Where did your calves go? Do you know?

Last season, from June 1st 2023, Fonterra introduced a new clause within the Terms of Supply.  This clause required that calves can only be euthanised on-farm when there are humane reasons for doing so…

Since the clause came into effect, Fonterra farmers have had to ensure that all non-replacement calves enter a “value stream”, being either beef, calf-veal (bobby) or petfood.  This has been being, and will continue to be, audited so the maintenance of accurate records to show the destination of all calves born on farm must be kept.  If not done so already, as part of your planning prior to next calving season, make sure there is a procedure in place for this.

As a reminder, you can do this through any of the following options:

• MINDA records (don’t forget to record the still born calves when a cow calves)

• NAIT tracking

• Processing dockets or receipts

• On-farm mortality records, vet reports etc

It is our understanding that the fate of this season’s (23-24) calves will be audited next season (24-25) so you will need either electronic records or a safe (clean and dry at very least!) place to store any paper records.  As far as we can tell this won’t require any major changes for you other than being able to show some proof of calves going to processors (dockets), recording the fate of calves that are stillborn, or are euthanised for humane reasons, and of course the correct NAIT transfers for calves sold to rearers.

As with so many on-farm tasks, planning and preparation are key so, if not in place already, don’t leave it until the last minute to put a procedure in place for this on your farm!