As a farmer raising livestock you are well aware of the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) regulations that restricted the use of antibiotics in feed for animals. Starting January 1st, 2017 these changes were implemented and affected livestock farmers of all sizes.
It has now been over a year since the VFD regulations have been adopted and different land-grant universities have partnered to take a look at the effect these rules have had on livestock production. To do this they are asking that all livestock producers take the time to respond to a nationwide survey to help determine if VFD rules have impacted animal health, use of antibiotics in animal feed or had an economic impact on farms.
Michigan State University and other land-grant universities compiled an electronic survey that poses questions regarding the fiscal and management impacts of VFD regulations. Questions regarding herd and flock health, changes to production practices, health/veterinary costs, total antibiotic use on the farm and the need for further education or programming on any topic regarding the VFD regulation are included in the survey.
Farmers over the age of 18 who raise food production animals are being asked to respond to this nationwide survey regarding the implementation of VFD regulation. This online survey is completely anonymous and can be accessed online. Please take a moment to respond to this survey, it should take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete.
The information compiled from the survey responses will help us better understand the effect of VFD regulations for livestock producers and assist with targeting educational and programming needs of farmers.
Thank you in advance for your help with this project.