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.
Get involved with CalfWays
If you’re passionate about creating a sustainable future for every dairy calf, there are three ways you can make an impact:
Endorse CalfWays
Show your commitment to animal welfare and sustainability by formally endorsing the roadmap.
Become an initiative sponsor
Support the delivery of CalfWays through in-kind or financial funding and resources that drive industry‑wide change.
Sponsor a specific project
Invest in targeted projects that align with your business goals and help accelerate innovation in calf management.
Find out more
Contact us:
Dr. Bec Barnewall,
CalfWays Co‑Innovation Lead
calfways@dairyaustralia.com.au
The CalfWays Roadmap is a ten-year strategy to transform the management of dairy calves in Australia by 2035.
The Roadmap aims to enable industry collaboration to ensure a viable option for every calf.
CalfWays project updates
Case studies
FAQs
How does my producer group get involved with CalfWays?
Producer groups can get involved by staying up to date through subscribing the quarterly CalfWays newsletter or by reaching out to the CalfWays team directly.
We work with groups to understand regional priorities, readiness and opportunities, and to identify where CalfWays can support or align with existing activity.
How do I get involved in existing CalfWays projects?
Opportunities to participate in current CalfWays projects are shared as projects are scoped and delivered.
This may include pilot participation, case studies, trials, or advisory input from across the supply chain, including dairy and beef producers, commercial companies, feedlots and abattoirs.
Projects are often delivered through shared investment models, with contributions from industry, commercial partners and Research and Development Corporations (RDCs).
To stay informed, we encourage you to subscribe to the quarterly newsletter or reach out to the CalfWays team directly.
Can I propose a new project under CalfWays?
Yes. CalfWays is designed to be industry‑led, and we welcome new project ideas from producers, supply‑chain partners, researchers and service providers.
Proposed projects should align with the CalfWays Action Plan and Roadmap and may involve co‑funding or in‑kind support from supply‑chain partners, depending on the nature and scale of the activity.
A simple project proposal template is available to help shape ideas for consideration.
Other resources
Subscribe
Get involved and keep up-to-date.
Sign up with Dairy Australia to receive quarterly email updates on the CalfWays project
Subscribe with Dairy Australia now
Endorsing organisations
