Perceptions of the national dairy farmers assuring responsible management (FARM) animal care program
Date
2018
Authors
Rink, Kayla A., author
Román-Muñiz, Ivette N., advisor
Archibeque-Engle, Shannon, committee member
Turk, Phillp, committee member
Ahola, Jason K., committee member
Hadrich, Joleen C., committee member
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Abstract
The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Animal Care program provides guidelines for farms producing 98% of the U.S. milk supply. Producers who sell milk to co-ops or processors participating in FARM must follow animal care standards defined by the program's technical writing group. Objectives of this study were to assess producers' perceptions about knowledge, experience, value, and reasons for considering FARM important, and to determine if perceptions differ based on producer demographics. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a 30-question survey instrument. Quantitative questions aimed to address project objectives, and qualitative data were provided through one open-ended survey question that asked participants what they thought the main goal of the FARM program was. Additional feedback was offered by participants through providing text in comment boxes, writing on the back of the survey, or writing a separate letter and returning it with their survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using principal components analysis and qualitative were analyzed through thematic analysis. Themes for the qualitative data were constructed through a set of initial codes which were developed from patterns found in the data. The use of triangulation, debriefing, clarification of researcher positionality, and audit trails were used to enhance trustworthiness of the study. Dairy producers from collaborating dairy co-ops and processors were recruited via electronic and postal mail. A total of 487 respondents from 40 states completed the survey. Of the survey participants, n = 414 (85%) answered the open-ended question, and n = 190 (39%) provided additional qualitative feedback. Thematic analysis revealed five main themes: producers on the defense, distrust of program, return on investment, anger, and nostalgia. Of respondents, 50.0% identified dairy co-ops or processors as the main source of information about FARM, and 73.6% reported being knowledgeable about FARM. More formal education and larger herd size were correlated with greater producer knowledge (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). More producer input in the revisions of FARM was identified as a need by 83.3% of respondents. While 89.3% of respondents reported positive experiences with evaluations and relationships with evaluators, 45.6% did not think that FARM has value overall. Females had a neutral impression of the value of the FARM program and males had a negative impression (P = 0.02). Greater respondent age was predictive of greater perceived value of FARM (P < 0.01). Age was significant in determining the reasons for considering FARM important (P < 0.01). Odds that respondents described FARM as important because it improved animal health and wellbeing over describing FARM as not important increased 7.2% (OR = 1.072; 95% OR CI: 1.024, 1.122) with each year of age. As age increased, respondents were more likely to describe FARM as important because it unified the dairy industry on animal welfare over describing FARM as not important (OR = 1.095; 95% OR CI: 1.029, 1.164). Results indicate to increase buy-in and positive perceptions of producers, future versions of FARM should solicit producer input and target specific producer demographics for training and program promotion. The FARM program should address communication deficits, program inequalities, and provide more opportunities for producer input by fostering collaboration with producers to co-produce program standards. Findings from this study can be utilized to inform communication strategies and increase producer buy-in in future versions of the FARM program.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
dairy producer
survey
Farmers Assuring Responsible Management
animal care