Secure Milk Supply Plans: Creating Plans Through a Student-Led, Processor-Organized Model

January 26, 2026

Secure Milk Supply (SMS) plans for enhanced biosecurity provide a business continuity strategy for dairy producers in the event of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. During the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024, Washington State University veterinary and undergraduate students created SMS plans for 101 premises representing 70 dairies within Washington. This project’s success was dependent upon the collaborative efforts of Northwest Dairy Association field managers who proved to be the bridge between the students and producers. Producers reflected that they appreciated having students as an intermediary between them and state officials, preferring to support education rather than regulation.