FARM Program Version 2028 Comment Period Opens for Dairy Farmers
The FARM Program Version 2028 comment period officially opened on July 8, 2026, giving dairy farmers and industry stakeholders a direct voice in shaping the future of the nation’s dairy standards. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, based in Arlington, Virginia, launched the open comment period for proposed updates to both its Animal Care and Workforce Development programs. Feedback is due by Oct. 2, and every dairy stakeholder is invited to weigh in.
The goal is simple. FARM leaders want to gather practical, real-world input from the people who work the farms every day. As a result, the standards that eventually take effect will reflect the wisdom of those closest to the animals and the work.
Why Farmer Feedback Shapes FARM Program Version 2028
Farmer involvement sits at the heart of this process. Because those in the barn understand what actually works, their comments help keep program standards both practical and achievable.
“Farmer involvement is critical to ensuring program standards are practical and achievable,” said James “Cricket” Jacquier, an Agri-Mark member-farmer and chairman of the FARM Animal Care Task Force. “Farmers who participate in the open comment period can provide feedback on practices and protocols that help promote U.S. dairy industry efforts in demonstrating our commitment to high-quality dairy products.”
That kind of grounded input matters. Therefore, the FARM Program is encouraging farmers, cooperatives and processors alike to review the proposed changes and complete the survey before the deadline.
Animal Care Updates Under Review
The Animal Care standards did not appear out of thin air. Instead, they were reviewed and revised by the FARM Farmer Advisory Council, the FARM Animal Care Task Force and NMPF’s farmer-led Animal Health and Well-being Committee.
Several key directives stand out in the proposed FARM Program Version 2028 updates. For example, the groups examined the evaluation process for injured tails and the Fitness to Transport guidelines. Additionally, they reviewed calf nutrition, animal observations, documentation requirements and continuing education standards.
Each of these areas reflects a shared commitment to treating animals well while producing safe, high-quality dairy. Meanwhile, the process ensures that no single change moves forward without careful thought.
Once the comment period closes, NMPF’s Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee will review the survey feedback. The committee will then submit proposed recommendations to NMPF’s Board of Directors next March.
Workforce Development Changes in FARM Program Version 2028
The proposed updates reach beyond animal care. The Workforce Development evaluation tool is also seeing several thoughtful revisions.
First, some wording adjustments aim to improve clarity and farm-level relevance of questions. Second, certain questions and their response options are being restructured to be less prescriptive. For instance, the timing of safety self-inspections may become more flexible. Finally, the FARM Program is exploring additions that cover entirely new topic areas.
These changes come from the FARM Workforce Development Task Force and the Farmer Advisory Council, which work together on recommendations. Consequently, their proposals move to the NMPF Executive Committee for consideration.
What Comes Next for the Dairy Industry
The path forward follows a clear timeline. The National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors will provide final approval on any and all recommendations. Once approved, FARM Version 2028 will take effect Jan. 1, 2028.
Until then, farmers have a meaningful window to make their voices heard. Because the deadline is Oct. 2, stakeholders are urged not to wait. The proposed standard updates and survey are available online for anyone who wants to review them.
The FARM Program was created by NMPF in 2009, with support from Dairy Management Inc. Participation remains open to all U.S. dairy farmers, cooperatives and processors. Participants follow rigorous guidelines that support social responsibility on the nation’s dairy farms while committing to continuous improvement.
The FARM Program Version 2028 comment period represents more than a routine update. It is a chance for the dairy community to shape the standards that will guide their farms for years to come. Because these changes affect animal care, workforce practices and the reputation of American dairy, farmers should take the opportunity seriously. Watch for the committee recommendations next March, followed by the final board decision, as the industry moves toward the Jan. 1, 2028 start date.
Readers can learn more about the proposed changes and complete the survey by visiting the FARM Program website at nationaldairyfarm.com before the Oct. 2 deadline.