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program, New Mexico State University Dairy Extension

English

Spanish

Harvest and Storage of Colostrum Video

Learn how to properly harvest and store colostrum to avoid bacteria growth and cross-contamination.

Iowa State University Extension

English

Harvust Human Resource Software

Harvust farm HR software makes hiring, training and communicating with farm employees simple, fast and organized.

Harvust

English

Hearing Loss Prevention on the Farm

Educate your team on how hearing loss happens and what can be done to prevent it on the farm. Training tools include fact sheets, printable handouts, posters and a hearing loss simulator.

Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health

English

Heat and Cold Stress in Newborn Calves Video

Learn about a calf's thermoneutral zone and their requirements when experiencing heat or cold stress.

Iowa State University Extension

English

Help Teach Workers to Evaluate Herd Health Article

Learn from a veterinarian in this article on how to teach your employees to help evaluate herd health and make treatment decisions.

Progressive Dairy

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Branding

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a protocol for safe and humane cattle branding in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Castration

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a castration protocol for your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Disease & Illness Treatment

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a protocol when it comes to identifying and treating diseases and illnesses in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Euthanasia

Use this fillable template to help establish and document euthanasia protocol as a part of your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Fitness to Transport

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a protocol that ensures suitability for an animal to be culled and transported to market in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Fly Control

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a fly control protocol in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Lameness Prevention & Treatment

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a lameness prevention & treatment protocol in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Medical Procedure

Use this fillable template to help establish and document protocols relating to medical procedures in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Milking Procedure

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a milking procedure protocol in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Non-Ambulatory Cows

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a protocol regarding non-ambulatory cows in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Parasite Control

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a protocol regarding parasite control in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Pest Control

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a pest control protocol in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Pre-Weaned Calves

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a protocol regarding pre-weaned calf management in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Supernumerary Teat Removal

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a supernumerary teat removal protocol in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Vaccinations

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a vaccination protocol for your herd in your herd health plan.

FARM Program

English

Herd Health Plan Veterinarian Review Form

This form is acceptable to meet the “written herd health plan reviewed at least annually by the Veterinarian of Record” standard within FARM Animal Care Version 4.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Hiring Tips for Dairy Farms Factsheet

This factsheet outlines hiring process best practices, with the goal being to hire individuals with the right qualifications.

FARM Program

English

Housing Cleaning Schedule

Use this suggested cleaning schedule to help farm housing employee occupants plan ahead.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Housing Emergency Contacts

Complete this emergency contact form and display in employee housing to ensure employees know who to call in case of an emergency.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Housing Inspection List

Farm owners or managers can use this housing inspection list to evaluate condition and cleanliness of employee housing.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Housing Orientation Checklist

Use this housing orientation checklist to ensure topics were discussed with farm employee housing tenants.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Housing Repair – Journal System

The template can be used for employees to fill out and request housing repairs or information.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Housing Repair – Ticket Form

This form can be used by farm employees to request repairs or housing information.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

How Does the Welfare of People Affect the Welfare of Animals? Webinar

Too often, the caretaker is taken out of animal well-being discussions, but it's the most critical component. Watch this one-hour webinar by Robert Hagevoort, New Mexico State University, to learn more about employee and animal welfare.

Hoard's Dairyman

English

How to Transition Away from Tail Docking

Switch trimming is the best management practice a farmer can utilize to transition away from tail docking. Use this guide to determine which meets your farm’s individual needs.

FARM Program

English

Human Resources Issues for Farm and Ranch Video Series

A three-part video series covering various farm and ranch human resource topics, including how to recruit and interview candidates, employee training and handling difficult issues.

Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR)

English

Human Resources Sample Policies and Procedures

Find an abundance of human resources policy samples, checklists, procedures, forms and business tools to manage your workplace to create successful employees.

LiveAbout

English

Human Resources Templates – Spanish

Review and complete these Spanish Human Resource templates and tailor them to the needs of your dairy operation.

FARM Program

Spanish

Humane Euthanasia of Cattle Guidelines

The 10-page guide from AABP is intended to aid animal caretakers and owners, live market operators, animal transporters and veterinarians in choosing effective euthanasia methods.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP)

English

Impacts of Heat Stress Throughout the Lactation Cycle Webinar

Heat stress has dramatic negative impacts on dairy cow's productivity. This webinar reviews the degree that milk yield is reduced with heat stress in lactation and the physiological reasons for those effects.

Phibro Animal Health

English

Individual Cow Care Agreement

Dairy farm workers complete this fillable form to meet the “immediate family employees with animal care responsibilities must sign a cow care agreement annually” standard within FARM Animal Care Version 4 to confirm their commitment to the highest standards of animal care.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

International Travel Biosecurity Tips – Best Practices for Dairy Producers

Diseases in livestock and wildlife vary geographically. When traveling, people can unknowingly transmit a disease to susceptible animals, and vice versa. If a foreign animal disease (FAD), such as Foot and Mouth Disease, is accidentally introduced into the United States, the effects on livestock health and the economy could be catastrophic. Check out the biosecurity tips for traveling internationally or having international visitors.

California Department of Food and Agriculture

English

Interview Questionnaire Form

This form can be used to draft questions, take notes and evaluate an applicant during an interview.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Job Application Form – Employer Comments

Use this document in conjunction with job applications to track the interview process.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Job Application Form – Long

Customize this long-form job application to your dairy operation for interested applicants.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Job Application Form – Short

Customize this short-form job application to your dairy operation for interested applicants.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Job Description Worksheet

This worksheet can be used to help dairy owners and managers develop a job description.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Key Elements For Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Plans in Bovine Veterinary Practices Working with Beef and Dairy Operations

These best practices are aimed at veterinarians who administer antimicrobials, who are responsible for oversight of drug use or treatment protocols or who make recommendations for use of antimicrobials. Use the outlined guidelines for best practices for designing, implementing and monitoring antimicrobial stewardship programs with beef and dairy clients.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP)

English

Lameness in Dairy Cows Webinar

Learn the basics of detecting lame cows to promote better animal welfare and profitability in this 23-minute Spanish webinar.

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program

Spanish

Legal Fact Sheets

These fact sheets summarize state labor laws and regulations for dairy farms, topics include wages, paystubs, deductions, child labor and more.

FARM Program

Let’s Leave Painful Dehorning in the Past Article

Mark Hardesty, D.V.M. discusses changing mindsets and controlling pain during calf disbudding.

FARM Program, Hoard's Dairyman

English

Low-Stress Calf Handling – Flight Zone Video

Use this video to help yourself and your employees understand why being aware of an animal's flight zone is so important.

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

English

Spanish

Managing Employee Housing Guide

Farm-provided housing can be an attractive employee benefit. Reference this managing employee housing guide for best practices.

FARM Program

English

Maternity Management Practices in Dairy Farms Video Series

These six videos in this series discuss the basics of dairy cattle calving management practices in maternity operations.

Penn State Extension

English

Spanish

Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Certificate and Generator

Download the fillable PDF or fill out the spaces to generate a one-page certificate documenting the completed review of the Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual.

FARM Program

English

Link

Milk Quality Dairy Management Webinars | Part 1/2 | Culturing and Types of Mastitis

This 43-minute Spanish webinar will focus on how you identify different bacteria focusing on the major differences between environmental and contagious causes of mastitis.

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program

English & Spanish

Milk Quality Dairy Management Webinars | Part 2/2 | Treatment Decisions Based on Mastitis Type

This 30-minute Spanish webinar will focus on the differences in treatment and management practices based on mastitis type (environmental vs. contagious).

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program

English & Spanish

Milker Training and Education Courses and Quizzes Program to Improve Practices that Affect Milk Quality

This bilingual program is designed to help dairy farm employees understand how’s and why’s of handling and milking cows. English and Spanish videos include demonstrations of on-farm practices to emphasize key milking and management techniques. Topics include mastitis, udder health, evaluating milk quality, milking procedure and hygiene, animal handling, care and wellbeing and cleanliness outside the parlor. After completing each training module of short videos and resources, participants will complete a quiz to receive a certificate of completion.

Alltech, Iowa State University Extension, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

English

Spanish

Moving Cows and Cow Behavior Webinar

This 36-minute Spanish webinar shares on-farm knowledge and experience in moving and working with cows, based on dairy cattle natural behavior.

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program

Spanish

National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety

This website describes research, interventions and resources that have been developed and tested to prevent childhood agricultural injuries.

National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety

English

Nationwide Labor Survey Report

Nationwide Labor Survey Report conducted in 2019 by the Center for North American Studies (CNAS) identifies areas where U.S. dairy farms are implementing HR and safety best management practices.

FARM Program

English

Needle Safety Poster

Working with needles can be dangerous. Display this poster as a constant reminder to maintain needle safety.

New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH)

English

Spanish

New Hire Checklist

Use this checklist to help ensure new hires are onboarded properly and well prepared to start work on your farm.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Newborn Calf Care – Using the Esophageal Tube Feeder Video

Learn what to check before using an esophageal tube feeder, how to introduce it to the calf and the importance of properly cleaning the tube after feeding.

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

English

Spanish

Newborn Calf Handling Video

Dairy farmers and farm employees will learn the importance of low-stress calf handling and how it benefits newborn calves.

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

English

Newborn Calf Processing Video

Processing newborn calves is an important responsibility. This video walks through three common management practices that will set calves up for a healthy, productive life.

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

English

Spanish

OSHA LEP Guidance for New York Dairy Farms

Access a variety of resources and links related to dairy farm hazards as part of OSHA's Local Emphasis Program (LEP) in New York.

New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH)

English

OSHA LEP Guidance for Wisconsin Dairy Farms

Access a variety of resources and links related to dairy farm hazards as part of OSHA's Local Emphasis Program (LEP) in Wisconsin.

University of Wisconsin - Extension

English

OSHA LEP Training Binder

This training document includes information and resources related to OSHA's Dairy Dozen. The binder also contains self-assessment questions and links to additional resources.

New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH)

English

PC Dart

PC Dart gives you cutting-edge tools to enhance management decisions and save time: Genomic data merged with performance data, Money Corrected Milk values Trackers (Activity, Heifer, Maternity, Conception, Inventory) to identify trends and track performance.

Dairy Records Management Systems (DRMS)

English

People Entry Log

Tracking people movement information will be important during a disease outbreak. Use this log to record inbound and outbound people details.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

People, Vehicles and Equipment Videos and Tips

If it can move, it can carry diseases, pests and weeds. For this reason, people, vehicles and equipment pose a high biosecurity risk and should be managed accordingly. This resource describes steps that can be taken to protect against the spread of disease for people, vehicles and equipment.

Animal Health Australia

English

Performance Evaluation Form

Customize this performance evaluation form to your farm's operational needs between employees and supervisors.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Point of Balance in Newborn Calves Video

Learn about a newborn calf's point of balance and flight zone to ensure calves experience low stress during handling.

Iowa State University Extension

English

PRO-DAIRY Program Business Resources

A variety of information and templates available for dairy farms on business management, cow care, nutrition, facilities, dairy replacements and manure management and more.

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program

English

Progressive Disciplinary Action Form

The form allows dairy owners and managers to document the progressive disciplinary action process related to employee performance.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Proper Calf Handling Poster

Display this poster to get quick tips for proper calf handling techniques.

FARM Program, Veal Quality Assurance (VQA)

English

English & Spanish

Proper Care for Non-Ambulatory Cows Poster

Display this poster to help identify a proper down cow protocol, how to prevent, plan and care for non-ambulatory cows and common causes, including milk fever, toxic mastitis, toxic metritis, musculoskeletal damage and massive infection.

FARM Program, Penn State Extension

English

Spanish

English & Spanish

Proper Euthanasia Practices Article

Use this two-page guide to review proper euthanasia practices on your dairy.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension, FARM Program

English

Proper Management of Non-Ambulatory Animals Article

Reference this two-page article to help create your dairy farm's non-ambulatory protocol to ensure you answer the correct questions and establish appropriate protocols.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension, FARM Program

English

Proper Milking Routine Demonstration Video

This six-minute video, lead by Alltech's Jorge Delgado, details the milking routine in Spanish with English subtitles for on-farm training and continued education for dairy farm employees.

Alltech On-Farm Support

English & Spanish

Recognizing Heat Stress in Dairy Cows Sign

The key to manage heat stress is to understand when heat stress begins. Use this full-page diagram to address and understand heat stress in dairy cattle.

University of Florida Extension

English

Spanish

Recommended Colostrum Feeding Techniques Video

Learn about colostrum feeding programs, the appropriate colostrum temperature and how to feed calves in a stress-free manner.

Iowa State University Extension

English

Recommended or Approved Drug List Form

Complete this fillable form with information on recommended or approved drugs for your dairy as a resource for all employees, veterinarians and other partners.

FARM Program

English

Resources for Protecting Young Agricultural Workers

Bilingual evidence-based training to protect the safety and health of adolescent and young adult workers at higher risk of injury. Topics include supervising, training and communicating more effectively with young workers.

Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest – University of Iowa

English

Safer Farm

Safer Farm is an online tool developed by the National Farm Medicine Center with the purpose of making agricultural health and safety knowledge accessible and easy to use.

National Farm Medicine Center

English

Safety Checklist for Dairy Farmers

Download this fillable form to help you keep track of common hazards and basic safety program requirements. Includes customizable sections to add specific safety aspects for your farm.

Washington State Department Labor & Industries

English

Scope 3 Reporting Using FARM Environmental Stewardship Program

A company’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are divided into Scopes 1, 2 and 3. Read more about these emissions and reporting relating to your business.

FARM Program

English

See it? Stop it! Flyer

Demonstrate your commitment to animal care. Display this sign for anyone who works around animals to provide guidance on how to report animal abuse, neglect, harm or mishandling. Responsible animal care starts with you!

Dairy Cattle Welfare Council (DCWC), FARM Program

English & Spanish

See It? Stop It! Poster

Demonstrate your commitment to animal care. Display this poster for anyone who works around animals to provide guidance on how to report animal abuse, neglect, harm or mishandling. Responsible animal care starts with you!

Dairy Cattle Welfare Council (DCWC), FARM Program

English & Spanish

Ship Them or Not? Key Decision Points for Non-Ambulatory Cattle Article

Reference this article to decide if or when an animal should be culled or treated.

Progressive Dairy

English

Silage Safety Resources

Educational podcasts, videos and DVDs in English and Spanish on starting an on-farm silage safety program. Free silage safety coloring books are available to teach children, family and employees the basics of safe silage.

Connor Agriscience

English & Spanish

Spring Dairy Series – Understanding Inflammation & Immunity to Improve Transition Management Webinar

Knowledge on the benefits and risks of various forms of inflammation are essential in understanding how to manage dairy cows in all stages of production. Watch this webinar to learn more.

Phibro Animal Health

English

Stages of Parturition Poster

What are the stages of parturition? Use this support guide to help determine when and how to assist in calvings.

Alltech On-Farm Support

English

Spanish

Steps to Hosting FARM Animal Care Evaluator Training

As a FARM Animal Care Certified Trainer, it is your responsibility to understand and follow appropriate procedures. Use this step-by-step guide to host your own FARM Animal Care evaluator training course.

FARM Program

English

Stockmanship Training with Curt Pate – It’s All about Pressure Article

Review this three-page article to learn more about cattle handling and how different situations call for different kinds of pressure.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension

English

Tailgate Safety Trainings for Agriculture

Conducting regular safety meetings is a key component of any organized workplace safety program. Get ideas and resources to conduct your own on-farm tailgate training. Content is bilingual.

Ohio State University

English & Spanish

Tailgate Talks Kit for Dairy Farms

Tailgate Talks' are manager-led safety discussions for dairy farm workers. Access free digital downloads of manager scripts and sign-in sheets. Each discussion is intended to last 5-10 minutes and focuses on topics included in OSHA's "dairy dozen." Content is bilingual.

Idaho Dairymen's Association

English & Spanish

Taking Care of the Ups And Downs Article

It’s a difficult task, but someone on your farm must be responsible for down cow care. Reference this one -page article to learn more about several aspects of down cow care.

Hoard's Dairyman

English

Temperature and Humidity Index Chart

Use this temperature and humidity index calculations table to identify heat stress and severity. This one pager also includes heat stress factors and management tips to combat heat stress.

Alltech On-Farm Support

English

Spanish

The Impacts of Stress on Dairy Cattle Health and Performance Webinar

Learn more on how stress is a major component of the environmental effects on milk yield and always increases the basal maintenance cost of dairy animals, resulting in decreased energy available for production.

Phibro Animal Health

English

The Movement of Cows to and From the Parlor Webinar

This 28-minute Spanish webinar will focus on moving cows for milking, topics include vocabulary, milk letdown, adrenalin, moving cows calmly, the holding area, after milking and more.

Cornell Pro-Dairy Program

Spanish

The Who, When, What and How for Handling a Down Cow Article

Down cows are one of the unfortunate realities of dairy production. Reference this article to learn more about down cow care.

Progressive Dairy

English

The “Good Health Records” Program

Accurate and consistent health records, efficiently summarized, are used to evaluate and inform management decisions on all dairies. Learn what “good health records” are, why dairies should have them and how easy they are to achieve with this online hub of resources.

Washington State University

English

Topic Brief – Artificial Insemination

This factsheet provides background and additional information on artificial insemination. Get answers to frequently asked questions in this topic brief.

FARM Program

English

Topic Brief – Disbudding

Use this topic brief to learn more about the removal of horns for the safety of the cattle and your dairy farm staff.

FARM Program

English

Topic Brief – Polled Genetics

This topic brief outlines polled genetics including breeding animals for the polled gene as a long-term strategy to reduce the need for disbudding or dehorning in dairy cattle.

FARM Program

English

Train Trac

Train Trac makes training accessible to all your employees, contains high-quality dairy training, allows you to upload your own training and tracks the progress of each individual employee.

train trac

English

Transportation and Fitness-To-Travel Recommendations for Cattle Guide

Farm personnel should be trained on assessing health and welfare of cattle. Use this seven-page AABP guide on fitness to travel for cattle.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP)

English

Treatment Record – Daily For Multiple Animals

Use this fillable form to keep track of treatment records on a daily basis and review with your veterinarian. Available in a fillable PDF and spreadsheet.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), FARM Program

English

Treatment Record – Individual Animal

Use this fillable form to keep track of treatment records on an individual cow basis and review with your veterinarian. Available in a fillable PDF and spreadsheet.

American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), FARM Program

English

Treatment Records – Fact Sheet

This fact sheet provides background and additional information on the "facility has permanent (written or electronic) treatment records for the treatment of the facility's common diseases" standard within FARM Animal Care Version 4.

FARM Program

English

Understanding Dairy Stockmanship

Watch this 30-minute video to learn safe, effective skills for animal handling.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program

English

Spanish

K’iche'

Update and Review Your Vaccination Protocols Article

There are many factors that affect vaccination programs and there is no “one size fits all.” Learn how to design a best-fit program for your herd.

Progressive Dairy

English

Using Pain Mitigation When Disbudding Article

Disbudding without pain control is painful. All methods work by removing or damaging horn-producing tissue, and all methods have been shown to cause pain when done without appropriate pain control.

Progressive Dairy

English

Using Tools To Move Animals

Watch this video to learn how to use tools appropriately when moving cattle.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Using Tools to Move Animals Video

Tools such as flags, paddles and sticks with ribbons attached are often successful aids in moving reluctant cattle. However, it is crucial to understand what techniques outline responsible and irresponsible use. Reference this video to learn more about utilizing tools when moving animals.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension

English

Spanish

Vaccination Protocols and Immune Status of Dairy Herds Article

The area of most confusion related to herd health management on dairies continues to be the vaccine program. Find out how to fine-tune your vaccination protocols.

Progressive Dairy

English

Vehicle/Equipment Entry and Delivery Log

In foreign animal disease outbreaks, all vehicles, equipment or deliveries that cross the Line of Separation at the premises must clean and disinfect prior to entry. Tracking movements in this log is important during disease outbreaks.

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

Veterinarian Review Annual Sign-Off Form

This form is acceptable to meet the written “Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship,” “Herd Health Plan” and “Drug Treatment Records” standards signed annually within FARM Animal Care Version 4.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) Form

This form is acceptable to meet the “written Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship that is signed by the farm owner and Veterinarian of Record annually within the previous 12 months” standard within FARM Animal Care Version 4.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) Information Sheet

Learn more about the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), what it is and how it's used on-farm.

FARM Program

English

Western Center for Agriculture Health and Safety Training and Outreach

A variety of training and workshop programs ranging in topics from heat and illness prevention to sexual harassment prevention, equipment safety and more.

Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety

English

What is FARM Environmental Stewardship Program?

Learn how the FARM Environmental Stewardship program area helps track and communicate a dairy farm’s environmental achievements while setting a path for continuous improvement.

FARM Program

English

When and How to Euthanize Calves Article

Every good calf manager strives to achieve optimal calf health and growth. Read more in this article to learn when and how to euthanize calves.

Progressive Dairy

English

Workforce Development Evaluation Preparation Guide Version 1

Use this guide to understand and prepare for a FARM Workforce Development evaluation of your dairy farm. It can be used in conjunction with the FARM Human Resources Reference Manual, FARM Safety Reference Manual, templates and other resources.

FARM Program

English

Workforce Development Human Resources Reference Manual

This manual is designed to assist dairy farm owners, managers and other relevant staff in developing a consistent and compliant human resources program on your farm.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

English

Workforce Development Human Resources Self-Assessment

This self-assessment serves as a starting point to evaluate current HR programs and determine HR needs.

FARM Program

English

Workforce Development Safety Reference Manual

This manual was produced with the purpose of identifying safety hazards and safe work practices, as well as applicable OSHA requirements pertaining to dairy farming activities.

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Workforce Development Safety Self-Assessment

This safety self-assessment serves as a starting point to evaluate current safety programs and determine safety needs.

FARM Program

English

Youth Farm Safety Project

The Youth Farm Safety Project is a resource for children, teens and the adults who work with and care for them. Check out events, download activities and educator resources, and review the resource links.

University of Vermont

English

¡Basta! Worksite Training & Continuing Toolkit

A comprehensive worksite resource that includes training videos, trainer's guide, model workplace policies and procedures, posters and other key resources in Spanish and English to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

University of Washington

English & Spanish