Research

Beefing up global dairy with dairy-beef

6 October 2025 9:45 RaboResearch

Dairy-beef systems and strategic breeding are helping dairy producers worldwide turn surplus calves into valuable beef, meeting market needs and improving animal welfare.

Beef

    Dairy-beef refers to non-replacement dairy calves, often sired by beef semen, that are reared specifically for beef production, creating a more valuable and integrated pathway for surplus calves. Dairy-beef is gaining global traction as beef prices rise and ethical scrutiny intensifies over the treatment of surplus dairy calves. Strategic breeding is essential, requiring the use of high-genetic-merit beef bulls or semen to produce non-replacement calves that can transform existing supply chains and lift calf value. Market signals are a key driver of momentum, but their strength varies by region. The US leads with fast feedback loops and Ireland with policy support, while New Zealand and Australia face slower signals due to less domestic demand and export market complexity. Unlocking the full potential of dairy-beef requires coordinated investment across breeding, rearing, processing, and traceability systems. Farm system compatibility matters. Not all farm systems can transition easily, and tailored strategies are needed for seasonal, pasture-based models. The opportunity is clear, but execution is the likely challenge. Developing dairy-beef regions, like Australia and New Zealand, should align breeding strategies with market demand, invest in infrastructure, and build integrated supply chains to realize the full value of dairy-beef.

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