National FARM Animal Care Program
By National Dairy FARM Program
Last reviewed: December 2025
The FARM Animal Care Program provides dairy farms with welfare assessment, benchmarking, and continuous improvement through second-party evaluations and...
Overview
The National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program is the dairy industry's comprehensive animal care program, providing science-based standards and evaluation protocols.
Program Components
Animal Care Standards
Evidence-based requirements covering:
Evaluation Process
Continuous Improvement
Evaluation Categories
Animal Health
Housing Environment
Animal Handling
Participation Benefits
Market Access
Many processors require FARM participation for milk sales.
Continuous Improvement
Regular evaluation identifies opportunities.
Consumer Confidence
Third-party verification supports consumer trust.
Resource Access
Training materials, best practices, technical support.
Evaluation Scheduling
Preparation Tips
Key Features
- National Standards: Unified animal care guidelines for the entire U.S. dairy industry
- Training Resources: Educational materials for producers and farm employees
- Third-Party Evaluation: Independent assessment by trained evaluators
- Continuous Improvement: Progressive guidelines evolving with new science
- Industry Documentation: National database demonstrating industry welfare commitment
- Market Access: Required by most major milk processors and cooperatives
Ideal For
Farm Types: All dairy operations shipping to major processors, Farms of all sizes and types
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for FARM Animal Care Program:
FARM Animal Care is included for cooperative members; processors may require participation.
Pricing Model: Cooperative-funded program (included)
Contact your milk buyer or cooperative for participation requirements. Program administered by National Milk Producers Federation.
Pros & Considerations
- Industry-standard program recognized by customers
- Required by most major processors (necessary for market access)
- Continuous improvement model
- Training and resources included
- Third-party verification adds credibility
- Backed by leading dairy organizations
- Mandatory for most producers anyway
- Requires time commitment for training and evaluation
- Must address any identified deficiencies
- Evolving standards require ongoing attention
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating FARM Animal Care Program:
- Does your milk buyer require FARM participation?
- Have you completed FARM evaluator training?
- When was your last third-party evaluation?
- Are there areas identified for improvement?
- Do all employees receive animal care training?
- How do you document animal care practices?
- Are you tracking FARM metrics like lameness and body condition?
- Have you reviewed the latest FARM guideline updates?