Dairy producers have until Sept. 10 to complete a survey asking about their perceptions of the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program and how it can continue to improve the resources it offers farmers.
The voluntary survey, conducted by the FARM Program in conjunction with Colorado State University, probes producers’ knowledge of FARM and the value it provides to their operations. The results will help FARM’s Animal Care program better provide cooperatives and farmers with the appropriate guidance and materials required of program participants. Survey questions address topics such as the producer’s familiarity with the program, where they seek additional FARM Program information, and why stewardship practices are important to them.
The study, titled “Dairy Producer Perceptions of the National Dairy FARM Program,” is being led by Dr. Noa Román-Muñiz and Kayla Rink from Colorado State University’s Department of Animal Sciences. The survey is confidential and only summarized data will be shared with the primary researchers, so participants cannot be identified directly. Those interested in taking the survey can do so by clicking here.
The information gleaned from this survey will also help advance the FARM Program by increasing its efficiency and impact for farmers, and help staff understand producers’ needs. Improving the FARM Program will assist the dairy industry in forming uniform objectives on animal welfare.
Processors and cooperatives interested in distributing the survey to their members can contact dairyfarm@nmpf.org or Kayla Rink at Colorado State (kcalvin@rams.colostate.edu). Individual producers can take the online version or contact the FARM Program to be mailed a copy.