Appendix from: Understanding challenges and strengths in the post-dairy farm surplus calf value chain: An interview study

Surplus calves are animals produced by the dairy industry but not retained
on the farm as herd replacements, namely, male calves and excess females.
These animals primarily enter dairy-beef or veal production systems. In
recent years, surplus calf production has come under scrutiny due to
welfare concerns, such as health outcomes and housing. To design and
implement effective interventions, it is critical to understand the
perspectives of industry stakeholders (i.e., calf marketers and calf
raisers). However, little research has been conducted in the post-dairy
farm surplus calf value chain in the United States. Therefore, the
objective of this study was to understand surplus calf marketer and calf
raiser perspectives of the strengths and challenges within the surplus
calf system in the United States. Twenty-two telephone interviews were
conducted from June 2023 to January 2024. Participants included 7 dairy
beef raisers, 6 veal industry stakeholders, 5 livestock market
representatives, and 4 calf dealers. Individuals were located throughout
the Northeast and Midwest US. The interview was designed to take
approximately 20 minutes to complete. Mean (range) interview duration was
31 minutes (11 to 69). Interviews were recorded, anonymized, and
transcribed. Transcripts were then analyzed using inductive thematic
analysis. Most participants expressed satisfaction with their day-to-day
management strategies (e.g., health and nutrition programs, proficient
personnel).  When questioned about challenges or opportunities for
improvement, participants discussed labor issues, lack of industry
expertise in advisors, and concerns regarding long-distance transport as a
stressor for calves. Disaggregation and lack of communication between
stakeholders was perceived to cause difficulties during surplus calf
transport. Improving communication between stakeholders may improve
transport conditions and subsequently address other challenges expressed
by participants, such as calf health on arrival at calf
raisers. Future work to streamline calf marketing, as well as
bolstering resources available to calf growers may be beneficial to the
industry. Additional qualitative work to ensure a broad representation of
stakeholder perspectives, particularly from other regions, may yield
additional research avenues.