Department of Agriculture and Markets

New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program

In the New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program, the Department of Agriculture and Markets helps farmers detect, control and eradicate communicable diseases among dairy and beef cattle. We examined the actions taken by the Department to measure the effectiveness of the program and maximize farmer participation in the program. We identified a number of factors indicating that the program is beneficial, such as industry professionals from other states using the program as model for the implementation of similar programs. However, quantifiable performance measures and formal systems for monitoring program effectiveness had not been developed by the Department. We recommended that such measures and systems be developed. We also found that, while the Department had taken a number of actions in an effort to increase farmer participation in the program, it had not developed a formal and consistent approach for these efforts. We recommended that such an approach be developed.

For a complete copy of Report 2004-S-25 click here.
For a copy of the 90-day response click here.
For a copy of the associated follow-up report click here.