Inaction on Unwanted Calves Poses Greater Risk Than Taking Proactive Steps.
Damien Tessmann, an agribusiness manager, argues that despite their resilience, Queensland dairy farmers have not yet solved one of their most persistent challenges: the surplus calf issue. This problem, which includes bobby calves and lower-value heifers, casts a long shadow over the industry. Drawing on a quote from Theodore Roosevelt, Tessmann makes a powerful case that passivity is just as harmful as doing wrong, and warns that if the industry fails to take the lead, regulatory intervention from the government is a real possibility.
The article highlights that while progress is being made through modern genetics and technology, these alone cannot solve the problem. Advances such as genomics and the use of sexed semen have allowed for more targeted breeding, and research into heat-tolerant genetics like slick Holsteins offers future opportunities. However, with current culling rates between 20-25%, the author argues that breeding alone is not a sustainable solution and would only add enormous cost and complexity for producers.
To truly address the problem, the article emphasizes the growing importance of collaboration within the agribusiness sector. It points to the partnership between MLA and Dairy Australia with the CalfWays program as a positive step toward building reliable and consistent markets for surplus calves. This collaborative effort demonstrates a collective will to find a solution that benefits the entire supply chain, rather than placing the burden solely on individual farmers.
A key economic solution presented is the strategic use of beef-on-dairy crosses. In a beef-dominated state like Queensland, this approach makes more sense than ever. The article cites innovative farmers exploring Holstein x Wagyu crosses, which create high-value animals that fit feedlot systems. This strategy not only provides a valuable new revenue stream but also taps into premium export demand and offers access to emerging carbon credit opportunities, providing much-needed market stability.
In his conclusion, Tessmann delivers a final call to action, urging farmers to move past “unachievable expectations, inflexibility or paralysis.” He stresses that while not every farm will follow the same path, being passive or divided is not an option if the industry wants to safeguard its future. This proactive message underscores the need for a unified and innovative approach to securing a sustainable future for Queensland’s dairy economics.
Source: Farm Online: Why doing nothing about surplus calves can be as harmful as doing wrong
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