FARM Program - National Dairy FARM Program

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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Animal Care Third-Party Verification Frequently Asked Questions

Answer your commonly asked questions in regard to FARM Animal Care third-party verification, such as what is the purpose, who conducts it and how your farm may be selected for it.

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 – Biosecurity

Use this fillable template to help establish and document a protocol for the biosecurity portion of your herd health plan.

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

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

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