Dairy industry welcomes launch of new GB calf strategy

A new strategy that challenges the dairy-beef sector to ensure every calf is reared with care, purpose and value has received a positive response from the dairy industry.

The GB Calf Strategy 2025-2030, which launched on Wednesday (10 September), has been put together collaboratively by AHDB, Innovation for Agriculture, the NFU and Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W).

The strategy outlines three focus areas:

• The Right Calf – designed to drive better breeding strategies that consider the end purpose of the animal from day one 
• The Right Start – encouraging evidence-based best practice in rearing management
• The Right Route – to ensure every calf has access to the right market, whether through an integrated dairy-beef scheme, direct sale or an auction mart

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It follows the progress made from the 2020-2023 GB Dairy Calf Strategy, with industry input from 45 farmers, vets, processors, retailers and industry bodies.

“There has been significant change since we initially developed a calf strategy back in 2020, but we all continue to have a role to play, so this new five-year strategy is launching at a key time for the industry,” said Gwyn Jones, RH&W chairman.

Sector commitment

Since 2014, dairy beef calf registrations have risen by 74%, and in 2024, dairy beef made up 37% of prime-age cattle slaughtered which, Mr Jones said, is a clear sign of the sector’s commitment to rear every calf with purpose as part of an integrated supply chain.

Sarah Tomlinson, lead veterinary science expert at AHDB, said: “To reach its potential, we all believe that every calf born in Great Britain should have the right genetics, the right start, and the right route, as this will be critical in enabling thriving, sustainable and high-welfare beef and dairy industries.”

Support must continue

NFU dairy board chairman Paul Tompkins added that while significant progress has been made over the past few years, dairy farmers must continue to have the right support.

“It is important dairy farmers continue to have the support and knowledge they need to enable their farm businesses to be sustainable, productive and profitable,” he said.

“A close working relationship with the beef sector is vital to achieving this as is continued collaboration between industry, government and stakeholders to deliver meaningful changes to TB policy that increases access for TB-restricted calves into biosecure routes to market.”