Farm Foundation is offering a series of workshops that focus on antimicrobial use in livestock. This news release from the group says the 12 regional workshops are an opportunity for livestock producers, their feed suppliers and veterinarians to gain a comprehensive understanding of two Guidance for Industry (GFIs) issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the use of medically- important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals, as well as the FDA’s revised Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule.

Successful adaptation to the policy changes is critical to public and animal health, ensuring consumer confidence in food safety and the future viability of animal agriculture in the United States. “The success of achieving this goal–for both public health and the economic health of animal agriculture–hinges on producers having access to the information they need to adjust production practices, and the capacity of veterinarians to provide the additional oversight needed,” says Farm Foundation President Neil Conklin.

The one-day workshops will include presentations by producer leaders, the local veterinary community, and representatives from the regional feed industry, as well as comments from officials of FDA and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). A major part of the agenda is designated for producers, veterinarians and feed suppliers to identify and discuss the management challenges ahead.

Farm Foundation will convene a national summit in late fall 2015 for farmers, ranchers, feed suppliers, veterinarians, academics and government agency staff to address the issues identified in these regional workshops.