New Zealand’s dairy and beef industries are coming together to work more closely through the Dairy Beef Opportunities programme to address a key area — the management of non-replacement calves that are not required to replenish the dairy herd.

Wearable technologies (such as cow collars) are becoming a popular tool for assisting with reproductive management. In 2025, around 1 in 5 dairy farms are using wearables , mostly to help with heat detection, a factor in getting cows in calf.

Providing the right amount of the best colostrum early in life is the right thing to do for your calves. Gold colostrum provides energy and health benefits for all calves and is part of world-leading animal care.

To ensure optimal growth, health, and well-being of calves, feeding strategies should be considered carefully. Research indicates that feeding a higher daily allowance, split into multiple feeds, is better for calves.

Read how, Ben and Allie Kink revisit their mating programmes and farm setup to look at how they can improve calf-rearing practices.

Read how, Pāmu revisits their mating programmes to look at how they can improve calf-rearing practices.

Read how, Owl Farm revisits their mating programmes and farm setup to look at how they can improve calf-rearing practices.