Boosting the dairy-beef sector

DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the Meat Industry Association of New Zealand, and members of the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand have partnered with the Government in a new $20.9 million Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme, a four-year initiative aimed at growing New Zealand’s dairy-beef sector and creating new revenue opportunities for farmers.

The programme is supported by the Government’s new Primary Growth Sector Fund and was launched by Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay and partners in March at the Dennley Farm in Tirau.

The programme aims 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 systems.

It focuses on three key areas:

Improving efficiency through genetics and systems – enhancing calf genetics, rearing, and finishing to increase productivity, profitability and farmer confidence in dairy-beef.

Smarter breeding and lactation strategies – increasing the proportion of calves suitable for 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 will lead the second pillar of work through its extended lactation and mating programmes projects.

DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown says the programme will unlock new opportunities for dairy-beef across the country.

“This is a real opportunity to drive meaningful change for farmers and for our sector’s future,” she says.

Learn more about the programme at dairynz.co.nz/dbo