Development Of CalfWays

Managing dairy calves not needed for herd maintenance presents both a substantial challenge and a promising opportunity for the Australian dairy industry. Traditionally, these calves, being either the male or non-replacement females, have been a byproduct of dairy operations. The limited options for such calves often involve early-life slaughter or on-farm euthanasia. However, the industry is shifting its focus toward more sustainable and socially acceptable solutions, aiming to transform this surplus into valuable opportunities for the beef and dairy industries. Recognising the need for a coordinated strategy, the Australian dairy industry has developed the Sustainable Dairy Calf Management Roadmap (CalfWays) which aims to ensure that by 2035, all dairy calves not required for herd maintenance can enter valued market chains, eliminating the need for routine on-farm euthanasia.