FARM Program - National Dairy FARM Program

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

FARM ES Version 3 IDF Verification Framework

FARM Program

English

FARM ES Version 2 to Version 3 Comparison

FARM Program

English

NMPF FARM Database: Enhanced Biosecurity and the Secure Milk Supply Plan

FARM Program, Secure Milk Supply

English

FARM ES Version 3 Documentation October 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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

2022 Year in Review

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

FARM Program

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

Employee Compensation Change Form

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

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Employee Break Relief Schedule

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

FARM Program

English

Spanish

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

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

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

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

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

2017 Year in Review

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

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

2015 Year in Review

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

FARM Program

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

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

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 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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018 Year In Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continuing Education Training Log – Animal Care

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

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

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

2021 Year In Review

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

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

2019 Year In Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Job Application Form – Short

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

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 Description Worksheet

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

FARM Program

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

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

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

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

Employee Training Log

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

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Group Training Attendance Form

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

FARM Program

English

Spanish

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

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 – Long

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

FARM Program

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

Performance Evaluation Form

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

FARM Program

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

Employee Handbook Sample

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

FARM Program

English

Employee Emergency Contact Form

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

FARM Program

English

Spanish

Employee Safety Incident Reporting

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

FARM Program

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

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

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

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

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

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 – 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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