GB Calf Strategy 2025-2030: A Vision for the Future of the Dairy Industry
Sourse: dairynews.today
The newly launched GB Calf Strategy aims to revolutionize dairy farming, focusing on rearing every calf with care, purpose, and a clear role in the supply chain.
Today, at UK Dairy Day, the GB Calf Strategy 2025-2030 was launched, representing a significant milestone in dairy farming. Following the successful 2020-2023 strategy, which drastically reduced dairy calf euthanasia, the new plan continues to enhance the care and purpose of every dairy calf. The strategy, developed collaboratively by AHDB, Innovation for Agriculture, the NFU, and RH&W, included inputs from 45 industry stakeholders, including farmers, vets, and retailers. Since 2014, dairy bull calf birth registrations plummeted by 69%, whereas dairy-beef calf registrations surged by 74%. This shift means over half of the beef cattle slaughtered in GB now originate from the dairy herd. The strategy divides into three pillars: Right Calf—focusing on breeding decisions, Right Start—emphasizing calf care up to 12 weeks, and Right Route—ensuring a fair calf supply chain. Each pillar has a working group accountable for set Key Performance Indicators. NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins highlighted the importance of sustained support and knowledge for dairy farmers to keep their businesses sustainable and profitable. The strategy also aligns with the Ruminant Health and Welfare Group, striving for collaborative industry-government efforts across the UK.
