Animal Care Assessment Model Test Pilot
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and NFACC assembled the working groups (utilizing the draft Animal Care Assessment Model - ACAM) that will develop a dairy animal care assessment program. The program will be based on the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle, and will test pilot the draft ACAM.
Media release: Dairy Farmers of Canada initiates development of on-farm assessment program • 01 Feb 2012
This first phase of the pilot project will focus on the program content (i.e., determining what to assess and the assessment measures to use). The program content will be developed with input from a diversity of stakeholders. The project also allows for a trial phase to test the draft program directly on dairy farms. The aim is to achieve a program that is practical and valuable to farmers , provides assurances to buyers, promotes continuous improvements in animal care and welfare, and is informed by science.
Program Development Team
The Program Development Team will take a lead role in drafting and revising the program content and will seek input from an Advisory Team (see below) at key stages in the program’s development.
| Producer representative | Ron Maynard, DFC delegate |
| Isaac Klassen, DFC delegate | |
| Reint Dykstra, DFC delegate | |
| Research/academic | Elsa Vasseur, University of Guelph |
| Assessor representative | Penny Lawlis, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs |
| Extension specialist | Steve Adam, Valacta |
| Ian Rumbles, CanWest DHI | |
| Provincial staff | Rehanni Khaseipoul, B.C. Dairy Association |
| Mike Slomp, Alberta Milk | |
| DFC staff | Réjean Bouchard |
| Thérèse Beaulieu (ex-officio) |
Advisory Team
The Advisory Team will be consulted at key stages along the program’s development. The support of stakeholders on the Advisory Team enhances the credibility and value of the final program.
| Canadian Veterinary Medical Association | Neil Anderson, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs |
| Animal welfare organization | Geoff Urton, BC SPCA/Canadian Federation of Humane Societies |
| Research/academic | Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph |
| Derek Haley, University of Guelph | |
| Retail/foodservice | Julie Ashmore, Tim Horton’s |
| Provincial board representative | George MacNaughton, Dairy Farmers of Ontario |
| Martine Labonté, Fédération des producteurs de lait du Québec | |
| Technical expertise (knowledge of on-farm food safety program) | Cheryl Schroeder, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba |
| Milk processor | Dick Straathof, Gay Lea Foods |