Irish creameries are taking a stringent stance against farmers slaughtering healthy calves, emphasizing potential repercussions such as the non-collection of milk and the jeopardization of certification under the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS). New regulations, incorporated into SDAS, prohibit the slaughter of healthy calves under eight weeks of age. Farms suspected of breaching these rules will be flagged for audits by Bord Bia, and if found in violation, farmers will be required to implement a calf breeding and management plan. Subsequent audits may lead to the suspension of SDAS certification.
Dairy processors, including Tirlán, Dairygold, Aurivo, Lakeland Dairies, and Kerry Group, have issued stern warnings to farmers regarding the importance of compliance with SDAS regulations and the potential consequences for non-compliance, highlighting that failure to meet required standards will result in the non-collection of milk. Close to 31,000 healthy newborn calves were slaughtered in 2023, representing around 1.3% of all calves born and 2% of dairy calves.