DCHA updates its ‘Gold Standards’

During the 2026 Dairy Calf & Heifer Association (DCHA) Conference and Trade Show, DCHA revealed its revised Gold Standards ­– the industry benchmarks and best management practices for raising dairy calves and heifers, and beef x dairy animals. These standards guide dairy calf, beef x dairy, and heifer raisers in growing the healthiest and

most efficient and profitable dairy/beef x dairy animals possible. The overarching goal of DCHA’s Gold Standards is to improve the health and welfare of youngstock, allowing them to achieve their genetic potential, while helping producers improve the profitability and sustainability of their businesses.

“The Gold Standards have been developed using published data and input from DCHA leaders and advisers,” stated DCHA President Kendall Wassenaar, Orange City, Iowa. “While individual herd goals, current level of attainment and geography may vary, the Gold Standards are meant to provide a framework for successful dairy replacement and beef x dairy raising. Dairy calf, beef x dairy and heifer raisers should use this information to identify areas for improvement, conduct training and implement plans that support the performance targets they want to attain.”

An easy-to-read document, which includes charts and graphs, the DCHA Gold Standards book integrates all pre-lactation ages into one document. It features performance and production standards – with animal welfare and

best management strategies as the top priorities. Performance standards are the objective measures used to evaluate performance. Production standards are the recommended practices that enable achievement of performance goals. Industry-based research supports these standards.

“The DCHA Gold Standards strive to reflect positively on the dairy/beef x dairy industry and present a positive image to consumers,” Wassenaar added. Thus, the Gold Standards address newborn care, colostrum management, nutrition, health status, biosecurity, housing and environment, growth rate, reproduction and euthanasia.

DCHA members have access to the Gold Standards. If you’re not a DCHA member, go to: https://calfandheifer.org/member/membership-benefits to discover membership benefits and to join.

Individuals involved in creating the fifth edition of DCHA’s Gold Standards represent a wide range of professions, including calf ranchers, dairy producers, veterinarians, academia and nutritionists. Gold Standards Committee

Members – Jason Anderson, Progressive Dairy Solutions, Inc., Dr. Leonardo Bringhenti, AHV International, Dr. Joseph Dalton, University of Idaho, Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn, Vita Plus Corporation, David Mathes, DBC Ag Products, Dr. Neil Michael, Progressive Dairy Solutions, Inc., Dr. Michael Overton, Zoetis, Rebekah Mathews, Ag Partners, Dr. Kimberley Morrill, Strauss Feeds, Minnie Ward, Feedworks, and Brian Wesemann, Furst Animal Health & McNess Nutrition – shared their expertise and experiences to develop the fifth edition.

The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association (www.calfandheifer.org) was founded in 1996 based on the mission to help dairy producers, calf managers and those professionally focused on the growth and management of dairy calves and heifers. With a national membership of producers, allied industries and research leaders, DCHA seeks to provide the industry’s standards for profitability, performance and leadership, serving as a catalyst to help members improve the vitality and viability of their individual efforts and that of their business.