At Buitelaar Group, we believe the future of beef production rests on practical, regenerative solutions that work for both farmers and the environment. Our Long Lane Development Farm in Somerset has become a benchmark for exceptional calf rearing, with survival rates of 98% across 8,000 calves annually—well above industry averages.

Calves are sourced from more than 60 dairy farms across five counties and reared under carefully designed, evidence-based protocols. From colostrum management training for supplying farms to rigorous arrival checks and step-by-step vaccination schedules, every detail is focused on calf health, growth, and welfare. This consistency—“doing the same thing every day”—has been key to success.

Housing and environment are equally central. At Long Lane, seven shed designs have been trialled, with the newest delivering calves that grow 187g/day faster than older designs—an extra 16kg liveweight in just 12 weeks, without additional feed. Innovations such as insulated roofs, ventilated housing, and scrupulous hygiene ensure the best possible conditions for performance and welfare.

Alongside housing, the farm runs ongoing research into calf nutrition and health. Trials have delivered measurable outcomes, from a 20% uplift in growth with specific milk formulas to reduced pneumonia losses and improved slaughter returns of £40–£50 per head. Lung scanning, too, has allowed earlier interventions, improving growth rates while reducing medicine use.

For farmers across the UK and Ireland, Buitelaar’s integrated dairy-to-beef supply chain reduces financial risk and barriers to entry. Our open-book bed-and-breakfast model allows farmers to rear calves without heavy upfront capital, while benefiting from expert support, proven genetics, and tailored management systems.

At Buitelaar, our philosophy is simple: evidence before opinion. Every building, feed, and protocol is tested and refined in practice, with results openly shared. Long Lane stands as proof that practical innovation, supported by data, delivers stronger animals, healthier systems, and more resilient farm businesses.

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