CalfWays Alpine Valleys Pilot: Insights & Next Steps

The CalfWays Alpine Valleys Pilot is a producer-led initiative addressing a key challenge for the dairy and red meat industries: how to create a more reliable, transparent, and profitable pathway for non-replacement dairy calves.

Dairy farmers often struggle to secure markets that reflect the true cost of raising calves, while feedlots and processors remain cautious about beef from dairy due to past performance concerns. As interest in the sector grows, stronger alignment, trust, and transparency across the supply chain are essential; an outcome the national CalfWays initiative is helping drive.

Running from November 2025 to June 2026, this pilot has brought together local dairy farmers in the North East of Victoria and supply chain partners, supported by dedicated consultants, to test new ways of working. The project has focused on:

• Strengthening relationships across the supply chain
• Defining clearer specifications for calves at different sale points
• Establishing indicative pricing for pre-weaned and weaned calves
• Identifying practical and reliable market pathways

This workshop marks the conclusion of Phase 1 of the pilot and is an opportunity for anyone interested in the future of beef from dairy systems in the region to get involved.

Attendees will gain insights into non-replacement dairy calf supply chains, economics, and emerging market requirements.

Whether you are a dairy farmer, backgrounder, feedlot operator, processor, or industry stakeholder, this session offers valuable insights to support better decision-making, reduce risk, and contribute to building a more coordinated and commercially viable beef from dairy pathway in the Alpine Valleys region and beyond.