Surplus Calves Taskforce

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) established the Australian Dairy Industry Surplus Calves Policy Task Force to explore the surplus calves issues, consult with industry, and develop and recommend a policy to the ADF Board. Establishing a policy on surplus calves is a priority in the ADF Strategic Plan.

This work follows the ADF Dairy Beef Forum in July 2021. This forum explored current information, research and business opportunities for surplus calves in Australia – the recordings are available here.

The taskforce completed its recommendations in September 2022. Following a review of these recommendations by ADF National Council, ADF’s draft policy on surplus dairy calves is:

• By 2035 all dairy calves are able to enter a valued market chain.
• The Australian dairy industry and supply chain promotes responsible breeding and rearing strategies that has successful dairy and meat production and markets.
• There will be no on-farm routine euthanasia of viable calves unless there is no other option.
• The Australian dairy industry immediately prepares an industry strategy that brings together all members of the supply chain to deliver on the above objectives e.g., GB Calf Strategy 2020-2023. This should be underpinned by a range of aggressively funded service levy and commercial co-investment extension/demonstration projects.
• ADF and Dairy Australia to lead development of the strategy

This draft policy will be considered by the ADF Board for endorsement.

Australian Dairy Farmers is working towards a future where all dairy calves can enter a valued market chain, and where responsible breeding and handling strategies are widespread.