Representatives from the National Dairy FARM Program took a leading role at the 2026 Dairy Sustainability Alliance Spring Meeting held April 29, conducting multiple sessions focused on animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and workforce training initiatives that support America’s dairy industry.
During a session titled “Landscape Level Set: Care for Animals and Communities,” Dr. Meggan Hain examined how dairy operations are making strides in animal welfare, food safety protocols, and employee development. The presentation outlined priority areas for the industry moving into 2026 and provided resources for organizations seeking to enhance these critical areas.
A second presentation called “Building Trust Across the Dairy Value Chain” featured FARM officials leading discussions on how the program creates value through market access support, reputation management, and consumer confidence building. The panel brought together diverse industry voices including Agri-Mark dairy producer Val Lavigne, Land O’Lakes Inc. sustainability and animal care manager Kristy Miron, and Leprino Foods global responsibility director Adam Wylie.
FARM representative Nicole Ayache contributed to another panel examining “What Global Reporting Expectations Mean for U.S. Dairy,” which analyzed recent European Union sustainability regulations and their potential impact on how international customers evaluate dairy practices.
Beyond the formal presentations, the gathering created opportunities for dialogue between agricultural producers and industry representatives about current obstacles, developing animal health patterns, and technological innovations in dairy farming.
