National FARM Environmental Stewardship
By National Milk Producers Federation
Last reviewed: December 2025
Industry-led environmental stewardship program providing benchmarking, continuous improvement pathways, and sustainability verification for dairy farms.
The FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Environmental Stewardship program is the dairy industry's response to growing environmental expectations. Managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, it provides farms with tools to assess, benchmark, and improve environmental performance.
The program uses the FARM ES tool for on-farm assessments covering manure management, energy use, water resources, and feed production. Results are benchmarked against industry data to identify improvement opportunities.
Participation is often required by dairy cooperatives and processors as part of milk supply agreements. Third-party verification options provide additional assurance for buyers and consumers.
Key Features
- Self-Assessment Tool: Online environmental evaluation
- Benchmarking: Compare to industry data
- Improvement Plans: Identify priority actions
- Documentation: Record keeping and reporting
- Third-Party Verification: Independent audit option
Advanced Features
- Carbon Footprint: Greenhouse gas assessment
- Net Zero Pathway: Emissions reduction planning
- Water Stewardship: Water resource management
- Recognition Levels: Tiered achievement system
Ideal For
Farm Types: All dairy operations
Competitive Advantages
What sets FARM Environmental Stewardship apart from alternatives:
- Industry-developed and endorsed
- Market access requirement for many buyers
- Continuous improvement focus
- Benchmarking data available
- Recognized by sustainability initiatives
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for FARM Environmental Stewardship:
Environmental stewardship module within FARM Animal Care program.
Pricing Model: Included with FARM Program
National Milk Producers Federation. Contact your cooperative about FARM Environmental Stewardship requirements.
Pros & Considerations
- Industry-standard environmental stewardship
- Supports dairy sustainability claims
- Part of FARM Program framework
- Continuous improvement model
- Market-recognized program
- Participation requirements
- Documentation demands
- May not meet all buyer requirements
- Voluntary nature limits enforcement
Implementation & Setup
How to implement FARM Environmental Stewardship on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Initial assessment: hours; improvement: ongoing
Training & Support
Training and support options available for FARM Environmental Stewardship:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating FARM Environmental Stewardship:
- Is FARM participation required by your milk buyer?
- What environmental improvements are priority for your farm?
- Do you need third-party verification?
- What records do you currently maintain?
- What are your sustainability goals?