Dairy-Beef Integration in New Zealand: Pilot Program Insights

DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand have launched a pilot program, the Dairy Beef Profit Partnership, aimed at improving the integration of dairy and beef farming. The initiative was facilitated by Bob Thomson, a specialist in dairy-beef systems, and involved several farmers, including those at Owl Farm, who were keen on understanding the dynamics of dairy-beef relationships.

Owl Farm played a crucial role in the pilot by hosting a field day that showcased the potential of dairy-beef breeding to increase the value of non-replacement calves. Jo Sheridan, the demonstration manager at Owl Farm, highlighted their efforts to maximize calf value amidst challenges such as a stagnant national herd and halted exports.

Initially experimenting with Wagyu, Owl Farm shifted to performance beef breeds due to issues like longer gestation periods affecting their milk days. They employed strategies such as using sexed semen for high-BW cows and beef semen for low-BW cows with desirable dairy-beef traits.

Guy Melville, a beef finisher at Puketotara Station, attended the field day and expressed interest in the carcass weight results of the innovative breeding. He began a comparative trial with 10 of Owl Farm's dairy-beef calves alongside Friesians, focusing on attributes like growth and temperament.

Approximately 70% of New Zealand’s beef originates from dairy cattle, underscoring the importance of bull genetics in carcass weight. The pilot emphasized working across the supply chain, from breeding to processing, to build trust and improve clarity regarding each segment's needs.

Farmers acknowledged the value of firsthand system observations, open discussions about pricing, and the importance of building robust partnerships for successful dairy-beef integration.