FARM

Cindy Haren, President and CEO for Western Dairy Association says the dairy industry has a history of best management practices for their operations. Farmers Assuring Responsible Management or FARM was created to take a serious look at the industry.

HAREN: Yes, the industry helped pay for that but it was because - and the Checkoff helped pay for that program as well, and it's because consumers matter and what their concerns are so this FARM program has criteria in there about what really the best standards. What is continuous improvement? What do dairy farmers need to keep working on and those guidelines, those best management practices are what our farmers in Colorado are becoming certified on.

Haren says local dairy coops are holding themselves accountable.

HAREN: By the end of - it's either 2015 or 2016 the coops are requiring that if you are a member of our coop and we're going to market your milk, that means that you need to be verified and certified as a FARM, farm.

The Food & Drug Administration is seeking public comment on the risk assessment of drug residues in milk and milk products.

HAREN: This really is about food safety and consumer confidence and that's why I think it is important

And that's Colorado Ag Today. I'm Greg Martin, thanks for listening on the Ag Information Network of the West.