Resource Library - National Dairy FARM Program

Express Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast

Listening to these podcast meets the FARM Animal Care continuing education standard.

Hoard's Dairyman

Visit the Hoard's Dairyman website

Transporting Calves – English and Spanish

FARM Program

Download

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

Are your calves Fit to Ship? – Spanish

Alltech

Spanish

Are your calves Fit to Ship? – English

Alltech

English

Right Way, Right Time: A Guide to Cull Dairy Cattle Management

Cattle Fax, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), FARM Program, National Cattlemen's Beef Association

English

Proper Calf Handling is Everyone’s Responsibility – Spanish

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

Spanish

Proper Calf Handling is Everyone’s Responsibility – English

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

English

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

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

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: 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

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

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

Spanish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proper Euthanasia Practices Article

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

Cornell University Cooperative Extension, FARM Program

English

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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'

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 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

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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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

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

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'

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

Using Tools To Move Animals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Dairy Cattle Care Training Log – Individual Employee

Document to record training pertaining to animal care.

FARM Program

English

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 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

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

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

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 – 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

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

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 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

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

Continuing Education Training Log – Animal Care

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

FARM Program

English

Continuing Education Record – Immediate Family

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

FARM Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 – 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 – 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

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

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

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