Dairy Beef Opportunities Programme Launches to Unlock Calf Value

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland says the Dairy Beef Opportunities programme will give farmers more confidence and more options.

"We're proud to stand alongside our sector partners in driving this next step for dairy beef.

"This is about creating real opportunities for farmers and ensuring the beef and dairy sectors continue to grow in a way that supports long-term sector success.

"The programme also reflects the strong level of collaboration across the sector, bringing together organisations from across the value chain to help dairy and beef farmers lift productivity and profitability."

The programme is a joint initiative between DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the Meat Industry Association, and members of the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, with support from the Ministry for Primary Industries via the Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF). The Government is putting in $10m.

It is designed to unlock the value of non-replacement dairy calves - those not needed to replenish dairy herds or already entering dairy-beef systems - by developing innovative, New Zealand-focused approaches that suit the country's seasonal, pasture-based farming system.

The DBO programme focuses on three key areas:

• Improving efficiency through genetics and systems - enhancing calf breeding, rearing, and finishing to increase productivity, profitability, and farmer confidence.
• Smarter breeding and lactation strategies - increasing the proportion of calves entering the beef system while meeting dairy and beef production needs.
• Developing new pathways and value chains - creating innovative products and supply chain solutions for young dairy beef, helping processors manage livestock more efficiently and providing farmers with new revenue opportunities.

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown says her organisation is committed to unlocking new opportunities for dairy beef across the country.

"And we're proud to help lead this new programme alongside the Government and our sector partners.

"This is a real opportunity to drive meaningful change for farmers and for our sector's future."

Simon Limmer, chair of the DBO Governance Group, said the programme reflects the commitment of the dairy and beef sectors to working together to deliver practical, on-farm change that benefits farmers, processors and rural communities.

“The DBO programme will strengthen integration between dairy and beef systems, enhance supply chain efficiency, and open new revenue streams for farmers, helping the pastoral sector continue to drive New Zealand’s economic and primary sector success.

“It will support New Zealand’s reputation for producing premium, sustainable, and ethically raised food, while creating tangible economic benefits for those working in the pastoral sector.”