Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Enrollment

Program Areas

  • Dairy Management
  • Farm Business Management
  • Field Crops
  • Livestock & Small Farms

Enrollment Benefits

  • Telephone / Email Consultations
  • Ag Focus Newsletter
  • Direct Mailings
  • Educational Meetings & Conferences
  • In-Field Educational Opportunities
  • On-Farm Research Trials

Enrollee Login

Password:

Log In To Access:

  • Issues of Ag Focus Newsletters
  • Helpful Diagnostic Tool:
      What's wrong with my crop?

Not an Enrollee? Enroll Now!

Online Enrollment Form

Preventing an Undercover Video Crisis at Your Farm, Part 2

Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

March 23, 2016
Preventing an Undercover Video Crisis at Your Farm, Part 2

A farm can take a few steps to prevent the risk of an undercover video being published about them. By "doing the right thing," a lot can be accomplished toward prevention. At the recent Animal Care Dairy Industry Crisis Drill here in New York, Beth Meyer from American Dairy Association and Dairy Council shared their "Anticipate. Prepare. Protect." Workbook. The booklet details how to do the right thing:
  • Set high animal care standards for yourself and your employees.
  • Ensure your farm exceeds expectations for animal care, cleanliness, and environmental responsibility.
  • Set codes of conduct for animal handling and care and train every worker to follow them.
  • Adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding animal mistreatment or abuse.
  • Be vigilant and be on the lookout for any signs of animal abuse.
  • Require employees to report any signs of abuse immediately.
  • Become familiar with undercover video laws in your state.
When it comes to public relations, the adage "the best defense is a good offense" describes the approach farms should consider. What is your farm's public relations plan? If your community and particularly local media are familiar with the positive things you do taking care of livestock, the land, and employees, it is going to be much more difficult for people to believe a "malicious" attack on your farm practices. As part of your proactive approach, think about who you might invite to help defend your farm if activists target you. These partners will be able to respond more quickly in a crisis if they are already on board and prepared to address a crisis situation.

Employees who handle animals are an important part of your business. Before hiring, thoroughly screen candidates. Agriculture Attorney David Cook states "It is legal to ask a potential employee if he/she is a member of or if they support an animal rights organization. Ask during the interview or on the employment application." You might also ask prospective employees if they are living in transient housing, how long they have been in the area, and what their experience is working in agriculture. Be sure to contact references and do background checks.

Once hired, require employees to sign a non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement. "The agreement should include a clause for liquidated damages for taking or distributing photographs or video," according to Cook. Use a probationary period of one to three months and watch them closely. Include animal care practices and proper care for all animals in your employee agreement and have each employee sign it.

Training is another key. Pair new hires with trusted experienced employees to learn the best practices for animal care employed by your farm. The National FARM Program offers a number of training videos on their website. Use these short videos to kick start a discussion of proper animal handling practices in different situations at your employee meetings. Reviewing proper care on a regular basis and employee safety in different aspects of the business are part of a solid employee training program that can prevent animal abuse and protect employees and your business.

"Anticipate. Prepare. Protect" is part of the "Telling Your Story" training program. Copies are available from by contacting Beth Meyer at ADA/DC: BMeyer@adadc.com. You will find more information about these tips and worksheets to help you prevent an undercover attack on your farm's animal care practices.



Dairy

Dairy

Livestock

Livestock

Grazing

Grazing

Forages

Forages

Grains

Grains

Upcoming Events

Fertilizer Training Program

April 5, 2024 : Fertilizer Training Program
Canandaigua, NY

PRE-REGISTRATION IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED

View Fertilizer Training Program Details

Livestock Grazing for Beginners

April 11, 2024
Lockport, NY

$10 registration 

Hosted by CCE Niagara

Register Here

View Livestock Grazing for Beginners Details

Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 8 Release

April 25, 2024

Cornell Cow Convos-Episode 8

View Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 8 Release Details

Announcements

Follow us on Instagram

See photos and reels of our most recent events and programs!
Instagram


Join us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook to get up to date posts about events, workshops and everything NWNY!
Facebook


Add us on LinkedIn!

Connect with us on LinkedIn to get more information about upcoming workshops and programs!
LinkedIn


Watch us on YouTube

Watch instructional videos from specialists in the field!
YouTube


Subscribe for Emails about Events & Workshops!

Subscribe

* indicates required


NEWSLETTER   |   CURRENT PROJECTS   |   IMPACT IN NY   |   SPONSORSHIP  |  RESOURCES   |   SITE MAP