Giving Calves the Right Start: Inside the GB Calf Strategy
The GB Calf Strategy 2025–2030 sets out a clear vision for the future of calf rearing in Great Britain. It aims to ensure every calf has the right genetics, the right start, and the right route to a productive and high-welfare future. The strategy is built around three pillars: Right Calf, Right Start and Right Route. Each pillar includes practical goals and actions that support long-term improvement across the beef and dairy sectors.
One of these pillars, Right Start, focuses on the period from birth to 12 weeks of age. This stage is essential, as early-life care shapes long-term health, welfare, and productivity. Good practice during these first weeks reduces disease risk and supports stronger, more resilient animals. As a result, farmers can expect better performance throughout the animal’s life.
What the ‘Right Start’ Aims to Deliver
The strategy outlines several key ambitions. First, it aims to create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that can be used consistently across farms. These SOPs will help build confidence, improve efficiency and support everyday decision-making. In addition, the strategy encourages peer networks so that calf rearers can learn from one another. This approach helps share practical knowledge and highlights methods that work in real-world settings. Finally, the pillar promotes a clear professional pathway for calf rearers. This pathway will support skills development and help new entrants gain experience more quickly.
Together, these aims create a consistent approach to calf rearing. They also help ensure that best practice is accessible and achievable for farmers, vets and advisers.
NoBACZ Healthcare’s Role in the Strategy
NoBACZ Healthcare is a signatory to the GB Calf Strategy and an active member of the Right Start working group. Our role focuses on supporting evidence-based early-life care. We do this by sharing technical expertise, offering practical insight, and contributing to discussions on best practice.
All NoBACZ Healthcare products undergo extensive field studies before launch. This process ensures that our solutions deliver proven outcomes and meet the needs of farmers and vets. Moreover, our experience with innovation and product development means we can support the working group as it promotes best practice across the industry.
As a result, NoBACZ Healthcare is well positioned to help shape effective guidance and practical tools for calf rearers.
A Collaborative Approach to Better Calf Outcomes
The GB Calf Strategy represents a significant shift for the UK beef and dairy industries: a coordinated, long-term effort to improve welfare, raise performance and ensure sustainability across the sector. Through the Right Start working group, NoBACZ Healthcare will continue working closely with farmers, vets, researchers and industry partners to help ensure every calf receives the best possible start.
High-welfare calves grow into healthier, more productive cattle. A consistent, structured approach to early-life care is how we get there.
