FAQs - Gamechanger Farming

Dairy Farmers

What do I do if I am interested in supplying calves into the programme?

Simply fill out the form on the home page of this website and one of the team will be in touch with you shortly.

Is this only for dairy producers that supply milk into Sainsbury’s?

No, this opportunity isn’t limited to only Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group producers.

What are the asks of a Dairy Farmer?

There are only a few; Red Tractor Farm Assured, predominantly Holstein Friesian bred and preferably milk recording. Willing to use Dedicated Aberdeen Angus sires available through this programme, and preferably all year-round calving to help ensure a steady supply of calves into dedicated rearing units, but seasonal calving herds can also take part.

What are Dedicated Aberdeen Angus sires?

These are proven Aberdeen Angus sires exclusively available to dairy producers supplying into the Gamechanger Farming supply chain. Cogent and Genus ABS are our genetic partner for the programme, and in collaboration with ABP, have developed a tool that can take into consideration an animals whole life performance to identify the very best Angus sires for meeting all stakeholder needs in the supply chains.

How are calves priced, and how and when do dairy producers get paid?

The Gamechanger clean calf price is a fixed forward price at the time of insemination, which is updated and communicated monthly. All suppliers will be guaranteed a minimum base price on clean calves alongside a ‘premium grid’ applied on top of the base price, reflective of calf weight.

The premium grid will come into effect from the 1st May 2023, for all calves collected / entering into the programme.

Is there a specification my calves would have to meet?

Yes. The specification is important for creating groups of animals that are consistent for size and age, so they can be managed appropriately. It’s a weight for age specification, with a minimum weight and age of 45kg at 10 days of age, 51kg at 30 days of age, 55kg at 35 days of age 60kg+ by a maximum of 40 days of age. When presented, all calves should have the sire’s ear tag recorded on their passport and in their milk records, have two matching ear tags, and be free from infection or disease.

How will calves be checked to see if they meet specification?

All calves will be weighed at the point of collection. This is to ensure a fully documented trail of where calves do or don’t meet the specification. Please see the calf entry form here.

Can I visit a rearing or finishing unit?

Yes, we would welcome you to visit one of our existing rearers or finishers.

Rearing

Do I buy the calves?

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Am I given on-farm support?

How many animals would I receive in a batch?

How long do the calves stay at the rearing unit?

Do I need to record any data?

Is there finance available on milk machines?

When do I receive payment for the calves I rear?

Can I visit a rearing unit?

Growing & Finishing

What is the process for ordering calves?

What weight are the calves when they arrive?

What is the health/vaccination status of the calves?

Do you provide any farm software packages?

Do I have to weigh the cattle?

How often are the payment schedules reviewed?

What is the percentage rate of interest?

What happens if the animal goes over 24 months?

Are there any limitations on the cattle feed?

Can I visit another finisher on the scheme?

Are there farmer groups that I can be involved in?

Will I get on-farm support?

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