Dairy Care Academy

Dairy Care Academy is a free MMPA animal care training program for farm owners and employees. Designed to help farms meet Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program training requirements, it also educates employees and improves performance. Traditionally, the day-long training takes place across the state and includes three sessions: proper milking practices, stockmanship and calf care. In addition, the program teaches animal care training best practices, provides hands-on learning and improves employee performance on the farm.

Why attend Dairy Care Academy?

Successful dairy operations rely on quality employee training because training keeps all animal caretakers on task and performing best practices. Therefore, Dairy Care Academy teaches farm employees how to provide excellent care to animals. Farms that benefit the most from training are those that commit to incorporating best procedures taught to employees on their farm. Setting expectations and evaluating adherence to procedures long-term are surefire ways to build a successful farm team.

On-Demand, Online Animal Care Training

In addition to in person training, MMPA members have access to an on-demand, FARM program compliant online training platform. The resource covers the traditional Dairy Care Academy topics of Milking Practices, Calf Management and Dairy Stockmanship along with the latest FARM program required training areas of Euthanasia, Non-Ambulatory Animal Management and Fitness to Transport.

This training resource is available year round for unlimited use. To access the online platform, visit the member portal and select the Dairy Care Academy link on the homepage or ask your member representative for details.

We understand that virtual training does not work for all farms. Going forward, on-farm trainings are still available. Contact your member representative if you are interested in classroom-style or other training opportunities.