Uncertainties in the understanding of Johne's disease make the pursuit of disease control confusing for producers and veterinarians. Generic control recommendations have limited adoption or success because they fail to account for the unique circumstances of individual farms. A systematic and pragmatic approach for developing farm control plans is presented. It targets the development of plans that are adapted to individual farm circumstances, thus more likely to be implemented and effective. While Johne's disease is well recognized to be an insidious disease of economic significance in domestic and wild ruminants, several issues complicate its control on farms. The subclinical chronic nature of the infection makes recognizing the disease difficult and herd level control a lengthy process. Understanding of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of infection is inadequate to definitively predict the cost of the disease, the importance of specific risk factors as control points, and the economic benefit of intervention strategies. Marketing of known infected or exposed animals has regulatory, ethical and economic implications. Availability and commitment of each farm's resources:management, labor, finances, and facilities complicate control proscriptions. As a consequence of these matters, control strategies are not simple or clear; strict control guidelines become difficult to apply, and no single control formula applies in every case. In response to this dilemma, a systematic and pragmatic approach to the control process and how control measures can be uniquely adapted for individual farm circumstances is outlined. An eight point strategy for: 1. collecting information, 2. educating the individuals involved, and 3. designing and implementing a control program customized to the unique farm situation serves as a guide for investigation/discussion on the farm. The eight points include: 1. compiling background information on the farm operation, 2. compiling probable Johne's history and prevalence, 3. identifying risks specific to the farm operation, 4. examining control options for identified risks, 5. considering herd testing strategies, 6. defining control objectives and time frames, 7. defining the intensity of control effort to be pursued, and 8. planning, implementing, and evaluating the control program. The process facilitates a well thought out comprehensive plan that will bear a return on the commitment.