Overwhelming, farmers have indicated they have a strong desire to have a voice on the direction of the FARM Program…here is your opportunity!

The FARM Program is creating a FARM Program Advisory Council (Council). The Council would provide the opportunity for up to 15 farmers, representing diverse farmer viewpoints, to provide guidance and input for consideration into the program’s on-going and future development. Additionally, the Council members will act as ambassadors and liaisons for the FARM Program—helping to answer questions and championing the Program within cooperative/processor organizations as well as their regional dairy communities.

The FARM Program intends to expedite the creation of this council, as we need feedback on several critically important issues—from antibiotics to worker safety to animal care. To create this Council, the FARM Program is seeking up to 3 nominations of farmers willing to serve in this capacity from all current FARM Program participants. The nomination form is attached for your organization to complete.

The Council will be made up of farmers that represent diversity in farm management style, age, geographic location and cooperative/processor. We are also seeking farmers with diverse opinions about the FARM Program to drive the creation of further value for the producer community.

Farmers being nominated should have a current FARM Animal Care Version 3.0 evaluation conducted by the time of submitting the nomination, be willing to have a FARM Environmental Stewardship assessment conducted. They should also be in good standing with and have a basic understanding of the FARM Program. Each Council member will be expected to attend up to 2 in-person meetings per calendar year and 2-4 conference calls annually. Farmers on the Council will serve one, 3-year term.

A selection committee comprised of members from the FARM Technical Writing Groups and Program Staff will select the Council based upon the strength of nomination and the ability to meet the outlined expectations. Additionally, the selection committee will attempt to select Council members that represent the diversity in farm management style, age, geographic location and cooperative/processor representation.

Nominations are due electronically to the FARM Program by Friday, June 29, 2018. The Council will be selected and members will be notified by July 31, 2018 with an anticipated first conference call by August 15, 2018.

If you are interested in serving on this Council or learning more about it, please reach out to Patti Schaefer at pschaefer@firstdistrict.com or 320-221-0381.