Beef-on-dairy

One of the opportunities within the Pāmu integrated farming systems approach is
finding ways to create greater value from existing farming resources.

Traditionally, many surplus dairy calves left the production system at an early age. Pāmu recognised an opportunity to increase the proportion of calves reared and integrate dairy and livestock operations more closely, creating additional value while improving utilisation of land, feed, labour, and farming capability.

Today, this work has evolved into a strategic focus on beef-on-dairy systems, combining genetics, calf rearing, and farm system integration to improve productivity and value creation across the farming portfolio.

The beef-on-dairy programme brings together Pāmu dairy and livestock businesses to create a more connected and efficient production system, turning more dairy-born calves into high performing beef animals and capturing value across the production cycle.

Key initiatives have included:
• Increasing the proportion of calves reared from dairy operations
• Integrating calf rearing with livestock finishing systems
• Improving feed planning and utilisation across farming systems
• Using performance data to monitor animal growth and production outcomes
• Aligning genetics, breeding, and animal health decisions to support long-term performance

The programme has contributed to growth in livestock production and improved utilisation of animals already being produced within the dairy system. In FY26, the proportion of calves reared increased from 65.5% to 72.2%, creating additional livestock production opportunities while supporting stronger long-term production outcomes.

Beef-on-dairy demonstrates how integrated farming systems can improve both productivity and resilience.

By connecting breeding decisions, genetics, dairy production, and livestock finishing systems, Pāmu can create additional value from existing resources while supporting more efficient and sustainable production systems.

The programme also highlights the importance of collaboration in accelerating innovation. Through its partnership with LIC, Pāmu is helping develop knowledge and genetic capability that has the potential to improve performance well beyond its own farm boundaries.