CalfWays producer group pilot – Alpine Valleys
Pilot aims to build pathways for beef from dairy
The Alpine Valleys producer pilot is a producer led initiative designed to build an economically sustainable and trusted beef from dairy pathway for local dairy businesses. Through the support of two dedicated consultants, the project is working closely with dairy farmers and key supply chain partners to strengthen relationships, define clear market specifications, and establish baseline pricing for calves sold both pre weaning and at weaning (100–120kg). Running from November 2025 to June 2026, the pilot aims to identify reliable end market pathways by connecting producers with feedlots, processors and suitable backgrounders, while also gathering the economic data needed to guide future decision making.
Collaboration key to project’s success
Since commencing, the project has progressed through several foundational activities. A project kick off session and producer supply chain workshop were held in late November and early December 2025, bringing the region’s stakeholders together to align expectations and identify opportunities. A site visit to Teys Jindalee in February 2026 provided valuable insights into successful beef-from-dairy collaboration models, and economic data collection is now underway to build a comprehensive understanding of the commercial realities for participating farms. With strong engagement from producers and industry partners, the project remains on track for completion by June 2026, and continues to lay the groundwork for a scalable, transparent and commercially viable beef from dairy pathway for the Alpine Valleys region.
Alpine Valleys producers visiting Jindalee feedlot. Image: Bec Barnewall
March 2026
In mid‑March, the project team undertook site visits to CalfLink and the Greenham Tongala processing plant, providing valuable insights into calf rearing systems, supply‑chain requirements, and processor expectations for beef from dairy pathways. These visits have further strengthened industry connections and are helping to inform the practical design of the emerging supply chain models, ensuring alignment across production, processing, and market requirements.
Alpine Valleys producers visiting Greenham Tongala processing plant. Image: Bec Barnewall
July 2026
The Pilot has entered its final stage, with preliminary findings presented to participating producers in late May 2026.
The project consultants are now finalising the project report, which will be presented to pilot farmers in late July. The report will provide insights into non-replacement dairy calf supply chains, economics, market requirements, calf specifications, and indicative pricing.
Project outcomes and key learnings will then be shared with the broader industry at an industry briefing on 5 August 2026 (CalfWays Alpine Valleys Pilot: Industry Briefing - Tallangatta | Dairy Australia). The session will bring together producers and supply chain partners to discuss opportunities for building more reliable, transparent, and commercially viable beef from dairy pathways in the Alpine Valleys region.
