COVID-19 IN THE US DAIRY INDUSTRY: DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERY AND EVALUATION OF TRAINING RESOURCES FOR PRODUCERS AND WORKERS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Since the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, dairy farms across the country have been confronted with unprecedented challenges, including a reduction in dairy demand and economic hardships. Additionally, dairy producers are confronted with the additional challenges of reducing the risk of COVID-19 among farm workers which can have a significant impact on operations and productivity. Our project goal is to inform dairy owners, managers and workers with the latest scientifically-sound COVID-19 information so they can make informed decisions to (1) enhance production practices that maximize worker health and performance, (2) adopt safe work practices among workers, (3) reduce the risk of COVID-19 on the farm, and (4) encourage planning for a potential COVID-19 resurgence. Our project objectives include the development, delivery and evaluation of training resources for dairy owners, managers and workers which will reduce infection and transmission of COVID-19 on dairy farms. We expect farm owners, managers and workers will be equipped with the information needed to make informed decisions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The anticipated impact of this project will be a reduced transmission of COVID-19 on dairy farms, resulting in a healthier dairy workforce.