Resource Library

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.

Handling Cattle In Alleys, Holding Areas And Milk Parlors Video

Manejando el Ganado en Corredores, Áreas de Espera y Salas de Ordeño

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.

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.

Proper Calf Handling Poster

Poster del Manejo Apropiado de Becerros

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

Cow Care Agreement - Immediate Family

Acuerdo de Cuidado Vacuno por Familiares Inmediatos

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.

Individual Cow Care Agreement

Acuerdo de Cuidado Vacuno por Individuo

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.

Dairy Stockmanship - K'iche'

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

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series - How Do Cows Perceive Their World

Serie en Video de Crianza del Ganado Lechero: Cómo las Vacas Perciben el Mundo

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.

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series - Natural Behavior in Cattle

Serie en Video de Crianza del Ganado Lechero: Comportamiento Natural del Ganado

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.

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series - Quiz Key

Serie en Video de Crianza del Ganado Lechero: Respuestas del Cuestionario

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.

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series - Quiz Questions

Serie en Video de Crianza del Ganado Lechero: Preguntas del Cuestionario

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.

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series - Understanding the Flight Zone

Serie en Video de Crianza del Ganado Lechero: Explicación de la Zona de Fuga

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.

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

Serie en Video de Crianza del Ganado Lechero: Explicación del Punto de Balance del Ganado Lechero

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.

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

Serie en Video de Crianza del Ganado Lechero: Uso de Presión y Liberación al Trasladar Ganado Lácteo

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.

Dairy Stockmanship Video Series - Using the Senses in Handling Cattle

Serie en Video de Crianza del Ganado Lechero: Uso de los Sentidos en el Manejo del Ganado

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.

Using Tools To Move Animals

Usando Herramientas para Mover Animales

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

Understanding Dairy Stockmanship

Entendiende el manejo del Ganado lechero

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

Euthanasia Decision Tree Poster - Dairy Calf

Árboles de Decisión de Eutanasia de Terneros

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.

Euthanasia Decision Tree Poster - Dairy Cattle

Árbol de Decisión de Euthanasia en Ganado Lechero

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.

Animal Care Evaluation Preparation Guide Version 4

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

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.

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.

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.

Considerations when Transporting Dairy Animals

Cuestiones a Considerar en el Transporte de Animales Lecheros

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.

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.

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

Fiebre Aftosa en el Ganado Vacuno Progresión de las Lesiones

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.

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

Letrero de “Si ve algo, diga algo” para fiebre aftosa (FMD)

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.

Herd Health Plan Veterinarian Review Form

Formulario de Revisión de Veterinario de Plan de Salud del Hato

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.

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.

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.

Herd Health Plan Protocol Template - Castration

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Proper Care for Non-Ambulatory Cows Poster

Cuidado Apropiado Para Vacas No Ambulatorias Póster

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dairy Cattle Care Ethics Agreement

Acuerdo de las Éticas del Cuidado del Ganado Lechero

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

Dairy Cattle Care Ethics Agreement & Training

Entrenamiento y Acuerdo de las Éticas del Ganado Lechero

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.

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.

See It? Stop It! Poster

¿Lo Ve? ¡Deténgalo!

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!

See it? Stop it! Flyer

¿Lo Ve? ¡Deténgalo!

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!

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.

Topic Brief - Artificial Insemination

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

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.

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.

Continuing Education Training Log - Animal Care

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

Dairy Cattle Care Training Activity Attendance

Asistencia a la Actividad Entrenamiento del Ganado Lechero

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

Dairy Cattle Care Training Agreement

Entrenamiento Acuerdo del Ganado Lechero

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.

Dairy Cattle Care Training Log - Individual Employee

Document to record training pertaining to animal care.

Veterinarian Review Annual Sign-Off Form

Formulario de Aprobación Anual de Revisión de Veterinario

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.

Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) Form

Formulario de Relación Veterinario-Cliente-Paciente (VCPR)

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.

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.

Drug Treatment Records Veterinarian Review Form

Formulario de Revisión de Veterinario de Registros de Tratamiento con Fármaco

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Biosecurity Sign - Biosecure Entry Ahead

Letrero de Bioprotección: Entrada Biosegura Más Adelante

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

Biosecurity Sign - Clean Boots & Clothing Required

Letrero de Bioprotección: Se Requiere el Uso de Ropa y Botas Limpias

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

Biosecurity Sign - Cross Only at Biosecure Entry Point

Letrero de Bioprotección: Cruce Solamente en un Punto de Entrada Bioseguro

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

Biosecurity Sign - Milk Collection Occurring

Letrero de Bioprotección: Se Está Recolectando la Leche

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

Biosecurity Sign - Milk House Cleaning & Disinfection

Letrero de Bioprotección: Limpieza y Desinfección de Cámara de Leche

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

Biosecurity Sign - Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Letrero de Bioprotección: Use Equipo de Protección Personal

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

Continuing Education Record - Immediate Family

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