Dairy beef refers to meat produced from cattle born on dairy farms, either from calves not required for milking or from cows that have finished milking.

Dairy beef, also called ‘beef from dairy’ refers to cattle for producing meat that were born on dairy farms from dairy cow dams, rather than traditional beef breeds. There are two main types of dairy beef: calves not required as milking cows that are raised for meat production from birth, and cows that have finished milking. This approach supports a more sustainable and efficient use of the dairy herd by ensuring that all animals have a productive role in the food system.

Dairy breed animals, such as Jerseys or Holsteins, are very good at producing milk but do not perform as well as beef breeds, such as Angus or Hereford, for meat production. Many farms will use beef breed bulls to sire some of the calves born to produce cattle that are better at meat production. 

These dairy beef products are subject to the same food safety checks and traceability as all other Australian beef products and are therefore safe for consumption.