The Books Help PA Dairy Farms Comply with National FARM Requirements
The Center for Dairy Excellence is once again offering free copies of Animal Care Protocol Record-Keeping Books to Pennsylvania dairy producers and veterinarians. With more than 2,800 books distributed to date, they have been created to help Pennsylvania dairy farm families comply with National FARM requirements associated with record keeping. One book should cover one program year for a smaller-sized herd. To request a free copy of the book, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/request-book or call 717-346-0849.
“We continue to keep these record-keeping books updated and work closely with the National FARM program staff and other veterinarians to ensure the books guide animal care efforts and best practices on the farm,” said Jayne Sebright, Executive Director at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “The books include a family cow care agreement, pages to help producers document standard operating procedures and treatments of their dairy animals, and more. The goal is to help simplify the process for dairy producers to comply with the guidelines outlined in the National FARM Program.”
Veterinarians and consultants can order free copies of the books for their dairy clients, and dairy producers can order copies directly for their farm. Blank, fillable protocol sheets and additional record-keeping templates are available on the National FARM website at www.nationaldairyfarm.com/producer-resources/herd-health-and-protocols/. The National FARM Program also requires that any family or non-family employee have a record documenting training in stockmanship, calf care, non-ambulatory, euthanasia or fitness to transport.
“I like to use these record-keeping books with producers when working through FARM evaluations. It’s an easy-to-use, compact book that helps to outline and complete the required paperwork for the FARM Program. It keeps the paperwork simple and straightforward and saves time for everyone,” said Dominic Mattilio, a dairy field representative from Land O’Lakes.
The record-keeping books were compiled by the Center for Dairy Excellence, using resources from the National FARM Program, AllTech, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians, and Valley Mobile Veterinary Services.
The National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management works to set the highest standards when it comes to animal care, workplace settings, and environmental and antibiotic stewardship. Created by the National Milk Producers Federation in partnership with Dairy Management Inc., FARM helps ensure the success of the entire industry by demonstrating that U.S. dairy farmers are committed to producing the best milk with integrity. FARM is open to all farms, milk processors and cooperatives and program components are guided by their respective advisory groups.
To request a free Animal Care Protocol Record-Keeping Book, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/request-book or call 717-346-0849.