In response to continuously increasing consumer concerns and demands for quality dairy products, dairy producers in New Mexico are eager to assure the public that they collectively as a an industry have applied everything science has taught them to make sure their products are safe and produced with the highest quality standards.

NMSU Dairy Extension in cooperation with the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB), and with full support of its grassroots trade organization Dairy Producers of New Mexico (DPNM) is developing an on farm risk assessment tool which will address a myriad of management issues and protocols that will ascertain the producer is doing all he can to produce products of the highest quality!

Animal health, nutrition, husbandry and welfare, use of medication, milking procedures, standard operating procedures, and bio-security are just some of the many topics which will be covered during the assessment and on farm training, and upon completion the producer will be informed on additional improvements in his operating procedures, and once accomplished the farm will be certified and accredited through the Livestock Board, and awarded a sign the operator can display at the entrance of his premises indicating he is doing all he can to produce dairy products of the highest quality, while ensuring the best animal care and stewardship.

This program will get underway as soon as the software for the assessment is finalized and Beta tested, and is expected to start during the summer of 2008 and depending on the resources available continue through 2009, in order for all of New Mexico’s 180 dairies to be assessed and subsequently certified.

We hope that your family farm gains more understanding through this program.

Partnership for this program includes:

NM Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

NM Livestock Board

NMSU-Dairy Extension

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