Phoebe Traquair
Plans to ensure dairy-beef calves are “reared with purpose” is achievable but will involve challenges, says a leading vet.
The GB Calf Strategy 2025-2030 was launched last month for the sector to ensure every calf is reared with care, purpose and value – including those which are often perceived as being of less value.
The five-year strategy was put together by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Innovation for Agriculture, the NFU and Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W). It follows the similar 2020-2023 GB Dairy Calf Strategy.
One focus is to drive better breeding strategies in the industry – by considering the end purpose of the animal from day one. It also means encouraging best practice rearing management and advice.
Supporters say the strategy will help ensure every calf has access to the right route to market – whether through an integrated dairy-beef scheme, direct sale or auction mart.
Shared vision
Sarah Tomlinson, lead veterinary science expert at AHDB said: “This new five-year strategy marks the next chapter for the industry, builds on the success of the outcomes already delivered and brings us all together for a shared vision.
“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.
“However, delivering on this ambitious strategy will not be without its challenges.”
Holly Shearman, head of livestock at Innovation for Agriculture, said the goal was to embed best practice right across the sector, promoting consistent standards, professional stockmanship, and better health and welfare outcomes.
Early-life care
“We know that early-life care shapes a calf’s future, from its welfare and productivity to its resistance to disease, but care can vary hugely so our aim is to create a consistent approach that works in the real world but is rooted in science-led best practice.
“The goal is to see standard operating procedures in place on all farms, peer networks to share learning, and a clear professional pathway for calf rearers.”
RH&W chairman Gwyn Jones said: “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.
Dairy-beef calf registrations have risen by 74% since 2014. Last year, dairy-beef made up 37% of prime age cattle slaughtered. Mr Jones said this was a clear sign of the sector’s commitment to rear every calf with purpose.
Route to market
NFU livestock adviser, Phoebe Traquair said: “Having a functioning and fair route to market that supports calf – and subsequent cattle – supply chains is essential for animal welfare, sustainability and profitability.
“With increasing pressure on farmers, we want to focus on removing market barriers for calves where possible. We need to ensure bio-secure routes to market are accessible to herds affected by bovine tuberculosis.
“Data will also play an important role to help improve productivity and already great traceability across the supply chain. Finally, we need to ensure domestic and international trade is facilitated at every opportunity.”
The strategy cab be downloaded from the Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W) website at ruminanthw.org.uk.